What kind of soil does lungwort like?
Your plant thrives in humus and organic-rich soil with ample drainage. The ground has to have a slightly acidic to a neutral pH level. Nevertheless, lungwort can also tolerate slightly alkaline soil. If you grow your plants as a ground cover in clay soil, it helps to add some compost to help provide good drainage.
When to plant lungwort?
The ideal time to plant lungwort in your garden is the end of the spring or autumn. Lungwort loves humus-rich soil, and you need to take care that the soil is moist in the growing season. The alternative is black peat enriched soil. Once lungwort starts growing, it requires almost zero maintenance.
Why is it called lungwort?
The plant got its common name because its leaves are shaped like lungs, and lungwort was indeed once used medicinally to treat lung ailments. But today, this clump-forming plant is known mostly as a perennial landscape flower that emerges and blooms when most other plants are barely poking their heads out of the ground.
Are dogs attracted to lungwort?
Even though most pets aren’t attracted to lungwort, you should still keep your dog away from the plant. Lungwort or Pulmonaria is one of the few beautiful plants that grow well where other plants cannot. That is why it is an attractive plant for gardens that don’t get enough sun.
What zone does lungwort grow in?
This plant is hardy in zones 3 - 9.
Does lungwort grow wild?
8 Virtually Unknown Lungworts In the wild, they usually grow in deciduous woodlands. Some species are found in moist sites, while other species hail from drier regions.
Where is lungwort from?
Pulmonaria (lungwort) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae, native to Europe and western Asia, with one species (P. mollissima) east to central Asia. According to various estimates there may be between 10 and 18 species found in the wild.
How does lungwort spread?
Though they can be left undisturbed for years, lungworts can be propagated by dividing the clumps in late summer/early fall or after flowering in spring. Carefully dig up the entire clump and divide the clump into sections with a sharp knife. Each section should contain several leaves and a portion of the root system.
Is lungwort poisonous to dogs?
The leaves, stems, and flowers of lungwort contain chemical components that are toxic to dogs. When ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, neurological issues, and liver damage.
Is lungwort poisonous to humans?
Another early spring beauty, lungwort, like snowdrops, is toxic to both humans and animals. It's a delicate perennial which will not attract deer and other destructive animals. It's also a low-growing plant, though the flower stalks can reach up to 18 inches in height.
What are the benefits of lungwort?
People take lungwort to treat breathing conditions, stomach and intestinal ailments, and kidney and urinary tract problems. Lungwort is also used in cough medicines, to relieve fluid retention, and to treat lung diseases such as tuberculosis.
Is lungwort native to North America?
Facts. Bethlehem lungwort is native to Europe and widely cultivated in North America. In New England it has been collected only in Connecticut and Vermont. It is a popular garden plant, frequently used as a ground cover for shade situations.
Can you eat lungwort?
Lungwort is an easy plant to grow if you want to make sweet bouquets. She's an edible plant and can be added to salads and/or steamed like spinach.
Do you cut down lungwort in the fall?
Eventually, the mild weather of early to late spring will give way to the cloudy chill of winter—and you'll have to prune your lungwort plants. Cut the dead foliage down to the roots once it begins to discolor.
What can I plant next to lungwort?
Companion Planting with Pulmonaria Lungwort is also been known to shine next to ferns, bleeding hearts, foam flowers, and hostas. Also, as mentioned above, pulmonaria makes a great companion to trees when planted at the base.
Should you cut back lungwort?
Pruning. Remove flower stems as they finish blooming. After lungwort is finished flowering, the flower stalks turn brown and flop over, and the older leaves also begin to look tattered. Removing the entire flower stalk and the degraded leaves will encourage the plant to rejuvenate with fresh growth.
Is lungwort a wildflower?
Seasonal Wild Flowers - Lungwort.
Is lungwort native to North America?
Facts. Bethlehem lungwort is native to Europe and widely cultivated in North America. In New England it has been collected only in Connecticut and Vermont. It is a popular garden plant, frequently used as a ground cover for shade situations.
