Despite the weather forecast, still no sign of snow here in Aberdeen, although the surrounding countryside areas have had their share. Mind you not really suitable for outside work.
Another of the earliest Perennials to flower is Pulmonaria Officinalis. Most descriptions describe the plant as Spring flowering from March, but it is not unusual to see it coming into flower from early February. The leaves are often spotted white or silver, flowers are usually funnel shaped in blue, white, pink, red or purple. Removing the old leaves after flowering allows the new Summer leaves to develop and show off their markings.
Grow in semi shade in a woodland setting or at the front of a border. Officinalis will tolerate full sun if grown in humus rich fertile moist soil. Divide your plants every three or four years, powdery mildew can be a problem in dry conditions.
(Sissinghurst White) gives a good show and should start to flower in about three weeks time, flower buds are pink opening to the purest white, the leaves of this one are spotted white and height is 30cm.
Another very popular variety is (Ensign Blue) This one is often described as the best of the blue flowering Pulmonaria. The leaves are a dark green which are red at the back.
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