Lungwort
Pulmonaria officinalis · Boraginaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant lungwort: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Type
- Perennial herbaceous plant
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen
- Flowering
- February to April
- Adult size
- 30 to 40 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Central and southern Europe
- Exposure
- Shade to partial shade
Care
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist without creating waterlogging. During spring growth and in dry periods, water moderately. In winter and after flowering, reduce watering.
Exposure
Plant the pulmonaria in partial shade or under the canopy of deciduous trees. It tolerates shaded garden areas well and fears direct exposure to scorching summer sun.
Soil
Prefer soil rich in organic matter, well-drained and slightly acidic to neutral. Enrich the soil with compost when planting to promote establishment.
Pruning and cutting
Remove damaged or diseased leaves during the season. After flowering, eliminate faded flower heads. A light foliage cleanup in late autumn is sufficient.
Fertilizer
A compost application in spring is generally enough. Avoid fertilizers too rich in nitrogen which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and pests
Seldom affected if drainage conditions are good. Watch for powdery mildew in humid periods and slug appearance in spring. Good air circulation limits fungal problems.
Did you know?
The common lungwort owes its Latin name 'Pulmonaria' to its white-spotted leaves, once interpreted as signs of lung disease. According to medieval signature theory, these spots indicated that the plant healed the lungs, hence its traditional use in herbal medicine. Its flowers changing color from pink to blue with age also make it a precious ornamental plant for garden understories.
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.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- BorageBorago officinalis
- Siberian buglossBrunnera macrophylla
- Purple gromwellGlandora diffusa
- Pride of MadeiraEchium candicans
- Viper's buglossEchium vulgare
- ComfreySymphytum officinale
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.