perennial

Lungwort British Sterling

Pulmonaria saccharata 'British Sterling'

The Story

Plant Bio

A clump-forming perennial grown primarily for its distinctive foliage. The long, lance-shaped leaves are almost entirely metallic silver with narrow, green edges.

The standout feature is the solid silver foliage. In spring, it produces clusters of funnel-shaped flowers that open pink and mature to blue, often with both colors present at once.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides early spring color with attractive spotted foliage, enhancing shaded garden beds.
Practical UsesHelps suppress weeds in shaded areas, adds texture and visual interest.
Ecological BenefitsSupports early pollinators like bees and butterflies.
SpeciesPulmonaria saccharataSiberian Lungwort

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Keep soil evenly moist

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds or divisions into prepared soil in early spring
  2. Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil
  3. Place in partial shade for optimal growth
  4. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
  5. Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
  6. Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms

Pro Tip

Plant in well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool
  • Prune dead or damaged leaves in early spring

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Don’t expose to full sun, which can scorch leaves
  • Do not fertilize heavily after flowering

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Mulch
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade garden borderEarly spring woodland bed

Companion Plants

HostaFerns AstilbeBleeding Heart Trillium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lungwort British Sterling questions

What zones can Lungwort British Sterling grow in?

Lungwort British Sterling 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 Lungwort British Sterling deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Lungwort British Sterling, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Lungwort British Sterling bloom?

Lungwort British Sterling typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Lungwort British Sterling need full sun?

Lungwort British Sterling does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Lungwort British Sterling 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.