The Story
Plant Bio
Pulmonaria saccharata 'Smokey Blue' is a perennial herb with attractive, lance-shaped leaves that exhibit a silvery-blue tint and clusters of small, tubular flowers in shades of blue and pink during early spring.
This cultivar is distinguished by its unique smoky blue foliage and its early flowering period, providing early seasonal color and interest in shaded garden areas.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
10 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moist, well-drained
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
France, Italy
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Early spring – Late spring
In flower about 3 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or divisions into moist soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to keep humidity high.
- Plant in shaded areas with rich, moist soil.
- Water consistently during dry spells.
- Mulch around the plant to retain moisture.
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Pro Tip
Ensure consistent moisture and shade for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 💧
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- Prune after flowering to shape the plant
Don't
- Avoid drought stress, which can weaken the plant ❌
- Don’t expose to direct, harsh sunlight
- Refrain from over-fertilizing, which can cause legginess
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Smokey Blue Lungwort questions
What zones can Smokey Blue Lungwort grow in?
Smokey Blue Lungwort is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Smokey Blue Lungwort deer resistant?
Yes — Smokey Blue Lungwort is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Smokey Blue Lungwort bloom?
Smokey Blue Lungwort typically blooms in early spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Smokey Blue Lungwort need full sun?
Smokey Blue Lungwort does best in part shade.
More Pulmonaria to compare
Twinkle Toes Lungwort
Pulmonaria officinalis 'Twinkle Toes'
Pulmonaria Pink-a-Blue
Pulmonaria officinalis 'Pink-a-Blue'
Common Lungwort
Pulmonaria officinalis
Lungwort Redstart
Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart'
Spilled Milk Lungwort
Pulmonaria officinalis 'Spilled Milk'
David Ward Lungwort
Pulmonaria rubra 'David Ward'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Smokey Blue Lungwort with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.