This clump-forming plant is popular for its stunning foliage.
Lungwort Care
Caring for lungwort is fairly straightforward.
Plant it in partial sun, as lungwort enjoys shade.
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Water regularly and keep the soil moist.
Protect lungwort from extreme temperatures, and fertilize it annually.
Choose a location inpartial sun or full shade, avoiding full sun.
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Light
Lungwort is typically grown in partial sun to full shade.
Soil
Lungwort plants prefer to grow in organically rich, humusy soil that remains moist.
Temperature and Humidity
Lungwort plants thrive in mild temperatures and are challenged in hot climates.
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They start growing as soon as the danger of frost has passed in the spring.
Fertilizer
Lungworts don’t require frequent or heavy fertilization, which can reduce flowering.
If kept well-watered, the plants will rejuvenate as the weather cools.
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Propagating Lungwort
Most modernPulmonariavarieties are hybrids that are not generally propagated from seeds.
The plants will not perform as well as they would in a moist, shady garden location.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Lungworts dont have any notable pest or disease problems.
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But they can be prone topowdery mildewandslug damage, which results in abnormal and damaged foliage.
Powdery mildew is not generally fatal, but it can be treated with a spray fungicide.
Overwintering
Lungwort is bestcovered with mulchafter the ground freezes in the winter.
This will moderate freeze-thaw cycles and ensure that roots survive the winter.
How to Get Lungwort to Bloom
Lungwort is grown primarily for its foliage but has attractive flowers.
Bloom Months
Lungwort blooms towards the end of winter to early spring.
How Long Does Lungwort Take to Bloom?
What Do Lungwort Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Flower color, however, can vary by species and cultivar.
Lungwort has a sweet, watery smell that many compare to a cucumber.
This is fairly natural with this plant and not a cause for concern.
Lungwort (Pulmonariaspp.)
“Wort” derives from the Old English word “wyrt,” meaning “plant.”
Theplant’s rhizomeswill spread, but very gradually.
Pulmonaria is regarded as one of the best foliage plants for moist, shady areas.
It is best when grown in small colonies or groundcover masses.
It also works well inshady border gardensor rock gardens and can be a good edging plant for shady pathways.
Animals typically do not like to eat lungwort.
This plant is considered deer- andrabbit-resistant.
Pulmonaria officinalis.North Carolina State Extension.
Growing Lungworts in the Home Garden.Iowa State University Extension.
Pulmonaria ‘Berries & Cream’.Missouri Botanical Garden.
Lungwort for Winter Blooms.Clemson Cooperative Extension.
