Shrimps on the Barbie Lungwort

Shrimps on the Barbie Lungwort (Pulmonaria 'Shrimps on the Barbie')

Shrimps on the Barbie Lungwort is a shade-loving perennial that delivers a strong early spring color moment, then keeps the bed looking finished with attractive foliage. It forms a tidy clump that works like a groundcover, filling in around shrubs and along shaded borders without demanding constant attention. The flowers open in warm salmon to coral-pink tones, creating a standout display in part shade when many perennials are just emerging. If you want dependable shade performance with distinctive bloom color and foliage that keeps contributing afterward, this variety is a great choice.

Distinctive Features

This cultivar is valued for its unusual salmon to coral-pink spring flowers paired with silver-marked green leaves that brighten low-light spaces. The clumping habit stays compact and neat, spreading slowly over time to create a fuller patch without becoming aggressive. Blooms appear in clustered sprays above the foliage and provide an early-season highlight for woodland beds and shade borders. After flowering, the foliage continues to add contrast and texture 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 salmon-coral flowers can stand out in early spring.
• Woodland Gardens: Plant in drifts under trees and shrubs for early bloom 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, hostas, 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 Shrimps on the Barbie Lungwort?

• Distinctive Bloom Color: Salmon to coral-pink flowers create a rare, warm-toned spring display in the shade.
• Bright Foliage Contrast: Silver-marked leaves add texture and lift shaded beds after bloom.
• Groundcover Habit: Clumping growth fills in neatly and helps finish the look of shade borders.
• Deer Resistance: Often left alone by deer, making it a practical choice for woodland settings.
• Season-Long Interest: Foliage remains attractive after flowering, keeping beds looking polished for months.

If you want a shade perennial with a standout spring bloom color and dependable foliage contrast, Shrimps on the Barbie Lungwort is an excellent choice. Plant it where soil stays evenly moist, give it quick cleanup after flowering, and let the foliage brighten the bed through the season. It is an easy way to add early color and a more finished feel to part-shade gardens.