Pulmonaria 'Ocupol'

The lungwort is named after its mottled leaves, which were supposed to resemble lungs. Different varieties produce different leaf markings, which look their best in mid spring when putting on fresh growth after flowering. They make excellent ground-cover plants, especially for shady borders. Funnel-shaped flowers are borne in shades of blue, violet, pink, purple, red and white. They're extremely attractive to bees, particularly the hairy footed flower bee, Anthophora plumipes.

Pulmonaria 'Ocupol' is one of the prettiest lungwort cultivars, bearing dense silver spotting on mid-green leaves, in contrast with pale blue flowers. For best results grow 'Ocupol' in moist but well-drained soil, in sun to partial shade. Remove old leaves after flowering.