Pulmonaria Officianalis Red Start has been in flower since mid-January in my Yorkshire garden. The colour is a but special for this time of year.

The lungworts are the genus Pulmonaria of flowering plants / herbs in the family Boraginaceae, native to Europe and western Asia. The name is derived from the Latin pulmo (the lung). There was a time when Lungworts were used to treat pulmonary infections and that is how they got their name.

Features of Pulmonaria

• There are many different varieties and can easily set seed. If you want to keep track of names and varieties, prevent setting seed and propagate by division.
• Good companion plants include Helleborus Orientalis, Snowdrops and winter aconite.
• Flowers in blue or red arrive as early as February
• Makes excellent ground cover in shady spots.
• Pulmonaria are liked by bees for their nectar.

Tips for Growing Pulmonaria

• Cool shady spots. Dislikes drying out in winter.
• To avoid mildewed leaves, keep well watered, and remove any infected leaves.