Pulmonaria Raspberry Splash ®

Pulmonaria 'Raspberry Splash' Care Guide

Pulmonaria 'Raspberry Splash' is a striking perennial, prized for its vibrant raspberry-pink flowers and beautifully spotted foliage. This shade-loving plant is an excellent choice for brightening up woodland gardens, shaded borders, and ground cover areas. With its early-season blooms, it provides an essential nectar source for pollinators while maintaining ornamental interest throughout the year with its silvery-green foliage.

Plant Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Pulmonaria 'Raspberry Splash'
• Common Name: Lungwort 'Raspberry Splash'
• Family: Boraginaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature Size: Grows 25–35 cm (10–14 inches) in height and spreads 30–45 cm (12–18 inches)
• Foliage: Lance-shaped, dark green leaves heavily spotted with silver
• Flower Color: Bright raspberry-pink flowers that mature to soft purple
• Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring (March to May)
• Hardiness Zones: Hardy in USDA zones 3–8
• Growth Habit: Clump-forming, low-growing ground cover

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Light Requirements: Prefers partial to full shade. Dappled sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal, as too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
• Soil Preferences: Grows best in moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.
• Watering Needs: Requires consistent moisture, especially in dry conditions. However, avoid waterlogging, as excessive wetness can lead to root rot.
• Temperature and Humidity: Cold hardy and thrives in cool, moist environments. May struggle in extreme heat and dry conditions, requiring extra watering and shade protection.
• Fertilization: Benefits from a light application of compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy foliage and flowers.

Planting and Maintenance

• Planting Time: Best planted in early spring or autumn when the soil is cool and moist.
• Spacing: Space plants 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) apart to allow for natural spreading.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as leaf mold or compost, to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid placing mulch directly against the crown to prevent rot.
• Pruning:
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming.
  • Cut back damaged or yellowing foliage in late summer to promote fresh growth.
• Dividing Clumps: Divide mature plants every 3–5 years in early spring or autumn to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-resistant but may develop powdery mildew in humid conditions. Ensure good airflow and avoid overhead watering to minimize fungal issues.

Benefits and Uses

• Shade-Loving: Thrives in shaded areas where other plants may struggle, making it ideal for woodland gardens and shaded borders.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Early blooms provide a vital nectar source for bees and other pollinators.
• Low-Maintenance: Once established, requires minimal care beyond occasional watering and division.
• Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Slightly hairy leaves deter browsing animals.
• Year-Round Interest: While it dies back in winter, the spotted foliage provides a striking effect throughout the growing season.
• Ground Cover: Forms a dense mat that suppresses weeds and helps retain soil moisture.

Potential Issues and Solutions

• Leaf Scorch: If exposed to too much direct sunlight, leaves may turn brown. Ensure the plant is in partial to full shade.
• Powdery Mildew: Can be a problem in humid conditions. Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly and removing affected leaves.
• Foliage Dieback in Summer: Some leaf decline is natural in hot weather. Trim back older leaves to encourage fresh growth.

Propagation Methods

• Division: The easiest method. Divide plants in early spring or autumn, ensuring each section has healthy roots before replanting.
• Seed Propagation: Can be grown from seed, but division is the preferred method to maintain true-to-type characteristics.

Companion Planting

Pulmonaria 'Raspberry Splash' pairs well with other shade-loving plants, including:

• Hostas – Provides bold foliage contrast.
• Ferns – Adds delicate texture to shaded areas.
• Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Offers colorful foliage and complementary shapes.
• Hellebores (Lenten Rose) – Blooms in early spring, matching Pulmonaria’s flowering season.
• Brunnera (Siberian Bugloss) – Enhances visual interest with its silvery leaves and blue flowers.

Pulmonaria 'Raspberry Splash' is a superb perennial for shade gardens, offering beautiful foliage, vibrant spring flowers, and low-maintenance care. Its ability to attract pollinators while resisting pests and diseases makes it a fantastic choice for woodland plantings, borders, and shaded ground cover areas

• Size
  2L

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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