Pulmonaria angustifolia aka Blue Cowslip

Pulmonaria angustifolia belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is a herbaceous perennial: it lives for years without woody stems. It comes from Europe and grows in temperate regions. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Its names include narrow-leaved lungwort, blue cowslip, and cowslip lungwort. It grows in clumps, not on a woody frame. Its leaves are deciduous, which means they fall each year.

The RHS says plants reach about 1 foot (0.3 metres) tall. Its size guide gives heights up to 1.6 feet (0.5 metres). The spread can also reach 1.6 feet (0.5 metres). Plants take two to five years to reach full size. Dark green leaves grow at the base of each clump. These basal leaves are oval, with rough hairs on their surface. Leaves also grow on the stems. Groups of bright, deep blue flowers grow at the stem tips. Each flower has the shape of a funnel.

Choose a spot in full or partial shade. Sites that face north or east suit its light needs. The RHS lists sites both with and without shelter as suitable. Give it rich soil with plenty of humus. Keep the soil moist, but do not let it stay waterlogged. It can grow in chalk, clay, and loam soils. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H6. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 2–7. Each rating shows hardiness within its own region's system.

This lungwort can cover the ground beneath roses and shrubs. It also suits beds, borders, banks, and slopes. Its clumps fit well in cottage gardens and less formal planting. Bees visit the flowers, which adds value to wildlife gardens. The RHS lists it for gardens that need little care. It needs no routine pruning. Cut off old leaves once the flowers have finished. Grow new plants from seed or split clumps you already have.

Slugs and snails may harm the plant. Dry weather can also bring powdery mildew. These are the main pests and diseases listed here. Neither supplied species profile says how to use any part as food. Neither gives a clear statement on whether it is toxic. The evidence thus does not show edible uses. Nor does it show safety for people or pets.