Pulmonaria Shrimps on the Barbie
Best shade-loving ground cover for adding vibrant color to dim gardens.
Introduce vibrant color and texture to shaded garden areas with Pulmonaria 'Shrimps on the Barbie'. This perennial Lungwort is celebrated for its bright pink flower clusters that bloom above attractive green foliage, uniquely adorned with silver polka dots. Reaching approximately 10 inches in height and spreading up to 24 inches, it serves as an excellent ground cover, providing reliable interest throughout the growing season. Ideal for USDA Zones 4-9, this plant thrives in part to full shade, making it a dependable choice for adding visual depth and contrast to your landscape.
$18.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
831
/ 2989
#831 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-31%
Below average
Plant Type
Perennial
/ Perennial
Who it's for
- Low-maintenance gardeners wanting reliable, disease-resistant shade plants
- Gardeners seeking bright foliage for shaded landscape corners
- Pollinator advocates needing early season nectar sources
Who should skip it
- Perfectionists desiring pristine foliage throughout the hottest summer months
- Gardeners unwilling to manage slug and snail populations
- Busy homeowners unable to provide consistent soil moisture
Performance breakdown
Shade Tolerance
Thrives in low-light conditions where most flowering perennials struggle to bloom.
Visual Impact
Silver-spotted foliage provides year-round interest beyond the vibrant spring flowers.
Ground Cover Efficacy
Spreading habit effectively suppresses weeds while filling in garden beds quickly.
Maintenance Requirements
A reliable, low-effort perennial that requires minimal intervention once established.
Climate Versatility
Broad hardiness range makes it a dependable choice for diverse regional climates.
Texture Contrast
Unique leaf patterns add sophisticated depth to monochromatic or green-heavy landscapes.
Key Specs
Plant Type
Perennial
Growth Habit
Groundcover
Mature Height
10 inches
Mature Spread
24 inches
Sun Exposure
Part shade, Full shade
Hardiness Zones
USDA 4-9
Foliage Color
Green with silver
Flower Color
Pink
Features
- Striking bright pink flower clusters
- Foliage features silver polka dots
- Excellent for shaded garden areas
- Provides reliable perennial interest
- Adds texture and color contrast
- Functions well as ground cover
- Low maintenance perennial
What customers say
Gardeners consistently celebrate the Pulmonaria Shrimps on the Barbie for its striking visual appeal and reliable performance. The plant is highly praised for its vibrant, unusual flower color, which provides a unique accent in shaded garden spots. A key theme among reviews is its exceptional dependability. It establishes quickly and thrives with very little maintenance, making it a trusted choice for both new and seasoned gardeners looking for enduring, beautiful color.
Know before you buy
Since 'Shrimps on the Barbie' spreads up to 24 inches, you should space them about 18 to 24 inches apart. This allows the foliage to eventually meet and create a solid, weed-suppressing carpet.
Yes, this Pulmonaria is well-suited for full shade environments. It is an excellent choice for brightening up dark corners of the garden where other flowering plants might struggle.
Pulmonaria generally has a fuzzy leaf texture that many deer and rabbits find unappealing. While no plant is entirely immune to hungry wildlife, this variety is typically left alone in most landscapes.
After the spring blooms fade, you can trim back the flower stalks to keep the plant looking tidy. The silver-spotted foliage remains attractive and provides consistent texture throughout the rest of the growing season.
Absolutely. Because of its compact 10-inch height and spreading habit, it works beautifully in containers, especially when paired with other shade-loving plants that have different leaf shapes.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$19