Pulmonaria saccharata 'Silver Bouquet' is a clump forming perennial known for its striking silver foliage and profuse clusters of pink to blue flowers in early spring. This cultivar is especially valued for its long lasting leaf display, which adds brightness to shaded beds long after bloom time ends. The narrow lance shaped leaves develop increasing silver overlay through the season offering contrast to companion plants and groundcovers.
Height & Spread: 12 - 16 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Early to mid spring
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, organically rich, well drained soils
Watering Needs: Regular during active growth; avoid summer drought stress
Deer Resistance: Unpalatable to deer due to hairy leaves and mild toxicity
Native Status
Although Pulmonaria saccharata is native to parts of western Europe, 'Silver Bouquet' is a cultivated variety bred for ornamental use in gardens with shade or filtered light.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- One of the earliest bloomers to support native bees such as Andrena and mason bees when other flowers are scarce.
Butterflies
- Attracts early spring butterflies like Spring Azure and Comma which utilize the nectar source in cool shaded microclimates.
Beneficial Insects
- Encourages hoverflies and parasitic wasps that patrol shady areas for aphids and soft bodied pests.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 18 - 24 in apart to allow for clump expansion and foliage display without overcrowding.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent in woodland borders, shade gardens, and beneath deciduous shrubs where its foliage brightens dim areas.
Companion Plants
- Epimedium x perralchicum 'Frohnleiten' - Yellow spring flowers and semi evergreen foliage spread low around Pulmonaria clumps for textural contrast.
- Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' - Large silvery leaves and small blue flowers echo and enhance the foliage of 'Silver Bouquet'.
- Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' - Arching variegated stems blend elegantly with Pulmonaria’s clumping habit and add vertical rhythm.
- Heuchera villosa 'Caramel' - Warm caramel toned foliage creates a bold counterpoint to silver spotted leaves of Pulmonaria.
- Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' - Crisp edged leaves provide ground hugging interest and tidy definition at the front of the shade border.