Pulmonaria affinis
Pulmonaria affinis · Boraginaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant pulmonaria affinis: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen to deciduous depending on climate
- Flowering
- February to April
- Adult size
- 30–40 cm tall, 40–50 cm spread
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to −20 °C
- Origin
- Central and Eastern Europe
- Soil type
- Rich, humus-based, well-drained
Care
Light Exposure
Prefer partial shade or dappled sunlight, where lungwort thrives beautifully. It also tolerates full shade, though flowering will be less abundant. Avoid direct afternoon sun, especially in warm or dry climates.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist but never waterlogged during active growth and flowering. Reduce watering in summer and autumn. Organic mulch helps retain moisture and stabilizes soil conditions.
Soil
Enrich the planting area with compost or humus before planting. Slightly acidic to neutral soil, rich in organic matter and well-drained, works perfectly. Improve compacted or poor soil with organic matter amendments.
Pruning and Maintenance
Remove ailing or damaged foliage in spring. After flowering, you can cut the plant back to encourage denser foliage. Remove dead leaves in late winter to limit fungal diseases.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer or compost in spring when growth resumes. Once established in rich soil, lungwort generally needs no additional feeding. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and Pests
Powdery mildew may appear in summer during prolonged drought; improve air circulation and soil moisture. Slugs and snails can damage young leaves in spring. Few serious pests threaten this hardy species.
Did you know?
Lungwort owes its scientific name 'Pulmonaria' to its white-spotted leaves, once thought to resemble diseased lungs. This resemblance long inspired the 'Doctrine of Signatures,' the belief that a plant cured the organ it appeared to imitate. Today, it's primarily beloved as a spring shade garden favorite, bringing colour and life when few other plants dare to bloom.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.