Pulmonaria saccharata 'Samurai' is a compact and early blooming perennial prized for its silver splashed foliage and clusters of funnel shaped pink buds that mature to violet blue flowers. It thrives in shady woodland conditions and offers an excellent ground covering habit that suppresses weeds while adding brightness to dim areas. Its foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season even after flowering has finished.
Height & Spread: 10 - 12 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Early to mid spring
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, humus rich soil with good drainage
Watering Needs: Moderate; avoid letting soil dry out completely
Deer Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant due to hairy textured foliage
Native Status
This cultivar originates from Pulmonaria saccharata, a European woodland species. It is not native to North America but is well adapted to similar shady and moist growing environments.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Among the first nectar sources available in spring for honeybees and native bees including Andrena and Osmia species.
Butterflies
- Attracts early emerging butterflies such as Spring Azure and Question Mark seeking nectar from cool season bloomers.
Beneficial Insects
- Hoverflies and predatory beetles are drawn to early floral nectar and use its dense groundcover for shelter.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space plants 18 - 24 in apart to allow low mounding spread and overlap with other shade perennials.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for edging shaded borders, beneath deciduous trees, or as filler between hostas and ferns in woodland gardens.
Companion Plants
- Asarum europaeum (European Wild Ginger) - Glossy foliage and dense groundcover habit create a unified carpeted look under trees.
- Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' - Upright arching stems with white edged foliage contrast beautifully with low mounded pulmonaria.
- Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass' - Silver foliage echoes the leaf patterns of 'Samurai' and extends interest into late spring.
- Heuchera 'Plum Pudding' - Deep burgundy tones offer rich contrast while sharing similar shade tolerance and structure.
- Epimedium x rubrum - Delicate red tinged flowers and heart shaped leaves blend seamlessly with pulmonaria in shade beds.