Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign' Flower (11/03/2012, Kew, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 30cm
Eventual Spread: 40cm
Hardiness: 3a – 9a
Family: Boraginaceae
Pulmonaria angustifolia ’Blue Ensign’ is a small, spreading, deciduous perennial. Its mid green (unspotted) leaves are narrow, bristly, borne in ovate clumps and up to 10cm long. The flowers are blue/ violet in colour, held in clusters against the foliage, are funnel shaped and compact.
Pulmonaria angustifolia ’Blue Ensign’ is commonly known as Lungwort ‘Blue Ensign’. The species P. angustifolia is native to Europe, possibly including the UK. The common name Lungwort refers to a member of this genus’ historic use, as it was though to help cure lung disease. The variety ‘Blue Ensign’ os one of the earliest flowering Pulmonaria.
The etymological root of the binomial name Pulmonaria is derived from the Latin pulmo ‘lungs’ in reference to its historic use. Angustifolia is derived from the Latin angustus ‘narrow’ and folium ‘leaf’.
Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign' (11/03/2012, Kew, London)
The landscape architect may find Pulmonaria ‘Blue Ensign‘ useful in woodland setting or as understory ground cover as it can tolerate full shade. The plant may die back in hot dry periods and will recover when the temperature falls.
Ecologically, P. angustifolia ’Blue Ensign’ is attractive to pollinating insects, including Bumble Bees
P. angustifolia ’Blue Ensign’ prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
P. angustifolia ’Blue Ensign’ requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be lifted and divided in autumn.