University
of Vermont Extension
Department of Plant and Soil Science
Perennial of the Month - March 2000
Pulmonaria
'British Sterling'Common name: Lungwort
Family: Boraginaceae, Borage
Height x width: 9-24" x 18-24", usually 12" x 24"
Growth rate: moderate
Foliage: green margins with silvery centers
Flowers: magenta buds opening blue, March in South and April to early May in North
Hardiness: 3-8, varies with species
Soil: moist, not wet
Light: part shade, will tolerate sun in north if kept moist
Pests and problems:bacterial rot, powdery mildew, aphids
Landscape habit, uses: low mound, front of border, groundcover
Other interest: common name of "soldiers and sailors" from two color flowers often seen on plants at same time; common name from 15th century Doctrine of Signatures of Paracelsus which implied the appearance of a plant cured similar appearing ailment, hence this spotted-leaved plant should cure diseased lungs; modern hybrid of perhaps several species, species being native to Europe
Other culture: spreads by creeping rootstocks but is not aggressive; foliage margins brown if too dry, and plant can rot if too wet; also wilts if in hot sun and dry soil
Propagation: easy by division of rootstocks in Spring, seed
Sources: Shady Oaks Nursery
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