Quick Guide: spring, hardy, shade, height: 30cm/12in, width: 45cm/18in

Pulmonarias are ideal plants for a shady part of the garden, where they will spread their handsome oval leaves to make dense ground cover. In early spring clusters of drooping bellshaped flowers appear, held clear of the foliage on erect stems. The blooms are pink, often turning blue later.

GROWING Set out young plants in autumn or spring in reasonably moist fertile soil. Apply an annual mulch of peat in spring and water well during the growing period. Remove dead leaves in the autumn.

PROPAGATION Divide established clumps in autumn or spring.

SPECIES P. angustifolia (blue cowslip), height 23cm/9in, dark green leaves, spring-flowering; P. officinalis (Jerusalem cowslip), height 23-30cm/9-12in, light green leaves blotched silver, late spring-flowering; P. saccharata (above), 30cm/12in, pointed leaves beautifully marked cream, late spring-flowering; the variety `White Wings' bears white flowers.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Slugs may eat young shoots.