Family: Lungwort
Type: Perennial
Other Common Name: Lords And Ladies, Bethlehem Sage
Raspberry Splash Lungwort (Pulmonaria ‘Raspberry Splash’) is a standout perennial known for its unique foliage and vibrant spring blooms. This shade-loving plant features silver-spotted leaves and upright clusters of raspberry-pink to purple flowers that emerge in early spring. It’s a hardy plant, thriving in zones 3-9, and is remarkably disease and pest resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice for any garden. Its ability to bloom in shade where other plants may struggle is a valuable trait, providing color and interest in darker garden spots. Additionally, its foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, adding texture and variegation even after the blooms have faded.
Hardiness Zone: 3b-9b
Deer Resistant: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Moisture Preference: Average to moist
Sun Needs: Partial shade to shade
Growth Rate: Medium
Average Height (feet): 1
Average Spread (feet): 1.5
Average Life Span (years): 10
Form: Mounded
Flower Color: Purple
Flower Shape: Bell
Bloom Season: From mid to late spring
Foliage Color: Green
Foliage Shape: Narrow
Incorporating Raspberry Splash Lungwort into your garden design can brighten shaded areas with its lively blooms and decorative leaves. It works well as ground cover under trees or in shaded borders, bringing life and color to areas that often go unnoticed. Pairing it with ferns, hostas, and other shade-tolerant plants can create a lush, multi-textured display. Its compact growth habit also makes it ideal for container gardening, allowing those with limited space to enjoy its beauty up close.
Raspberry Splash Lungwort complements the naturalistic setting of a woodland garden with its forest-friendly attributes. Its preference for shade and the woodland-like appearance of its foliage make it a harmonious addition to this garden style.
In a cottage garden, Raspberry Splash Lungwort adds early spring color and textural contrast to informal, densely planted beds. Its charming flowers and variegated leaves blend well with the mix of perennials and annuals typical of cottage gardens.
This plant is a must-have for shade gardens, where its bright flowers and spotted foliage light up dark corners. It demonstrates that even shaded areas can be vibrant and full of life, challenging the notion that shade gardens are dull.
Create a border along shaded pathways with Raspberry Splash Lungwort to add interest and guide the eye through the garden. Its striking leaves and flowers make it a natural choice for accent planting in mixed beds. For a vibrant spring display, combine it with early-blooming bulbs like crocuses and daffodils. The contrast between the Lungwort’s pink-purple flowers and the bulbs’ bright colors will capture attention.
In spring, Raspberry Splash Lungwort is at its best, with clusters of jewel-toned flowers standing above silver-spotted foliage. This burst of color is a welcome sight after the winter, signaling the start of the growing season.
As summer progresses, the plant continues to contribute to the garden with its distinctive foliage, even after the flowers have faded. The leaves provide a cool, refreshing look throughout the hotter months.
In fall, the foliage of Raspberry Splash Lungwort remains robust, occasionally blending with the changing autumn colors. It adds texture and interest to the garden as other plants begin to retreat.
During winter, Raspberry Splash Lungwort retreats below the surface, but its resilience ensures it will return the following spring. In milder climates, some foliage may persist, offering a hint of greenery.
Raspberry Splash Lungwort thrives in shaded to partially shaded areas, making it perfect for under trees, on the north side of buildings, or any spot that receives limited direct sunlight. Its preference for cooler, shaded environments makes it a versatile addition to various garden designs.
This plant prefers partial to full shade, with some tolerance for morning sun. Too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so choose a location that provides protection during the hottest part of the day.
Raspberry Splash Lungwort does best in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It's adaptable to different soil types but thrives in conditions that mimic its native woodland habitat.
Space plants about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for their mature spread and ensure good air circulation. This spacing also helps prevent overcrowding and minimizes the risk of disease.
The best time to plant Raspberry Splash Lungwort is in the spring or fall when temperatures are cooler. This timing gives the plants a chance to establish their root systems before the extremes of summer heat or winter cold.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the plant in the hole at the same depth it was in the pot, and fill in with soil. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, Raspberry Splash Lungwort is somewhat drought-tolerant but performs best with regular watering.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Prune back faded flowers and damaged leaves to encourage a second bloom and maintain a tidy appearance. Cutting the plant back in late fall or early winter can help rejuvenate it for the next season.
Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. This is also the time to fertilize and ensure adequate water as the plants start to grow.
Continue to monitor moisture levels and water as needed. Summer care is mostly about enjoying the plant's foliage after the spring bloom.
Cut back the foliage if it becomes ragged or to tidy the plant before winter. Apply a light layer of mulch to protect the roots in colder zones.
Raspberry Splash Lungwort is generally low-maintenance in winter. In colder climates, ensure it's well-mulched to protect against freeze-thaw cycles.
Raspberry Splash Lungwort typically blooms in early to mid-spring, with the flowers lasting several weeks. Proper care can encourage a second, though less prolific, bloom later in the season.
Yes, Raspberry Splash Lungwort is considered deer-resistant, making it a great choice for gardens in areas where deer are a concern. Its textured foliage is not appealing to deer.
Yes, Raspberry Splash Lungwort can be divided every few years in the spring or fall to rejuvenate older clumps and propagate new plants. This helps maintain the plant’s vigor and provides more plants to expand your garden or share with friends.
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