One of the earliest flowering perennials, to brighten up the front of a partly shaded garden border, is Pulmonaria or as more commonly known, Lungwort.
So called, because it was once used in the treatment of lung diseases.

Blue Ensign has rich blue flowers that appear in March, above dark green leaves. When the foliage starts to look tired in late spring, it should be cut down to ground level, encouraging a new flush of larger leaves in summer.

Lift and divide this perennial once every two or three years to keep them healthy and flowering strongly and to increase your stock

Other varieties to try are Pulmonaria ‘Sissinghurst White’, which has spotted foliage and crystal white flowers and Pulmonaria ‘Samurai’ which has silver spear shaped leaves and pinky purple flowers