E.B. Anderson Lungwort

E.B. Anderson Lungwort (Pulmonaria longifolia 'E.B. Anderson')

E.B. Anderson Lungwort is a shade-loving perennial that brightens part-shade beds with crisp silver-spotted foliage and early spring flowers. It forms a tidy clump that acts like a groundcover, helping shaded borders look finished even when other plants are just waking up. The blooms arrive in spring in a mix of pink and blue tones, creating a soft, multi-color display that pairs easily with woodland plantings. If you want dependable shade performance with foliage that stays attractive well beyond bloom, this is a strong choice.

Distinctive Features

This selection is prized for long, narrow leaves heavily marked with silver spots, giving it a bright, high-contrast look in low light. In spring, clusters of tubular flowers open pink and often shift toward blue as they mature, so you may see multiple colors on the plant at once. The habit is compact and clumping, spreading gently over time to fill space without becoming aggressive. Its value comes from early flowers plus foliage that carries the display through much of the growing season.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Part shade to full shade is ideal, with morning sun tolerated when soil stays evenly moist.
• Soil: Plant in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil for best foliage quality and bloom performance.
• Water: Water regularly during establishment and keep soil consistently moist through dry spells.
• USDA Zones: Zones 3 to 8.
• Mature Size: Typically grows about 10 to 12 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a focal point in a shade bed where the silver foliage can brighten the foreground.
• Woodland Gardens: Plant in drifts under trees and shrubs for early spring color and long-season texture.
• Shade Borders: Edge shaded paths and beds with a low, clumping plant that keeps a tidy outline.
• Underplanting: Tuck beneath shrubs to cover bare soil and add contrast where light is limited.
• Spring Pairings: Combine with hellebores, ferns, and spring bulbs for layered interest in part shade.

Low Maintenance Care

• Cleanup: Remove spent flower stems after bloom to keep the clump neat and foliage forward.
• Watering: Avoid letting soil dry out completely in summer to reduce stress and maintain leaf quality.
• Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch or leaf mold to hold moisture and keep roots cool.
• Division: Divide clumps every few years if needed to refresh vigor and expand plantings.
• Placement: Protect from hot afternoon sun, which can scorch foliage during warm weather.

Why Choose E.B. Anderson Lungwort?

• Bright Shade Foliage: Silver-spotted leaves add contrast and lift shaded plantings.
• Early Bloom Season: Pink and blue flowers provide spring color when the garden is just starting.
• Groundcover Habit: Clumping growth helps finish the look of shade borders and underplantings.
• Deer Resistance: Often left alone by deer, making it a practical option in woodland gardens.
• Season-Long Interest: Foliage stays attractive after flowering, supporting a polished look for months.

If you want a dependable shade perennial that delivers both spring flowers and long-lasting foliage interest, E.B. Anderson Lungwort is an excellent choice. Plant it where the soil stays evenly moist, give it a little cleanup after bloom, and let the silver leaves brighten the bed through the season. It is a simple way to add contrast and a more finished feel to part-shade gardens.