Twinkle Toes Lungwort

Pulmonaria x 'Twinkle Toes'

Nature Hills Nursery

Petite Periwinkle Blooms Transform from Blue to Violet-Pink Throughout Spring
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 1-2 ft Tall, 1 ft Wide
Showy Blue, Purple, Pink Blooms in Late Spring
Pollinator-Friendly Perennial

$15⁸²

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Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant in partial to full shade to keep the foliage vibrant and healthy. While it can handle some gentle morning sun, direct afternoon rays will scorch the leaves and cause the plant to wilt.
Soil: Lungwort thrives in rich, organic soil that stays evenly moist but drains well. If you have heavy clay or loose sandy soil, mix in plenty of compost or leaf mold to improve moisture retention and soil structure.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first year while the root system is establishing. Once mature, Twinkle Toes has moderate drought tolerance, but allowing it to dry out completely will lead to crispy leaf edges and stress. Mulching around the base helps retain essential moisture during hot spells.

Pruning Tips

Cleanup is simple and mostly for aesthetics. After the spring bloom fades, snip off the spent flower stalks to encourage a flush of fresh, healthy foliage. In late winter or very early spring, remove any tattered or winter-damaged leaves to clear the way for new growth.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a top-dressing of compost in early spring just as new leaves begin to unfurl. Avoid fertilizing late in the growing season, as this pushes tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before winter frost.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly, Drought resistant, Groundcover
Sunlight	Partial shade
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Growth Rate	Moderate
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Blue, Purple, Pink
Foliage Color	Green, Other, Variegated
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Botanical Name	Pulmonaria x 'Twinkle Toes'
Species	x
Cultivar	Twinkle Toes
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Dancing petite shade garden lovelies in pretty periwinkle! Darling, light periwinkle-blue flowers cover this low, mounded groundcover perennial! The Twinkle Toes Lungwort (Pulmonaria 'Twinkle Toes') is a brilliant perennial, calling bees (especially Bumblebees!) and Hummingbirds to shady gardens! The light blue blooms age to violets and pinks throughout the mid to late spring!

Also starting in mid-spring, the unique foliage is dark green leaves with striking silvery speckles, making these unusual and underutilized flowering ornamentals especially lovely even when not in bloom! These space-saving plants bring high impact but remain compact at 12-14 inches tall when in bloom, and spreading to 16-18 inches wide.

Also known as Bethlehem Sage, Lungworts spread gently and are lovely throughout the shade garden in USDA growing zones 3 to 9! They are cold and heat-tolerant, resistant to deer pressure, and politely spread by underground rhizomes, filling garden beds and borders with their curious speckled beauty!

Planting and Application:

The dainty stems and nodding circlets of color-changing blooms make these adaptable perennials gorgeous cut flowers! Twinkle Toes dances among Perennial and Pollinator gardens and acts as a tidy border plant for Cottage gardens, potager plantings (Lungworts have been used since the 16th century for their medicinal properties!), and the woodland's edge. Not minding the shade from tree canopies or larger shrubs spreading branches, these perennials act as showy facer plants all growing season!

Also adorable throughout moist Rock gardens and shade gardens without worry the deer and rabbits will eat them up! The flowers and silvery foliage mix harmoniously with Japanese Painted Ferns, Lilafee Barrenwort, Spellbound Coral Bells, Krossa Regal Hosta, and other shade perennials!

Sized perfectly for containers, balconies, and covered patios, your shaded porches and seating areas gain gorgeous filler! Even garden beds appreciate the spreading nature of these woodland plants! Filling bare ground and mingling happily among Roses, around larger shrubs, and throughout a shaded pathway as edging!

Circular Clusters of Tubular Periwinkle-Blue Blooms
Upright Mounded Habit - Politely Spreads
Dark-Green Foliage With Silver Speckles
Mid-Spring Blooms for Pollinators & Hummingbirds
Containers, Woodlands, Edging & Shade-Garden Lovelies

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Preferring full shade, especially in the hotter growing zones and drier conditions, these underused herbaceous perennials tolerate partial sun and moist soil in cooler climates. Doing best in rich, moist, humus soils, even tolerating fertile alkaline sites, any well-drained soil with adequate moisture keeps them happy! Apply a 3-4 inch thick layer of mulch around their roots to keep them cool and retain moisture.

