Mrs. Moon Lungwort
Mrs. Moon Lungwort (Pulmonaria saccharata 'Mrs. Moon')
Mrs. Moon Lungwort is a shade-loving perennial that brings reliable spring color and long-lasting foliage interest to part-shade gardens. It forms a tidy clump that works like a groundcover, helping woodland beds look fuller and more finished from early spring onward. The flowers open in soft pink tones and often shift toward blue as they mature, giving a gentle mix of color on the same plant. If you want an easy, dependable perennial that brightens shade without a complicated routine, Mrs. Moon is a great choice.
Distinctive Features
This variety is valued for its silver-spotted green leaves that add contrast and texture in low light. The clumping habit stays compact and neat, spreading slowly over time to fill space without taking over. In spring, clusters of tubular flowers rise above the foliage, commonly showing both pink and blue shades during the bloom period. Its value comes from early bloom plus foliage that keeps the planting looking polished well after the flowers fade.
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 spotted 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 encourage foliage to take center stage.
- 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 Mrs. Moon Lungwort?
- Reliable Shade Performer: Thrives in part shade and helps brighten beds where many plants struggle.
- Spring Color Shift: Pink flowers often transition toward blue, creating a soft multi-tone display.
- Textured Foliage: Silver-spotted leaves add contrast and keep the planting interesting after bloom.
- Groundcover Habit: Clumping growth fills space neatly and helps suppress weeds in shade borders.
- Deer Resistance: Often left alone by deer, making it a practical choice for woodland settings.
If you want a dependable perennial that delivers early bloom and long-lasting foliage interest in shade, Mrs. Moon Lungwort is an excellent choice. Plant it where the soil stays evenly moist, give it a quick cleanup after flowering, and let the spotted leaves carry the display through the season. It is an easy way to add contrast and a more finished feel to part-shade gardens.
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