My favorite shade-loving spring perennial is Lungwort, (Bethlehem Sage, Pulmonaria). Like Forget-Me-Knots & Hellebores, they are one of the earliest blooming spring perennials. Most grow 6-12 inches tall depending on variety, with an 18-24 inch spread. The blooms are small, white, blue or pink (sometimes all three!) & often change color throughout the spring, from pink to blue. My variety ‘Roy Davidson’ grows 8-10 inches high. It does not like the hot summers of my Zone 6-7a so I plant in the shade. It will tolerate part-shade if there is no hot, afternoon sun. The new, beautiful, spotted leaves will emerge after the blooms begin to fade. These pretty leaves will grace the garden all summer if there is enough rain & remain on the plant through winter until the new leaves emerge. It is deer resistant & makes a lovely ground cover. This plant makes a wonderful addition to the shade garden. It stays nice & compact & you can’t beat the beautiful spring flowers!
PS. 1 day until the GBBC – Great Backyard Bird Count!
http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc
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