High Contrast Lungwort

Pulmonaria ‘High Contrast’ PP12,337

Nature Hills Nursery

Deer Resistant Lungwort with Iridescent Silver-Splashed Foliage and Color-Changing Blooms
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 1 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Blue, Pink Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring
Pollinator-Friendly Perennial

$39³⁹

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: High Contrast Lungwort thrives in full to part shade, ideally receiving 2 to 4 hours of morning sun. While it can handle deep shade, providing dappled light ensures the silver spots on the foliage remain vibrant and crisp.
Soil: This plant prefers rich, moist, and well-drained soil that mimics a forest floor. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost to improve drainage, or add peat moss to sandy soil to help hold onto the moisture it craves.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water twice a week to keep the soil consistently moist while the roots establish. Once mature, Lungwort is moderately drought tolerant, but inconsistent watering will cause the leaves to wilt or develop crispy edges. Maintaining even moisture ensures the foliage stays lush and prevents the plant from entering an early summer dormancy.

Pruning Tips

This perennial blooms on old wood from the previous season, so wait until the flowers fade in late spring to tidy it up. Use garden shears to cut back the spent flower stalks and any tattered winter foliage to the base of the plant. This "summer haircut" encourages a fresh flush of new, healthy leaves and prevents the plant from looking ragged during the hotter months.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because they promote soft, tender growth that is easily damaged by the first frost. A single application of a general-purpose 10-10-10 formula provides all the energy the plant needs for both spring blooms and summer foliage.

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, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Groundcover, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	1 ft
Width	1 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Growth Rate	Moderate
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Blue, Pink
Foliage Color	Green, Other, Variegated
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Botanical Name	Pulmonaria ‘High Contrast’ PP12,337
Species	hybrid
Cultivar	High Contrast
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

High Contrast Lungwort (Pulmonaria 'High Contrast')

For a dazzling display of silver-splashed foliage and early-season blooms, High Contrast Lungwort PP#12,337 (Pulmonaria 'High Contrast') is a top pick. This shade-loving perennial bursts forth in early spring with clusters of tubular flowers that shift from pink to rich blue as they mature!

But Lungwort's true charm lies in its bold, variegated leaves—deep green with an almost iridescent silver overlay—offering season-long visual appeal even after the flowers fade! Compact and spreading, High Contrast Lungwort forms a low-growing mound of lush, lance-shaped foliage, making it an excellent groundcover for shady spaces.

As autumn sets in, the semi-evergreen foliage often remains attractive, providing year-round interest in milder climates. It stays just 9 inches tall and the mounds spread to about 12-18 inches wide.

Key Features

Stunning silver-splashed foliage offers year-round appeal
Clusters of pink-to-blue flowers in early spring
Compact, spreading form ideal for shade gardens
Semi-evergreen in mild climates
Attracts bees and hummingbirds; deer and rabbit-resistant
Thrives in zones 4-9

Lungwort is a member of the Borage family, this woodland perennial thrives in partial to full shade, bringing color and texture to areas where other plants struggle. Highly resistant to deer and rabbits, it also attracts early-season pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

Landscaping Uses

At just under a foot tall with a spreading habit, High Contrast Lungwort is a fantastic shade groundcover that pairs beautifully with Ferns, Hostas, and Heuchera.

Shade garden groundcover for rich visual texture
Edging along woodland paths and shady borders
Mass plantings for a silver-toned foliage effect
Pollinator-friendly addition to spring gardens
Underplanting for shrubs and trees in dappled shade

Care and Maintenance

This herbaceous perennial is a low-maintenance delight that thrives in shady, moist environments but can tolerate some dryness once established. Hardy in USDA Planting Zones 4-9, this Lungwort adapts well to rich, moist, well-drained soil and tolerates occasional drought once established.

Planting Time: Spring or early fall
Sun Needs: Partial to full shade
Soil Needs: Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil; tolerates clay if amended
Moisture Needs: Moderate; prefers consistently moist soil but tolerates short dry spells
Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch deep layer of bark mulch or leaf mold to retain moisture and improve soil
Fertilization Needs: Light application of compost or balanced fertilizer in early spring
Pruning Info: Trim back damaged leaves in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth
Special Needs/Perks:

Deer and rabbit-resistant
Tolerates occasional drought once established
Tolerates humidity and urban conditions
Disease-resistant, though good airflow prevents mildew

Division Info: Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early fall or spring for the best vigor

A Silver-Lined Shade Garden Must-Have!

Whether you need a luminous groundcover or a low-maintenance shade perennial, High Contrast Lungwort offers both beauty and function! With its unique silver foliage and bee-friendly blooms, this plant adds a much-needed pop of brightness to shaded areas.

Order now from Nature Hills and enjoy doorstep delivery at the perfect planting time for your zone!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature size or height and width of High Contrast Lungwort?

High Contrast Lungwort reaches 9 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches wide at maturity. This compact, mounding habit makes it perfect for groundcover in shade gardens. Plant 12 inches apart for solid coverage within 2-3 seasons.

Does High Contrast Lungwort grow well in zones 4-9, and is it hardy in hot southern summers?

High Contrast Lungwort thrives in zones 4-9 and handles hot southern summers well with adequate shade and moisture. This hardy perennial prefers partial to full shade, making it ideal for southern gardens where summer heat is intense. Shop at Nature Hills for reliable zone-appropriate varieties.

What are the sunlight or shade requirements for High Contrast Lungwort?

High Contrast Lungwort thrives in partial to full shade and struggles in sunny locations. This woodland perennial is specifically adapted for shaded areas where many other plants fail to perform well. Plant it under trees or on the north side of structures for best results.

What type of soil does High Contrast Lungwort prefer, and does it need moist soil?

High Contrast Lungwort thrives in moist, well-draining soil but can tolerate some drought once established. This woodland perennial prefers the consistently moist conditions found in partial to full shade environments. Plant in organically rich soil and maintain steady moisture for best foliage color and spring blooms.

Is High Contrast Lungwort resistant to powdery mildew or diseases?

High Contrast Lungwort shows good resistance to common diseases when grown in proper conditions. Like most Pulmonaria varieties, it can develop powdery mildew in hot, humid weather or with poor air circulation. Provide adequate spacing and morning sun to keep foliage dry - shop at Nature Hills for healthy, disease-resistant starts.

What are the flower colors and bloom time for High Contrast Lungwort?

High Contrast Lungwort produces clusters of tubular flowers in early spring that start pink and mature to rich blue. The blooms appear before most other perennials wake up, providing crucial early nectar for bees and hummingbirds. Plant in partial to full shade for best flowering performance.

How is High Contrast Lungwort shipped—bare root, potted, or when is shipping available?

High Contrast Lungwort ships as potted plants from Nature Hills, ready to establish in your shade garden. Spring planting allows this zone 4-9 perennial to develop its full 12-18 inch spread before winter. Plant in partial to full shade with moist, well-draining soil for best results.

What planting instructions or care tips are there for High Contrast Lungwort after purchase?

Plant High Contrast Lungwort in partial to full shade in moist, well-draining soil for zones 4-9. This low-maintenance perennial thrives in woodland conditions and spreads to 12-18 inches wide. Water regularly during establishment, then it tolerates some drought once established.

High Contrast Lungwort

Pulmonaria ‘High Contrast’ PP12,337