Deadhead after the flowers are finished blooming, removing the flowering stems completely to maintain a tidy mound and the plant transforms itself into an incredible foliage plant with silvery spotted leaves! Otherwise, Lungwort are low-maintenance gems! In the fall, after the foliage has died down after frost, prune the entire plant to the ground and remove all stems, leaves, and other debris to prevent mildews, slugs, and snails from overwintering. To prevent over-crowding, divide your clumps every 3-5 years in the autumn as well.

Full Shade to Partial Sun/Shade
Moist Rich Well-Drained Soil
Appreciates Regular Water & Mulched Beds
Deadhead After Bloom & Prune Late Fall
Deer Seldom Bother Them
Mildew Resistant Foliage

Order your own dainty bells of periwinkle blue on a shade-loving lovely! Call Nature Hills right away and we'll deliver your quality Twinkle Toes Lungwort perennials to your doorstep at the proper planting time for your growing zone!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Twinkle Toes Lungwort suitable for?

Twinkle Toes Lungwort thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9. This makes it adaptable to both cold northern climates and warmer southern regions. Plant it in partial to full shade for best performance in your zone.

What is the mature size and height of Twinkle Toes Lungwort?

Twinkle Toes Lungwort reaches 12-14 inches tall when flowering and spreads 16-18 inches wide. This compact perennial works perfectly as a groundcover or border plant in zones 3-9. Shop at Nature Hills for this space-saving shade perennial.

Does Twinkle Toes Lungwort grow well in my planting zone (e.g., zone 5b)?

Twinkle Toes Lungwort thrives in USDA zones 3-9, so zone 5b is well within its range. This cold and heat-tolerant perennial will reliably return each spring with its periwinkle blooms and silvery-speckled foliage. Plant it in shade where it will spread 16-18 inches wide.

What are the sunlight requirements for Twinkle Toes Lungwort – full shade, part sun, or full sun?

Twinkle Toes Lungwort thrives in shade and tolerates partial shade conditions. This perennial naturally grows under tree canopies and among larger shrubs in zones 3-9. Plant it in areas that receive filtered light or morning sun with afternoon shade for best results.

What type of soil does Twinkle Toes Lungwort prefer, and what is the ideal pH?

Twinkle Toes Lungwort thrives in moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.0. This shade perennial adapts well to organic-rich woodland conditions. Ensure consistent moisture without waterlogging for best results in zones 3-9, available at naturehills.com.

How much water does Twinkle Toes Lungwort need, and does it require consistently moist soil?

Twinkle Toes Lungwort thrives in consistently moist but well-draining soil, especially during its spring blooming period. It tolerates some drought once established but performs best with regular watering in zones 3-9. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, maintaining steady moisture without waterlogging.

Is Twinkle Toes Lungwort deer-resistant or rabbit-resistant?

Twinkle Toes Lungwort is resistant to both deer and rabbit pressure. These shade perennials naturally deter browsing animals while thriving in zones 3-9. Plant them confidently in woodland edges and shade gardens without worrying about wildlife damage.

What care does Twinkle Toes Lungwort need after planting, like pruning or maintenance?

Twinkle Toes Lungwort requires minimal maintenance once established. The foliage may look tired after blooming in late spring, so you can cut it back to encourage fresh growth. Water during dry spells and divide clumps every 3-4 years if they outgrow their space.

Is Twinkle Toes Lungwort evergreen, or does the foliage die back?

Lungwort foliage is semi-evergreen, meaning it persists through winter in milder zones but may die back in colder areas. In zones 3-6, expect the silvery-speckled leaves to die back after frost, while zones 7-9 often retain foliage year-round. Cut back any damaged leaves in late winter.

How is Twinkle Toes Lungwort shipped – bare root, potted, or vernalized liners?

Twinkle Toes Lungwort typically ships as potted plants rather than bare root. The established root system in containers helps ensure successful transplanting in zones 3-9. Plant in spring for best establishment before the mid-spring bloom period.