Pulmonaria

( pull - mon - NAY - ree - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This shade-loving perennial flowering plant, commonly called Lungwort, needs regular water to bloom and perform well. Foliage in most varieties is dappled with lighter colors, and flowers form in drooping clusters in late winter or early springtime, just before leaves pop out for the year. After flowers fade, more leaves will sprout and provide handsome foliage. Most species of Pulmonaria are native to Europe and Asia. These plants have creeping roots and make excellent woodland groundcovers. Take care when planting Pulmonaria in the garden, as plant parts are toxic to cats and dogs.

Pulmonaria Species and Varietals

There are between 10 and 18 species of Pulmonaria, which is a member of the plant family Boraginaceae. Lungwort grows best in zones 1-9 and 14-17. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Pulmonaria angustifolia (Cowslip Lungwort, Narrow-Leaved Lungwort, Blue Cowslip)
This species is native to Europe, and reaches 8-12 inches tall and 1.5 feet wide. Leaves are dark green, and flowers are bright blue, opening from pink buds. Subspecies Pulmonaria angustifolia azurea has flowers that are sky-blue. These plants prefer moist soil and dappled shade.

Pulmonaria longifolia (Narrow-Leaved Lungwort)
This species is native to the British Isles and western Europe. It gets to be 8-12 inches tall and 18 inches wide, with deep green, silver-spotted leaves and purple-blue flowers that bloom a little later than other species. Subspecies Pulmonaria longifolia cevennensis reaches 8 inches tall and 18 inches wide, and has deep blue flowers that bloom from late winter through to late springtime.

Pulmonaria mollis
These plants are native to various areas in Europe and Asia, and are very similar to Pulmonaria angustifolia. Plants are not commonly seen growing in the wild, and prefer deciduous forest, sloped meadow, and shaded stony landscapes. Flowers are blue-purple-pink and foliage is greenish grey.

Pulmonaria obscura (Unspotted Lungwort, Suffolk Lungwort)
These herbaceous evergreen perennials are native to central Europe, and reach between 4 and 12 inches tall when mature and in bloom. 

Pulmonaria officinalis (Lungwort, Common Lungwort, Mary's Tears, Our Lady's Milkdrops)
This species is one of the most widespread in Europe, growing as an understory species in lowlands and mountains. Springtime flowers are red to pink when they open, maturing to purple or blue over time. Foliage is green with white or pale green markings.
Pulmonaria sacharata (Bethlehem Sage, Bethlehem Lungwort)
Reaches 1.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with silver-spotted medium green leaves and blue flowers that open from pink buds. These plants are native to Italy and France, and reach 4 inches tall and 2 feet wide. Choice garden selections are listed below.
'Highdown' ('Lewis Palmer')
Deep blue blooms.
'Mrs. Moon'
With large leaves and pink flowers that age to blue.
'Sissinghurst White'
White flowers.
'Smoky Blue'
Blue flowers and leaves that are spotted with white.

Caring for pulmonaria

Lungwort needs moist, well-draining soil that is enriched with organic material. Divide after a few years in early fall; the plants will become crowded at this time and not perform or bloom as well. 

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Pulmonaria
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 540, Pulmonaria
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