Being members of the borage family, lungworts have a tendency to be best as blues, since the wild species that springs to life in early spring is pale blue. As evergreen low-growing plants they are one of the best groups of plants for covering the soil early in the year. Their spotted leaves - more spotted in other cultivars - make attractive foliage during the winter.

The best place to plant them is light woodland or in borders that are a little shady. They do not mind impoverished soils since they originally came from thin mountain soils.

Looking Good:
Go to Sissinghurst Castle in Kent to see 'Sissinghurst White' with pronounced white leaves.

Best With:
Mix with crocuses and snowdrops.