Pulmonaria obscura
Pulmonaria obscura · Boraginaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant pulmonaria obscura: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen to evergreen depending on climate
- Flowering
- February to April
- Adult size
- 25 to 40 cm in height, 30 to 45 cm spread
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -15°C
- Origin
- Central and Eastern Europe
- Soil type
- Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
Care
Watering
Water regularly during the growing period to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. In winter, reduce watering according to natural rainfall. Avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Exposure
Plant your dark lungwort in partial shade or full shade, beneath trees or in shaded slopes. It tolerates direct sunlight poorly, particularly in warm regions. It's an ideal plant for the semi-shaded areas of your garden.
Soil and amendment
Prepare soil enriched with humus or well-decomposed compost. Lungwort appreciates a drained and fertile substrate. Organic mulch in autumn maintains moisture and nourishes the soil gradually.
Fertilizer
A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring is generally sufficient. If the soil is poor, incorporate compost when planting. An established lungwort in rich soil requires little additional feeding.
Pruning and cleanup
Remove damaged or diseased leaves after flowering. Light cleanup in late winter prepares the plant for the growing season. No severe pruning is necessary; lungwort will naturally regenerate on its own.
Diseases and pests
Lungwort can suffer from powdery mildew or leaf spots in overly humid or poorly ventilated conditions. Ensure good drainage and adequate air circulation. Slugs and snails can damage young leaves; control them manually if necessary.
Did you know?
The name "Pulmonaria" comes from the Latin "pulmo" (lung): in the Middle Ages, people believed that the white spots on the leaves resembled lung scars and thought the plant could heal lung diseases. Although this doctrine of signatures has been forgotten, lungwort remains a precious companion for gardeners to brighten shaded areas from the first fine days.
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.