How To Grow And Care For Lungwort: 6 Essential Steps
Discover the beauty of lungwort: vibrant spring blooms and striking foliage for shade gardens.
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Lungwort (Pulmonaria): A Complete Guide to Growing and Caring for This Unique Shade Perennial
Lungwort (Pulmonaria) is a treasured shade perennial recognized for its enchanting early-spring flowers and distinctive, often speckled leaves. A favorite of woodland gardeners for centuries, lungwort adds beauty, texture, and resilience to gardens from early spring through fall. Read on for a thorough look at lungwort’s characteristics, planting and care tips, popular varieties, and answers to common questions.
What Is Lungwort?
Lungwort, belonging to the botanical genus Pulmonaria, is a herbaceous perennial renowned for both its showy clusters of funnel-shaped flowers and eye-catching foliage. The name ‘lungwort’ stems from medieval herbalists who believed its spotted leaves resembled diseased lungs, and thus thought it could treat lung ailments. While lungwort’s medicinal reputation has faded, its value as an ornamental has only grown over the centuries.
BASICS AT A GLANCE
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Pulmonaria spp. and hybrids |
| Common names | Lungwort, Bethlehem sage, Jerusalem cowslip, spotted dog |
| Plant type | Perennial |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Zones | 3â9 |
| Exposure | Partial to full shade |
| Size | 8â18 inches tall; 12â24 inches wide |
| Growth habit | Mounded clump, slowly spreading by rhizomes |
| Bloom time | Early to mid-spring (3â4 weeks) |
| Flower color | Pink, blue, purple, white |
| Native regions | Europe, Western Asia |
Main Features & Appeal
- Early spring blooms: One of the first perennials to flower, sometimes sharing the spotlight with tulips and other spring bulbs.
- Color changing flowers: Flowers often open pink and mature to blue or purple, with several shades visible at once on the same plant.
- Striking foliage: Lush leaves often spotted, speckled, or splashed with silver. Foliage becomes more prominent as blooms fade.
- Shade tolerance: Thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens or borders with dappled sunlight.
- Low maintenance: Once established, lungwort requires minimal upkeep and spreads slowly without becoming invasive.
Lungwort Flowers
Lungwortâs flowers are small, funnel-shaped, and arranged in loose clusters atop the plantâs leafy stems. The blooms often emerge pink due to acidic pH in the petals, then shift to blue or purple as internal chemistry changes to alkaline. This transformation produces a delightful two-tone display, sometimes with pink, violet, and blue flowers all at once.
- Flower shape: Funnel-shaped, nodding in clusters
- Bloom season: Early to mid-spring, lasting 3â4 weeks
- Colors: Pink (young), blue or purple (mature), and occasionally white
Striking Leaf Forms & Patterns
Foliage is as much a highlight as the flowers. Lungwort leaves are generally:
- Ovate (egg-shaped) to lanceolate (narrow and pointed)
- Softly hairy to bristly to the touch
- Spotted, speckled, blotched, or sometimes entirely silver or green depending on the variety
- Semi-evergreen in mild climates
- Up to 12 inches long in mature clumps
The unique silver markings stay attractive throughout the growing season, providing texture and lightening shaded locations when other flowers have faded.
Garden Uses
Lungwort is a versatile perennial for shady garden spots. It is commonly used for:
- Woodland gardens
- Shade or part-shade borders
- Groundcovers under trees or large shrubs
- Pairing with hostas, ferns, heucheras, brunnera, and spring bulbs
- Pollinator-friendly plantingsâearly spring flowers attract bees
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How to Grow Lungwort
Site Selection
- Light: Best in partial to full shade; too much sun scorches the leaves.
- Soil: Moist, humus-rich, and well-drained. Avoid dry, sandy, or heavy clay soils.
- Moisture: Prefers consistent moisture but dislikes soggy or waterlogged spots.
Planting
- Timing: Plant in late summer or early fall for best establishment, but spring planting is also successful.
- Spacing: Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart; mature clumps typically reach 12â24 inches wide.
- Planting depth: Plant at the same depth they were growing in the nursery pot.
Work organic matterâsuch as leaf mold, compost, or peat mossâinto the soil before planting to improve structure and retain moisture.
Care & Maintenance
- Water: Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist, especially in dry spells.
- Mulch: A layer of organic mulch helps conserve moisture and protects roots.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flower stems after blooming to tidy up the clump and encourage foliage growth.
- Pruning: Cut back older or damaged leaves in late spring or summer to refresh the plantâs appearance.
- Division: Divide clumps every 3â5 years in early spring or fall to rejuvenate and prevent overcrowding.