Are lungworts invasive?
Lungworts are clump-forming perennials that can be wide-spreading over time, but grow slowly and are not invasive or aggressive. The low-growing, rhizomatous nature of lungworts makes them good ground cover plants under small trees and shrubs.
Do you cut down lungwort in the fall?
Eventually, the mild weather of early to late spring will give way to the cloudy chill of winter—and you'll have to prune your lungwort plants. Cut the dead foliage down to the roots once it begins to discolor.
Is Lungwort poisonous?
It all depends on the Pulmonaria plant you have as some such as the common Lungwort is toxic while the Pulmonaria saccharata has no notes of toxicity.
What can you use Lungwort for?
People use Lungwort for the stomach, intestinal, and treating breathing conditions. Manufacturers use it in cough medicines, but we do not recommen...
What part of Lungwort is edible?
The leaves on the Lungwort Mertensia Maritima you can consume raw or cooked. The foliage has a mild but pleasant taste. Hence, you can eat the leav...
Where can you buy Lungwort?
The rare plant you can find at some local garden centers. But if you want to add it to your garden collection, you can find the Lungwort here at Pl...
What is a lungwort?
Varieties. Back to Top. Lungwort ( Pulmonaria spp.) is an early spring blooming plant with a somewhat unfortunate common name. The plant got its common name because its leaves are shaped like lungs, and lungwort was indeed once used medicinally to treat lung ailments. But today, this clump-forming plant is known mostly as a perennial landscape ...
What type of soil do lungworts prefer?
Soil. Lungwort plants prefer to grow in organically rich, humusy soil. The soil also must have good drainage. The plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH but can tolerate slightly alkaline soil as well.
What is the name of the plant with white flowers and pink leaves?
Pulmonaria officinalis 'Sissinghurst White': This plant has long, speckled leaves with pale pink buds that open to pure white blooms.
What is the color of Pulmonaria smoke blue?
Pulmonaria 'Smokey Blue': This plant has silvery spotted foliage with pink flowers that turn blue.
How to propagate Pulmonaria?
Instead, most propagation occurs from division. After a mature plant is done flowering, carefully dig it up while keeping the roots intact. Gently pull apart the clump, separating the roots. Then, replant the clumps wherever you'd like.
Can lungworts grow in shade?
However, harsh direct sun in hot weather can wilt the plant and scorch its leaves. 2 But too much shade can minimize the plant's blooms.
When do lungs wilt?
They start growing as soon as the danger of frost has passed in the spring. Hot summer weather might cause them to wilt; however, they should perk up again once the cooler temperatures of fall arrive.
Is it Pulmonaria saccharata or Pulmonaria officinalis?
Interestingly enough, both these plants belong to the same genus Pulmonaria. The fact is that the Pulmonaria saccharata is known as the Bethlehem lungwort native to Italy and France. Meanwhile, the Pulmonaria officinalis is the original Lungwort that many people get confused with P. saccharata.
Lungwort Plant Care
No matter what species of Pulmonaria you have, care and maintenance are basically the same for both. So, let’s get to taking care of these gorgeous plants with their dark green leaves.
Lungwort Varieties and Similar Plant Trees
You can grow this plant in the sun, and it has long narrow leaves, and they are mildew resistant. The foliage is known as the purple Lungwort.
Lungwort Diseases & Pests
Your Lungwort is primarily free from pests and diseases. Suppose you grow it in dry soil, powdery mildew forms on the foliage. You can remove the leaves and water them well. Or, you can remove them from the shaded spot and transplant them into well-draining soil in partial sun.
Where did lungwort originate?
Lungwort got its start as a garden plant in Europe, and many of the later varieties were from there as well. In the early to mid-'90s, lungwort became more visible in the United States, with many new varieties introduced. Though it fell out of fashion for a while, lungwort is now back on the rise.
What color are lungwort leaves?
