Pulmonaria 'Raspberry Frost'
Overview
Uses: Shade gardens, woodland gardens, edging, borders, groundcover, containers.
Benefits: Showy raspberry-red to coral flowers bloom in early spring when color is scarce in the shade garden. Striking silver-splotched foliage with creamy white margins remains ornamental long after flowers fade, providing months of foliar interest. Deer and rabbit resistant with virtually no pest or disease issues.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9
Sun: Partial Shade to Full Shade
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Growth Habit: Mounding — low, clump-forming mound that spreads slowly by creeping roots.
Bloom Color: Raspberry-Red to Coral
Foliage Color: Green with Silver Variegation and Cream Margins
Mature Height: 10–12 inches
Mature Width: 12–18 inches
Bloom Season: Early to mid spring
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
Pulmonaria ‘Raspberry Frost’ delivers exactly what shade gardeners are always looking for: spring flowers in a vivid color that cuts through the dim light, followed by months of foliage that looks like it was hand-painted. Upright stems of ruby-red to coral flowers appear in early spring, blooming just above the emerging foliage when most shade plants are still waking up.
Once the flowers finish, the real show begins. The broad, lance-shaped leaves are heavily splotched and veiled in silver over a deep green base, with distinctive cream-white margins that add an extra layer of contrast. This foliage stays clean and ornamental from spring through fall, and in milder winters the leaves persist as semi-evergreen, providing interest even in the off-season.
Pulmonaria ‘Raspberry Frost’ is a low-maintenance, clump-forming perennial that spreads slowly by creeping roots to form an attractive groundcover. It is deer and rabbit resistant and virtually free of pest and disease problems when grown in the cool, moist, shaded conditions it prefers.
Care
Pulmonaria ‘Raspberry Frost’ Care
Plant in partial to full shade. Morning sun is tolerated in cooler climates, but afternoon shade is essential to prevent leaf scorch. Pulmonaria prefers humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Consistent moisture is important — dry soils and summer heat can cause the foliage to decline or go dormant.
Water regularly to maintain even moisture, especially during hot, dry periods. A layer of organic mulch helps keep roots cool and soil moist. Fertilize lightly in spring with a slow release fertilizer if desired. Cut back spent flower stems after blooming to encourage fresh, clean foliage growth. Divide clumps every few years in early fall if they become crowded.
Size
What Size is the Pulmonaria ‘Raspberry Frost’ for Sale Online?
Our Pulmonaria ‘Raspberry Frost’ ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Pulmonaria ‘Raspberry Frost’ Grow?
Pulmonaria ‘Raspberry Frost’ reaches 10 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide, forming a dense, low mound.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
Pulmonaria is commonly known as Lungwort. ‘Raspberry Frost’ is a hybrid cultivar prized for its combination of vivid flower color and exceptional foliage variegation.
Is Pulmonaria ‘Raspberry Frost’ deer resistant?
Yes. Lungwort is widely regarded as resistant to both deer and rabbits. It is one of the most reliable flowering perennials for shaded landscapes with browsing pressure. Explore our deer-resistant plants collection for more options.
Does Pulmonaria ‘Raspberry Frost’ grow in full shade?
Yes. Pulmonaria is one of the few flowering perennials that performs well in full shade. It also tolerates partial shade with morning sun. Avoid hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the foliage. Browse our Shade Plants collection for more options.
Is Pulmonaria evergreen?
Pulmonaria ‘Raspberry Frost’ is semi-evergreen. In mild winters the foliage persists; in colder zones the leaves may die back but the plant returns reliably from the crown in spring. Cutting back old foliage after flowering encourages a fresh flush of the ornamental silver-variegated leaves.
