Pulmonaria

( pull - mon - NAY - ree - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of shade-loving perennial flowering plants, commonly called Lungwort, includes species which need regular water to perform well in the garden. Foliage in most varieties is dappled with lighter colors, and flowers form in drooping clusters on upright spikes in late winter or early springtime just before leaves emerge. After flowers fade, more leaves will sprout and provide handsome foliage for the rest of the growing season. Most species of Pulmonaria are native across Europe, central Russia and western Asia. They have creeping roots, making them excellent, vibrant woodland groundcovers. They can also be used as pathway border plants or added to the landscape to serve as an early-season pollinator resource plant. Take care when planting Pulmonaria in the garden, as plant parts are mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

Pulmonaria Species and Varietals

There are between 10 and 18 species of Pulmonaria, which is a member of the plant family Boraginaceae. The plants in this genus are closely related to those in Borago (Borage), Symphytum (Comfrey), Anchusa (Bugloss), Myosotis (Forget Me Not), and Mertensia (Virginia Bluebell). Lungwort grows best in UDSA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-9 and 14-17, though this varies somewhat depending on the species cultivated. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Pulmonaria angustifolia (Cowslip Lungwort, Narrow-Leaved Lungwort, Blue Cowslip, Blue Lungwort)
This species is native to central and northeastern regions of Europe, and reaches 8-12 inches tall and 1.5 feet wide at maturity when in bloom. 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. Best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.

Pulmonaria longifolia (Narrow-Leaved Lungwort, Lungwort, Bethlehem Sage)
This species is native to the British Isles and western Europe. It gets to 8 to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide at maturity, with deep green, silver-spotted leaves and purple-blue flowers that bloom a little later than those of other species. Subspecies Pulmonaria longifolia cevennensis is 8 inches tall and 18 inches wide, with deep blue flowers that bloom from late winter through to late springtime. Cultivars of the species include 'Bertram Anderson' (with very narrow, deep green leaves splashed with silver), 'Diana Clare' (with silver leaves and purple-blue blooms), 'Ankum' (compact with narrow silver leaves), and 'Dordogne' (with silvery-white spotted foliage and upright blue flowering stems).

Pulmonaria mollis (Hairy Lungwort, Soft Lungwort)
These plants are native to various areas in Europe, Siberia, northeastern Turkey and across central and eastern Europe through central Asia and western China. Flowers are blue-purple-pink and foliage is greenish grey. Individual plants reach up to between 8 and 18 inches tall and 12 to 45 inches wide when mature, making this species one of the largest in the genus. Hairy Lungwort grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-7.

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. Leaves are pure light green. Flowers are borne on upright spikes and emerge pink, fading through shades of violet and blue before fading. Unspotted Lungwort is suited for USDA hardiness zones 3-8 and thrives in cool, shaded woodland environments.

Pulmonaria officinalis (Lungwort, Common Lungwort, Mary's Tears, Our Lady's Milkdrops, Jerusalem Cowslip)
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. Individual plants reach up to 6 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide.
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. This species performs best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. 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

Take care when planting Pulmonaria in the garden, as plant parts are mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Plant Pulmonaria, or Lungwort, in a spot in the landscape that receives partial shade to full shade. Direct sun will scorch leaves. Indirect or reflected light is typically best for the most profuse blooms. Ensure that soil is well-draining, moderately fertile, and rich in organic matter. They grow best in a substrate that has a pH of between 7.0 and 8.0 (neutral to alkaline). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, Lungwort plants need moderate moisture levels and will struggle in soils that are overly wet or dry. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. 

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 1 inch of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Prune off any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time, and deadhead flowers as they fade to neaten the appearance of the plant. Once the plant enters dormancy in the middle of summertime (typically dry, hot weather triggers it), the top will die back and it can be chopped off. If kept well-watered, however, plants will rejuvenate as weather cools down again in fall. Divide after a few years in early fall; the plants will become crowded at this time and not perform or bloom as well, especially if grown in a cramped space like a container. For instructions on how to divide Lungwort plants, see the Propagation section below. Pulmonaria plants are short-lived perennials, and have a clump lifespan of about 3 to 5 years before they begin to thin out and decline. Clumps can be divided, however, providing new flowers for the landscape indefinitely.

Propagation

Pulmonaria, or Lungwort, can be propagated by division or seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant, especially if you are propagating a hybrid cultivar (some of which may not produce viable seeds at all). To propagate your Lungwort flower, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Pulmonaria by Seed
  1. Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
  2. Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
  3. Get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
  4. Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Pulmonaria by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in very early spring (after the plant has entered dormancy, but before it has begun its new spring growth). To propagate by division, follow these steps:
  1. Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
  2. Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section attached.
  3. Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
  4. Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.
Pulmonaria seed pods develop after flowers fade, and will turn brown and dry when seeds are mature.
Pulmonaria seeds are shiny, small, and dark brown to blackish when fully ripe in most species.

Problems and Pests

Pulmonaria, or Lungwort, ​plants can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape:
  • Powdery Mildew
  • Snails and Slugs
  • Aphids
For more information on these pests and diseases, including how to treat and prevent them, consult the following pages:
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Gallery

Lungwort is a common woodland plant, and does well when grown under larger trees or shrubs.
A Pulmonaria seedling.
Even out of bloom, Pulmonaria brings interest to garden beds with its light foliage.
Low-growing Pulmonaria fills garden beds with beautiful foliage and eye-catching flowers.
When in bloom, Lungwort really puts on a show.
Bees are important pollinators of Pulmonaria flowers.

Videos

Learn how to divide these flowers.
An introduction to Lungwort division.
How to identify these unique flowers.
Adding Lungwort to a shady perennial bed.

Resources

Growing Lungworts in the Home Garden
How to Grow Pulmonaria
Lungwort: A Guide to Growing Pulmonaria Plants
How to Grow and Care for Lungwort
Wikipedia: Pulmonaria
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 540, Pulmonaria