However, lungwort does have pretty spring blooms that are almost tissue paper-like in appearance and come in a variety of colors. They fade beautifully in color, starting as a lovely shade of red; as they age, they become a rich purple. Medium green lance- and heart-shape leaves on lungwort sport silver speckles.
How tall does Pulmonaria saccharata grow?
Pulmonaria saccharata 'Excalibur' has silver leaves rimmed and veined with emerald. Its rose pink flowers bloom in spring. It grows to 9 inches tall and is hardy in Zones 4-8.
What is the name of the plant that resembles a body part?
In the past, people believed that when a plant resembled a body part, it was capable of curing ailments of said part. Lungwort 's leaves reminded early botanists of a diseased lung, and therefore people thought the plant could cure respiratory issues. This led to its common name, but it does not in fact have any medical properties. However, lungwort does have pretty spring blooms that are almost tissue paper-like in appearance and come in a variety of colors. They fade beautifully in color, starting as a lovely shade of red; as they age, they become a rich purple.
What zone does Pulmonaria opal grow in?
Pulmonaria 'Opal' bears beautiful pale blue flowers flushed with pink and silver-spotted leaves on a 10-inch-tall plant that grows well in Zones 4-8.
When does pulmonaria saccharata bloom?
Pulmonaria saccharata 'Benediction' produces beautiful deep blue violet flowers in early spring. Its leaves are lightly spotted and remain handsome through the season. It grows to 10 inches tall and is hardy in Zones 4-8.
When did lungwort become more popular?
In the early to mid-'90s, lungwort became more visible in the United States, with many new varieties introduced. Though it fell out of fashion for a while, lungwort is now back on the rise. New varieties focus on tougher plants with increased disease resistance and longevity.
Where do lungworts grow?
In shady spots lungwort’s leaves will pick up the light and create a lovely contrast to surrounding greenery. Native to Europe and Asia, lungwort will thrive in temperate climates, spreading by rhizome to form new clumps.
What is a lungwort?
In the dappled shade of woodlands (or under a tree in your garden), lungwort is an unobtrusive ground cover and will surprise you every spring with a burst of small blue, pink, or coral flowers.
What is the best plant to grow with silver leaves?
Its lovely foliage is lungwort’s greatest asset, however; you can find Pulmonaria cultivars with spotted leaves, leaves splashed with silver, white leaves with spots of green, or pale silver with a green rim. In shady spots lungwort’s leaves will pick up the light and create a lovely contrast to surrounding greenery.
Is lungwort a ground cover?
In dappled shade, lungwort is a useful ground cover; speckled leaves will pick up light and the plant will surprise you each spring with a burst of flowers. Type Ground cover. Lifespan Perennial. USDA Zones 4-8. Light Partial shade.
Why is a lungwort called a lungwort?
Description. Lungwort was historically used for treating lung ailments because the spotted leaves resemble the lung, thus the scientific and common name. It is beautiful in the shade garden, where its large, fuzzy rosette of leaves makes a soft ground cover. 'Mrs.
What is the best soil for a lungwort?
Moon' has pink flowers and silver spotted foliage; 'Sissinghurst White' has white flowers. Lungwort grows best in cool, moist soil that is high in organic matter. These plants can be propagated by division in fall or by seed sown in early spring.
What is the Best Location for Lungwort?
Shady but moist locations are the best for lungwort. But, you need to pick the spot carefully to ease the maintenance. For example, if you plant your lungwort under the tree, it will be in the shade, but you need to water it frequently as the tree will absorb most of the water.
How to Grow Lungwort from Seeds?
While it isn’t common for gardeners to grow lungworts from seeds, you can still do it.
How does Lungwort Look?
Lungwort doesn’t grow high, but the flower stalks in some cultivars reach 18 inches.
How to Plant Lungwort Properly?
The ideal time to plant lungwort in your garden is the end of the spring or autumn. Lungwort loves humus-rich soil, and you need to take care that the soil is moist in the growing season. The alternative is black peat enriched soil.
