How to Grow Pulmonaria 'Dark Vader'
Wikimedia Commons
Pulmonaria 'Dark Vader'
Pulmonaria officinalis 'Dark Vader'
flowerPulmonaria 'Dark Vader' is a striking shade-loving perennial with deep dark green foliage and vibrant red flowers that open from pink buds. Known for its dramatic dark leaves and early spring blooms, it provides both colorful flowers and ornamental foliage in woodland gardens and shaded borders.
When should you plant Pulmonaria 'Dark Vader' in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Pulmonaria 'Dark Vader' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Pulmonaria 'Dark Vader'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Pulmonaria 'Dark Vader' blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pulmonaria 'Dark Vader' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-8, thriving in cool to temperate climates with consistent moisture and shade
Sign up free to see if Pulmonaria 'Dark Vader' grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Pulmonaria 'Dark Vader' timeline →Growth Stages
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeks before floweringFoliage expands rapidly; dark green spotted leaves develop fully; plant establishes height and form
Maintain consistent moisture; do not allow to dry out; apply balanced fertilizer if needed for weak growth
Flowering
4-6 weeksPink buds emerge from leaf clusters and open into vibrant red tubular flowers arranged in clusters
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming; maintain moisture levels; do not fertilize heavily with nitrogen
Post-Flowering
6-8 weeks through late springFlowers fade; foliage continues to mature and fill out; plant prepares for dormancy
Continue deadheading to maintain appearance; gradually reduce watering if temperatures rise; do not cut back entirely
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
and
Hand-pick in evening; use beer traps or copper barriers; encourage natural predators; apply neem oil if severe
-
Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur spray or potassium bicarbonate if needed; remove affected leaves
-
Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap if infestations are severe
-
Remove affected foliage; improve drainage and air circulation; apply fungicide if necessary
Uses
Traditional herbal tea
CulinaryPulmonaria has been traditionally used to make herbal infusions believed to support respiratory health, though modern evidence is limited. Leaves were historically dried and brewed as tea. [source]
Respiratory support
MedicinalThe common name 'lungwort' derives from traditional use in treating lung conditions; the spotted leaves were thought to resemble lung tissue (doctrine of signatures). Modern herbalists sometimes recommend it, though scientific validation is limited. [source]
Shade garden ornamental
HouseholdPulmonaria 'Dark Vader' is prized as a low-maintenance perennial groundcover for shaded woodland gardens, providing early spring color when many plants are still dormant. Its dark foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season. [source]
Early bee forage
WildlifeThe early spring flowers provide essential nectar and pollen for emerging bees and pollinators after winter, making it an important plant in pollinator-friendly gardens. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
CraftThe striking red flowers and attractive foliage make excellent additions to spring flower arrangements and woodland-style floral designs. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pulmonaria is grown for ornamental foliage and flowers, not harvested for food. Cut flowers for arrangements in early spring when fully open; cut stems just above a leaf node to encourage bushier growth. Foliage can be admired year-round.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Lungwort' comes from the doctrine of signatures—the spotted, mottled leaves resemble diseased lung tissue, leading medieval herbalists to believe it could cure respiratory ailments.
- 🌱 Pulmonaria flowers change color as they age; they open pink or red and deepen in color over several days, which may indicate a shift in nectar rewards for pollinators.
- 🌱 'Dark Vader' is a relatively modern cultivar (released in the 1990s) specifically bred for its dramatically dark foliage, which contrasts brilliantly with the vibrant red flowers.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Pulmonaria 'Dark Vader' planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Pulmonaria 'Dark Vader' seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Pulmonaria 'Dark Vader' timeline →