Pulmonaria 'Leopard'

Rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial with basal clumps of deep green leaves which are heavily mottled with striking white spots or blotches. Sparsely-leaved flowering stems rise above the foliage in early to mid spring, nodding branched terminal cymes of funnel-shaped blue bell-like flowers. Flower clusters are often two-toned because flowers emerge pink from pink buds but mature to blue. The basal foliage clump slowly spreads by creeping rootstocks. This plant is native from France to Italy. 'Leopard' was discovered and named by horticulturist, Graham Stuart Thomas. Best grown in groups or massed as a ground cover in shady areas. Woodland or shade gardens, shaded border areas or shaded areas of rock gardens. Also can be an effective edging plant for shady paths. Best grown in cool, humusy, organically rich, evenly moist but well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Soils must not be allowed to dry out.