Growing Lungwort: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Choose a shaded or partially shaded site with moist, well-drained soil.
- Amend the soil with compost or organic matter before planting.
- Set plants 12â18 inches apart, positioning the crown at soil level.
- Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture.
- Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Monitor for pests and diseases (rare), and remove spent blooms to redirect energy to foliage.
Common Lungwort Varieties
With ongoing breeding, a wide range of Pulmonaria varieties are available. Here are some popular selections:
| Variety | Flower Color | Foliage Features | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| âMrs. Moonâ | Pink buds, blue blooms | Green leaves, silver spots | Classic, reliable selection |
| âDiana Clareâ | Violet-blue | Silver leaves, narrow | Striking silvery foliage |
| âRaspberry Splashâ | Magenta-pink | Green leaves, silver markings | Long flowering, bold colors |
| âTrevi Fountainâ | Dark blue | Long, narrow, heavily spotted | Excellent mildew resistance |
| âOpalâ | Pale blue | Heavily silvered leaves | Soft, luminous texture |
| âSissinghurst Whiteâ | White | Green leaves, silver spots | Rare, elegant white flowers |
Pests, Diseases, and Potential Problems
- Powdery mildew: In humid or poorly ventilated locations. Choose resistant varieties and space plants to allow airflow.
- Slugs and snails: May chew on young leaves, especially in damp conditions. Hand-pick or use slug barriers as needed.
- Leaf scorch: Can occur with too much sun or not enough moisture. Maintain mulch and proper watering.
- Root rot: Avoid planting in heavy, poorly drained soils.
Overall, lungwort is a robust perennial with relatively few pest or disease issues when sited and cared for appropriately.
Companion Planting Ideas
Lungwortâs shade tolerance and interesting textures make it perfect for combining with other woodland plants. Consider pairing with:
- Hostas
- Ferns
- Brunnera
- Heuchera (coral bells)
- Astilbe
- Spring bulbs (daffodils, tulips, scilla)
Use lungwort at the front of perennial borders or as a massed groundcover to create a lush, layered look under trees or alongside shaded paths.
Propagation
Lungwort is most easily propagated by division:
- Division: Dig up established clumps in early spring or fall and gently separate into sections with roots and shoots. Replant immediately.
- Seed: Propagation from seed is possible but slow; seeds may self-sow lightly in good conditions but often hybridize so offspring may differ from the parent.
Lungwort in the Landscape: Design Tips
- Use lungwort in drifts for a massed effect, or scatter singly to highlight its unique foliage among other shade perennials.
- Mix varieties with different foliage patterns for subtle color contrast and visual interest.
- Combine with plants that provide winter interest since lungwort dies back to the ground in cold climates.
- Grow near paths or patios so both flowers and foliage can be admired up close.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lungwort
Q: Is lungwort invasive?
A: No, lungwort is a slow-growing, clump-forming perennial that spreads gradually by rhizomes. It is not aggressive or invasive in gardens.
Q: Can lungwort tolerate sun?
A: Lungwort prefers partial to full shade. While some newer varieties handle a bit of morning sun, leaves scorch and plants suffer in too much direct sunlight.
Q: Is lungwort deer resistant?
A: Yes, lungwortâs hairy, rough-textured leaves make it less appetizing to deer and rabbits. Nonetheless, hungry animals may sample anything in extreme conditions.
Q: Why are my lungwort leaves turning brown?
A: Browning may result from too much sun, not enough water, or fungal issues like powdery mildew. Keep soil moist, provide ample shade, and remove affected leaves.
Q: How do I divide lungwort?
A: Lift established clumps in early spring or fall. Use a sharp knife or spade to separate into smaller sections, ensuring each has several shoots and roots. Replant immediately and water well.
Quick Tips for Success
- Choose a shaded, moist spot with rich soil.
- Plant in late summer, fall, or early spring for best results.
- Mulch to maintain consistent moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide every 3â5 years to keep clumps vigorous and manageable.
- Choose mildew-resistant lungwort varieties for trouble-free growth.
Conclusion
Lungwort (Pulmonaria) is a shade garden gem that rewards the gardener with early spring color, intriguing foliage, and minimal maintenance. Whether you’re looking to brighten a woodland border or add long-lasting interest under trees, lungwort is a superb choice for beauty and resilience in shaded landscapes.
References
- https://www.gardendesign.com/perennials/lungwort.html
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pulmonaria-officinalis/
- https://www.thespruce.com/pulmonaria-1402859
- https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/perennial/lungwort/
- https://www.chicagobotanic.org/downloads/planteval_notes/no17_pulmonaria.pdf
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