The lungwort, so called because the mottled leaves were supposed to resemble lungs, and as such, using the Doctrine of Signitures method of medicine, the species was used to treat lung-related ailments. Different varieties produce a range of leaf markings, which look their best when putting on fresh growth after the spring flowering and are therefore a great ground cover plant. Funnel-shaped flowers with open lobes are produced in shades of blue, violet, pink, purple, red and white are a good early food source for bees.

Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart' has the first flowers of this lungwort that are open by Christmas. They are a pinkish red, over bristly leaves. Where it is happy (moisture is important for this) it will gently spread to form clumps, and provide colourful ground cover.