Park Seed
Pulmonaria 'Diana Clare'
Best low-maintenance perennial for shade gardeners seeking year-round foliage interest.
Discover the Pulmonaria 'Diana Clare', a captivating shade perennial that brightens gardens from winter through spring. Its striking silvery-gray foliage, edged in dark green, provides year-round visual interest. Clusters of charming, trumpet-shaped dark purple blooms emerge during the cooler months, adding a splash of color. This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade, making it ideal for woodland settings and containers. For a denser habit, a spring pruning can encourage robust clumping. It's a low-maintenance beauty that attracts hummingbirds, offering a delightful addition to any garden.
$19.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1776
/ 2677
#1776 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-54%
Below average
Genus
Pulmonaria
/ Pulmonaria
Who it's for
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, pest-resistant shade plants
- Gardeners seeking to illuminate dark, shaded corners year-round
- Landscapers needing reliable early-season color for shade beds
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious gardeners looking to grow plants from seed
- Gardeners in hot, sunny climates without consistent irrigation
- Residents of humid regions prone to fungal foliage issues
Performance breakdown
Shade adaptability
Thrives in low-light conditions where most flowering perennials struggle.
Foliage longevity
Silvery-gray leaves provide consistent visual interest throughout the entire year.
Pollinator appeal
Early trumpet-shaped blooms act as a vital nectar source for hummingbirds.
Maintenance requirements
Minimal effort needed beyond a simple spring pruning for density.
Soil versatility
Adapts well to both clay and loamy soil compositions.
Hardiness range
Robust performance across a wide spectrum of USDA climate zones.
Key Specs
Genus
Pulmonaria
Species
longifolia
Variety
'Diana Clare'
Mature Height
12 in
Mature Width
18 in
USDA Hardiness Zones
3-9
Soil Type
Clay, Loamy
Sun Exposure
Part Shade, Full Shade
Features
- Striking silvery foliage offers visual contrast
- Blooms early, from winter through spring
- Attracts hummingbirds to the garden
- Tolerates clay and loamy soils
- Suitable for container gardening
- Provides year-round foliage interest
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Ideal for shade gardens
What customers say
Consumers consistently praise the exceptional quality and distinctive design of the Pulmonaria 'Diana Clare'. Reviewers frequently highlight the robust health of the plants upon arrival, noting their quick establishment even in challenging shade gardens. The striking, heavily silvered foliage is a major draw, delivering significant aesthetic impact and living up to its visual promise. This reliability and unique beauty make it a highly recommended perennial for shade enthusiasts seeking dependable garden interest.
Know before you buy
This variety performs best in partial to full shade. It is an excellent choice for woodland settings or areas under tree canopies where direct, harsh sunlight is limited.
Yes, 'Diana Clare' is well-suited for containers. Ensure you use a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil consistently moist, as container plants can dry out faster than those in the ground.
It is quite adaptable and will tolerate clay soils, provided the area does not remain waterlogged. If your soil is very heavy, incorporating organic matter can help improve drainage and support healthier root growth.
One of the best features of this plant is its year-round interest. The silvery-gray foliage remains vibrant and provides a striking contrast in the garden long after the purple blooms have finished.
To encourage a tighter, more robust clumping habit, you can prune the plant back in the spring. This simple maintenance step helps keep the foliage looking fresh and the plant structure dense.
Yes, 'Diana Clare' is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9. It is a resilient perennial that can withstand cold winters while still providing early color as the seasons transition.
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$20