Silver Scimitar Pulmonaria

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Shade

(0-3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

8 Inches

Mature Spread

22 Inches

Growing Zones

4 to 9

Silver Scimitar Pulmonaria, also known as lungwort, is a standout shade perennial known for its oversized, arching silver-green foliage with softly wavy edges. The foliage alone makes this plant exceptional; however, in early spring, compact mounds push up clusters of bicolor flowers that open pink and mature to purple, adding welcome color when most shade plants are just emerging. Growing about 8 inches tall and spreading up to 22 inches wide, it anchors and brightens dark garden corners all season long. Pulmonaria x ‘Silver Scimitar’ USPP35669 outperforms many lungworts in vigor and scale, making it ideal for larger shade plantings.

This clump-forming perennial dies back in winter and returning strong each spring. It is deer resistant, heat tolerant for a lungwort, and valued for its reliability in mixed shade conditions. Silver Scimitar is especially useful beneath open trees, along shaded paths, or as a broad groundcover where uniform texture matters. Hummingbirds are quick to find the early blooms, and the foliage remains attractive well beyond flowering. We often recommend this variety when clients want a bold, low-maintenance foliage plant that doesn’t disappear after spring.

Silver Scimitar Pulmonaria Care

Plant Silver Scimitar Lungwort in partial to full shade, although it can tolerate some morning sun in cooler climates. It prefers average to consistently moist garden soils with good organic content and a slightly acidic to neutral pH, roughly in the 6.0–7.0 range. Rich, compost-amended soil helps support its large leaf size and rapid spring growth. Supplemental watering during dry spells keeps foliage looking fresh, especially in warmer regions. Fertilizer is rarely needed beyond an annual top-dressing of compost in early spring.

Remove spent flower stems after bloom to keep the plant tidy and shift energy back to foliage growth. Older or weather-worn leaves can be trimmed away in late spring to refresh the clump. In winter, allow the plant to go dormant naturally; no fall cutting is required. Container-grown plants benefit from protection against freeze–thaw cycles in colder zones.

Silver Scimitar Pulmonaria Spacing

Space Silver Scimitar Lungwort 18 to 24 inches apart to allow plants to reach their full width without crowding. This spacing works well for mass plantings and broad groundcover effects under trees or shrubs. For containers, choose a pot at least 14 to 16 inches wide to accommodate the spreading habit. Adequate spacing improves air flow and showcases the plant’s dramatic foliage form.

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