Pulmonaria ‘Opal’ – Soft Blue Blooms and Silvery Foliage for Shaded Serenity
Pulmonaria ‘Opal’ is a graceful, early-flowering perennial that brings delicate pale blue blooms and silvery-spotted foliage to shaded parts of the garden. Valued for both its refined flower colour and ability to brighten darker spaces, this variety adds quiet charm to woodland gardens, underplanting schemes, and informal borders. Its ease of care and long seasonal presence make it a favourite for gardeners seeking beauty with minimal maintenance.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
Spring:
‘Opal’ begins the season with clusters of soft, opalescent blue flowers that shimmer gently in the spring light. Blooming in early to mid-spring, it provides a vital nectar source for awakening pollinators.
Summer:
After flowering, its foliage continues to shine. The green leaves are adorned with silvery speckles, forming an attractive groundcover that stays neat and fresh throughout the warmer months.
Autumn:
In autumn, the foliage may persist and hold colour, offering gentle contrast in fading borders.
Winter:
In mild winters, some foliage may remain semi-evergreen; in colder areas, the plant dies back and reemerges with renewed vigour in spring.
Structure & Form
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Height: 25–30 cm
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Spread: 40–50 cm
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Habit: Clump-forming, low-growing
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Foliage: Deep green with silver speckles; softly textured
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Flowers: Pale blue, occasionally tinged with lilac or pink as they fade
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Growth Rate: Moderate
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Lifespan: Long-lived, especially when divided every few years
Perfect for Various Landscapes
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Woodland Gardens: Blends naturally among ferns, hellebores, and spring ephemerals.
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Shady Borders: Adds colour and foliage interest where little else thrives.
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Underplanting: Lovely at the base of shrubs or trees like Hydrangea or Amelanchier.
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Cottage Gardens: Combines effortlessly with other soft, informal perennials.
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Containers: Performs well in shaded pots or planters with good drainage.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Best in partial to full shade; tolerates morning sun with moisture.
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Soil: Moist but well-drained; thrives in humus-rich, neutral to alkaline soils.
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Watering: Consistent moisture is key, especially in dry spells.
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Hardiness: Fully hardy (H7 UK); survives in cold climates without protection.
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Maintenance: Very low. Remove old flower stems and tattered foliage after blooming to encourage fresh growth. Divide every few years to rejuvenate clumps.
Why Choose Pulmonaria ‘Opal’?
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Unique Flower Colour: Soft blue blooms with an opalescent quality not found in many shade perennials.
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Long-Lasting Foliage: Decorative leaves add texture and brightness all season long.
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Pollinator Friendly: Early blooms attract bees and other beneficial insects.
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Shade-Loving Groundcover: Ideal for suppressing weeds beneath trees or in shaded borders.
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Low Maintenance: Easy to grow and highly reliable.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Early Spring Bulbs: Pair with Galanthus (snowdrops), Eranthis (winter aconite), or miniature daffodils.
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Ferns & Hostas: Add textural contrast with Athyrium niponicum or Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’.
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Heuchera & Brunnera: Combine with Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’ or Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ for layered foliage interest.
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Other Pulmonarias: Mix with ‘Sissinghurst White’ or ‘Diana Clare’ for a soft tapestry of colour in larger plantings.
Pulmonaria ‘Opal’ is a softly coloured treasure for shady spaces—elegant, dependable, and pollinator-friendly. Its subtle blue blooms and shimmering foliage bring a touch of woodland magic to your spring garden, returning each year with quiet resilience and charm.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
