Eye-catching foliage and vibrant flowers in shades of pink, blue, or purple make Lungwort a standout choice for gardens
Lungwort plants are pretty easy to grow and care for, and with their vibrant, changing flower colors and silver-speckled foliage, they’re a charming addition to any shade garden.
Pulmonaria, commonly known as Lungwort, is a genus of flowering plants in the Boraginaceae family. Native to Europe and western Asia, this plant is cherished for its ornamental leaves and delicate, early-spring flowers.
One interesting fact about Pulmonaria is its common name, Lungwort. The name derives from the Doctrine of Signatures, an old belief that plants resembling certain human physical attributes could treat ailments of those body parts. In this case, the speckled leaves of Pulmonaria were thought to resemble a diseased lung and were traditionally used in treating respiratory conditions. However, there’s no scientific evidence to support the plant’s efficacy in treating such ailments.
Habit and Size: Lungwort exhibits a clump-forming growth habit, reaching heights of approximately 8-12 inches (20-30 cm), and 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) width. It is a low-growing plant often utilized as ground cover in shady areas.
Flowers: The flowers of Pulmonaria are one of its standout features. These bell-shaped blossoms cluster atop slender, upright stems and transition in color as they mature, generally from pink to blue-violet, although white varieties also exist.
Foliage: Possibly even more notable than its flowers is Lungwort’s distinctive foliage. The leaves are large, ovate or lance-shaped, and often boast a speckled or mottled pattern of white or silver against a deep green backdrop.
Blooming Season: The blooming season for Pulmonaria is early to mid-spring, often blooming in tandem with other spring favorites like daffodils and tulips.
Hardiness: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9.
Uses: In the garden, Lungwort can be used in a variety of ways. Due to its tolerance of shade, it is often found in woodland gardens, shady borders, and under tall trees or shrubs. Its interesting foliage adds texture and color to the garden even when the plant is not in bloom.
Pollinators: The flowers of Pulmonaria attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, providing a valuable early nectar source.
Deer and Rabbit: The hairy leaves tend to deter deer and rabbits.
There are many reasons why growing Lungwort can be a rewarding addition to your garden. Here are a few reasons to consider:
Early Spring Blooms: Lungwort is one of the earliest perennials to bloom, offering beautiful flowers in the early spring when many other plants are still dormant. These blossoms provide an essential source of early-season nectar for pollinators.
Interesting Foliage: Lungwort’s foliage is attractive even when the plant is not in bloom. The leaves are usually green with unique silver or white spots, adding color and texture to your garden throughout the growing season.
Shade Tolerance: Pulmonaria is an excellent plant for shady locations in your garden. It can help fill in under trees and shrubs or brighten up a shady border where many other plants struggle.
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Lungwort’s hairy leaves are generally unappetizing to deer and rabbits, making this plant a good choice for gardens where these pests are a problem.
Attracts Pollinators: The spring flowers of Lungwort attract bees and butterflies, helping to support these beneficial insects.
Low Maintenance: Once established, Lungwort requires minimal care. It’s resistant to most pests and diseases and can tolerate a bit of drought.
Versatile Planting Options: Lungwort works well in a variety of garden settings, including woodland gardens, rock gardens, and perennial borders. It can also be used as ground cover.
In conclusion, if you have a shady spot in your garden that needs a touch of color, or if you want to attract pollinators early in the season, Lungwort could be a great choice for you.
Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
5 - 8 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Genus | Pulmonaria |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), |
Height | 8" - 1' (20cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Chalk, Clay |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
5 - 8 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Genus | Pulmonaria |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), |
Height | 8" - 1' (20cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Chalk, Clay |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!