Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Highdown’

Pulmonaria ‘Highdown’ is a reliable, clump-forming perennial with attractive silver-spotted foliage and clusters of flowers that open rosy pink before developing into deeper violet-blue. Flowering from early spring, its neat mounding habit makes it an excellent companion for Narcissus and other spring-flowering bulbs.

Grow in partial to full shade, protected from hot afternoon sun. It prefers fertile, humus-rich soil that remains reasonably moist through the warmer months. It is particularly well suited to planting beneath deciduous trees, along shady borders or among other woodland perennials. After flowering, cut back the old foliage to freshen the plant and encourage a new flush of leaves. Established clumps can be easily divided in early autumn to rejuvenate plants and create new ones.

We grow P. ‘Highdown’ in a bright winter border, where it benefits from plenty of light during the cooler months before being sheltered by taller, summer-growing perennials as temperatures rise. It is frost hardy and, in our garden, has also proved resistant to rabbits.