White Flower Farm
Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign'
Best shade-loving ground cover for gardeners seeking deer-resistant spring color.
Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign', commonly known as Lungwort, showcases the finest blue flowers among its relatives, often appearing almost iridescent. This shade-loving perennial features solid dark green foliage that provides an excellent backdrop for its spring blooms. It spreads slowly to form an attractive ground cover, making it ideal for underplanting ferns, hostas, or spring bulbs. For best results, plant in a spot that receives part shade to full shade and maintains moist, organically rich soil. Cutting back old leaves after flowering encourages a fresh, attractive foliage display for the remainder of the season.
$19.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 2989
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-31%
Below average
SKU
37092
/ S
Who it's for
- Minimalists preferring uniform foliage over spotted leaf patterns
- Gardeners seeking early spring color in dormant shade beds
- Busy homeowners needing deer-resistant groundcover for deep shade
Who should skip it
- Gardeners living in regions with intense summer heat and humidity
- Low-maintenance enthusiasts unwilling to perform mid-season plant grooming
- Gardeners managing environments prone to heavy slug and snail activity
Performance breakdown
Bloom Vibrancy
Iridescent blue petals offer a striking visual impact in spring gardens.
Foliage Consistency
Solid dark green leaves maintain a clean, tidy appearance all season.
Shade Adaptability
Thrives reliably in low-light conditions where other perennials often struggle.
Pest Resistance
Deer tend to bypass this variety, reducing the need for maintenance.
Ground Cover Potential
Slow, steady spreading habit creates a lush, weed-suppressing carpet over time.
Establishment Ease
Bare-root shipping allows for quick, straightforward planting in moist soil.
Key Specs
SKU
S37092
Hardiness Zone
5-8
Exposure
Part Shade to Shade
Blooms In
April-May
Mature Height
12-14 inches
Spacing
15-18 inches
Ships as
BARE-ROOT
Features
- Delivers fine blue flowers, often described as iridescent
- Solid dark green foliage provides good contrast
- Forms an attractive ground cover over time
- Deer resistant
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and reliability of the 'Blue Ensign' plants received from White Flower Farm. The dominant theme is the stunning, true blue color, which provides a vibrant and unusual aesthetic impact in shaded garden areas. Gardeners report that the plants establish quickly and exhibit vigorous growth, often exceeding expectations for a shade perennial. This Pulmonaria variety is highly valued for its dependable performance and ability to deliver early spring color, confirming its status as a premium, high impact perennial.
Know before you buy
This plant thrives in part shade to full shade. It is an excellent choice for areas under tree canopies or on the north side of a building where sunlight is filtered or limited.
To keep the plant looking tidy, cut back the old leaves after the flowering period ends in late spring. This encourages the plant to produce a fresh, healthy set of foliage that will remain attractive throughout the summer.
Yes, this variety is generally avoided by deer due to the texture of its foliage. While no plant is 100% deer-proof, it is a reliable choice for gardens where browsing animals are a common concern.
Yes, 'Blue Ensign' spreads slowly over time, making it an effective ground cover. When planting, space them 15 to 18 inches apart to allow room for them to establish and eventually knit together.
It performs best in soil that is moist and rich in organic matter. Ensure the planting site has good drainage, as the roots prefer consistent moisture without sitting in waterlogged soil.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$19