The Ultimate Guide to Cultivating and Nurturing Your Lungwort Plant

The Pulmanaria genus is composed of around 18 types of plants that are either evergreen or herbaceous perennials. Most of these species are indigenous to Europe and Western Asia, and three of them are commonly grown in gardens. Pulmonaria saccharata, P. angustifolia, and P. longifolia are frequently used in gardening, and they serve as genetic parents for a wide variety of hybrid cultivars. Lungwort plants are typically characterized by their fuzzy green speckled basal leaves, with early spring flowers sprouting on stalks as tall as 18 inches. The bell- or funnel-shaped flowers have five petals, starting off pinkish in color before turning into a violet blue shade, although this can differ depending on the species and cultivar. This plant is usually utilized as a perennial landscape flower for shady areas since it emerges and blooms when most other plants are still barely growing. While the flowers wither relatively quickly, the appeal of the foliage makes this plant a valuable addition to any landscape. Lungwort should be planted in late summer or fall from potted nursery plants, but spring planting can also be successful. It has a moderate growth rate and gradually spreads via rhizomatous roots to colonize a shady region. Its scientific name is Pulmonaria spp., it belongs to the Boraginaceae family, and it is classified as an herbaceous perennial. When mature, it can reach a height of 6-12 inches and a width of 12-18 inches. It thrives in partial to full shade and needs moist, well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline pH level. Lungwort blooms in the spring, displaying a range of colors such as blue, pink, and white. It can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 and is native to Europe and Asia.

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Caring for lungwort plants can be challenging, but it is crucial for their health and survival. These plants prefer shade from overhead trees, but not competition for soil moisture. If planted under a tree canopy, regular watering is necessary. Lungworts can also thrive along fences, garden walls, or other structures that provide shade without compromising soil moisture. They can also grow among taller perennials as spring transitions to summer. Caring for these plants is straightforward – ensure they have adequate water and shade, and feed them annually.

Lungwort plants are typically grown in partial sun to full shade. They can tolerate bright light in early spring when trees have not yet leafed out to diffuse sunlight. Direct sun in hot weather can wilt the plant and scorch its leaves, but too much shade can minimize blooming. Lungwort plants prefer organically rich, humusy soil that remains moist. Dry soil may cause plant decline, while soggy soil can encourage root rot. Lungwort is sensitive to soil pH and performs poorly outside the 7.0 to 8.0 range. The shift in flower color from pink to blue is due to pH levels shifting during the growing season.

Moderate moisture is necessary for lungwort plants, and they struggle in soil that is too dry or too wet. Watering is necessary when the soil begins to dry out due to a lack of rainfall and/or particularly hot weather. Lungwort plants thrive in mild temperatures and struggle in hotter climates. Harsh summer weather may cause the plant to wilt, but it will perk up again once cooler temperatures arrive. Frequent or heavy fertilization can reduce flowering, so only sprinkle a small amount of all-purpose garden fertilizer around the plant in early spring.

Lungwort varieties sold for garden use are cultivars of hybrids created by cross-breeding key species, especially P. saccharata, P. angustifolia, and P. longifolia. Propagation is best accomplished by root division, as seeds produced by hybrids usually do not come true to the parent plant. Lungwort is not generally grown in containers, as it requires frequent watering and maintenance. Powdery mildew and slug damage can be problematic for lungwort plants, but they are not fatal and can be treated with fungicide. Mulching is necessary for overwintering, especially in zones 3 and 4.

Good flowering depends on providing optimal conditions: some morning sun and afternoon shade, consistently moist soil with a pH range of neutral to slightly alkaline, and minimal fertilizing. Lungwort needs precise conditions to flourish but if given the proper care, they are easy to grow and will give few problems. Gardeners new to this plant may worry about dieback during midsummer heat, but this is natural for lungwort and not a cause for concern. Cutting back the plants and keeping them moist will encourage them to return in the fall.