Pulmonaria spp.
Lungwort is a flowering perennial suited to cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8.
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And despite having a name that is anything but picturesque, the silvery-white speckled leaves and pink and blue blossom clusters are a charming addition to shady areas of the landscape.
Join us as we talk about how to grow and care for lungwort, and explore multiple species and cultivated varieties that may meet your landscaping needs.
Here’s a preview of the topics we’ll address:
Let’s start with a little background.
Cultivation and History
Lungwort is native to Europe and Asia.
The earliest recorded knowledge of the species dates to the s when the “Doctrine of Signatures” assigned medicinal value to plants resembling human body parts. In this case, the speckled foliage looks like diseased lungs.
The leaves and roots were administered to patients with respiratory ailments, hence the Latin nomenclature Pulmonaria and the common name lungwort.
Pulmonaria came to America from Europe over years ago
How to Grow and Care for Lungwort
Lungwort is a flowering perennial hardy in zones 3 through 8, with fuzzy, green-speckled basal leaves and funnel-shaped flowers in blue, pink, and pink that bloom in spring. This clumping groudncover performs best when planted in late summer or fall from nursery plants, though spring planting is also generally successful.
| Common Name | Lungwort, pulmonaria |
| Botanical Name | Pulmonaria spp. |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous, perennial |
| Mature Size | 6–12 in. tall, 12–18 in. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Partial, shade |
| Soil Type | Moist, well-drained |
| Soil pH | Neutral, alkaline |
| Bloom Time | Spring |
| Flower Color | Blue, pink, white |
| Hardiness Zones | 3–8 (USDA) |
| Native Areas | Europe, Asia |
Lungwort Care
Caring for lungwort is fairly straightforward. Plant it in partial sun, as lungwort enjoys shade. Water regularly and keep soil moist. Protect lungwort from extreme temperatures, and fertilize it annually.
Planting
Transplant lungwort in late summer or early fall so that it has all winter to establish itself before emerging in spring. Choose a location in partial sun or fall shad
Lungwort Winter Care
Lungwort is a flowering perennial that blooms in early spring. Depending on the cultivar, this plant lives in growing zones 3 through 8. As one of the first plants to emerge in the spring, Lungwort needs proper winter care to ensure it is ready when the temperature warms up. Winter care for Lungwort is easy and consists of preparations made in the fall.
Protecting Lungwort in Winter
Lungwort plants do not need much protection in the winter. Plants in regions with warm winter weather can typically be left uncovered, although you may want to protect the plant if the forecast calls for frost or freezing weather. In cold areas, cover Lungwort plants with a thick layer of mulch to insulate the roots from hard freezes.
Cutting Back Lungwort For Winter
Plants grown in the southern reaches of the growing range are evergreen and can retain their foliage during the winter. Prune Lungwort in the fall to remove overgrowth. Lungwort plants grown in cold climates should be cut back to ground level in the fall. The growth will die after the first frost, so you can preemptively trim the growth or wait until the frost kills the foliage.
Lungwort Winter Care in Pots
How To Grow Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
Lungwort (Pulmonaria) is a perennial plant favored in gardens for its captivating blooms and exceptional foliage. Named after the mottled leaves, it is a charming addition to shade gardens and woodland settings in spring and early summer. Do you want to know how to grow Lungwort yourself? We’ll explain it to you in this guide.
Quick Guide:
Planting season: Spring planting
Blooming season: Spring to early summer
Place: Partial shade to full shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained soil, neutral to alkaline
Water: Water thoroughly after planting
Fertilizer: Lungwort doesn't need much fertilizer. Add compost to the soil when planting
Mulch: Well-rotted leaf mould or compost for extra protection during the winter
Lungwort: A Perennial Plant Favored In Gardens
With pink, blue, white, or purple flowers and mottled foliage, Lungwort provides a splash of color in shade (rock) gardens and woodland settings. Its ability to thrive in a shady spot makes it one of the best foliage plants for challenging outdoor locations. As a perennial, the Lungwort plant is deer-resistant and will return yearly, providing long-lasting beauty with min
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