Moonshine Lungwort

Moonshine Lungwort (Pulmonaria 'Moonshine')

Moonshine Lungwort is a shade-loving perennial that brightens darker beds with luminous silver foliage and an early spring bloom season. It forms a neat clump that acts like a groundcover, helping woodland borders look fuller and more finished from spring through summer. The spring flowers open in soft pink tones and often shift toward blue as they mature, adding a gentle, changing color display. If you want dependable shade performance with foliage that keeps working long after bloom, Moonshine is a strong choice.

Distinctive Features

This variety is prized for heavily silvered leaves that read bright in low light, often showing green margins that frame the foliage and increase contrast. The clumping habit stays compact and tidy, spreading slowly over time to fill space without becoming aggressive. In spring, clusters of tubular flowers rise above the foliage, commonly showing a mix of pink and blue shades as they develop. Its value comes from standout foliage plus early bloom, delivering season-long texture and brightness in part shade.

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 shade interest.

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 Moonshine Lungwort?

• Bright Silver Foliage: Luminous leaves lift shaded beds and add contrast without relying on flowers.
• Early Spring Blooms: Pink-to-blue flowers provide gentle color when the garden is just starting.
• Groundcover Value: Clumping habit helps fill in and finish the look of shade borders and underplantings.
• Deer Resistance: Often left alone by deer, making it a practical choice for woodland settings.
• Season-Long Interest: Foliage stays attractive after flowering, supporting a polished look for months.

If you want a shade perennial that delivers bright foliage contrast and reliable spring color, Moonshine Lungwort is an excellent choice. Plant it where soil stays evenly moist, give it a quick cleanup after bloom, and let the silver leaves brighten the bed through the season. It is an easy way to add contrast and a more finished feel to part-shade gardens.