How Much Light does Lungwort Need?
It is best to grow it in part or even full-shade location. However, lungwort can do well with a little sun at the beginning of the blooming season.
What is Optimal Amount Fertilizer for Lungwort?
Conveniently, Pulmonaria doesn’t need frequent fertilizer. The only time where it could use a bit of boost is early spring.
What are Ideal Air Conditions for Lungwort?
Lungwort grows excellently when the frost passes. Generally, lungwort doesn’t enjoy extreme temperatures, including hot, humid, and cold weather.
Why is lungwort called lungwort?
The name Lungwort was given to this beautiful shady perennial, because its leaves were thought to resemble the human lung. Because of this, it was used medicinally to treat lung conditions.
How tall do pulmonaria grow?
If given ample shade and water in a well draining area, you should see plants growing to just over a foot tall with bases up to a foot and a half wide. Most pulmonaria enjoy a soil ranging from neutral to slightly alkaline, in the 7.0 to 7.5 range. More importantly, a soil that retains water just long enough for their active and shallow root systems to absorb what they need.
How to treat powdery mildew on Pulmonaria?
Another treatment option would be to use a preventative fungicide spray after the plants have finished blooming. This way, you still retain some healthy plant life instead of practically starting from scratch. Either way, be sure to mulch and add in compost or peat humus to help aerate the topsoil to prevent recurrence if powdery mildew shows its head.
How many different types of pulmonaria are there?
There are sixteen different species within the pulmonaria lineage, though only eight of those are commonly cultivated. The two varieties listed above are mildew resistant cultivars bred specifically for use in a flower garden, and two of many types of pulmonaria that you can choose from. Different types of pulmonaria do better in different zones and regions, and there is also a wide array of colors to choose from when selecting lungwort varieties, though most varieties do tend to change color over time.
What is the color of Pulmonaria?
The Margaery Fish Lungwort blooms emerge with bright pink and magenta hues that slowly turn to deeper tones of blue and purple as the plant gets older.
What grasses are good companions for pulmonaria?
Other good companions to pulmonaria include ornamental grasses such as carex and Hakone grass, who love hanging out in the shade, like lungwort. Lungwort is also been known to shine next to ferns, bleeding hearts, foam flowers, and hostas.
What flowers go well with pulmonaria?
and together, they make a wonderful pairing. Other good companions to pulmonaria include ornamental grasses such as carex and Hakone grass, who love hanging out in the shade, like lungwort.
Lungwort Care
Lungwort plants are simple to care for because they essentially enjoy being ignored. They do not need to be pruned, fertilized, or even watered often and can thrive in moist, cool, and shady weather.
Potting and Repotting Lungwort
To pot or repot your Lungwort, dig up the roots from your plant’s current pot or spot in the ground and simply repot them in a regular indoor terra cotta or ceramic pot.
Propagating Lungwort
If attempting to propagate Lungwort, is it imperative to remember that Lungwort is not usually started from seed. Lungwort is often easily propagated from the plant and its roots after division. To successfully propagate Lungwort, try the following:
Description
Appearance
- Pulmonaria is a low growing plant, although the flower stalks can reach a foot and a half. Bees love the blossoms. Its oval, pointed leaves can be solid green of varying intensity or variegated with spots or splashes of white. The leaves have a layer of fuzz on them and the color variations make them look like they were splashed with bleach.
Cultivation
- Pulmonaria plants are naturals for shady woodland gardens. The white-flowered varieties really glow against the green foliage. You can also plant them in a sunny border, among later maturing perennials, for a shot of spring color. Pulmonaria can handle full sun in the spring and the leaves of taller, summer perennials will provide shade for it later in the season. This flower looks especi…
Prevention
- Lungworts only need to be watered in times of drought. Because they grow in the shade, the soil tends to stay moist for longer than if it was in the harsh sun. When watering, soak the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches.
Preparation
- They don't require frequent or heavy fertilization. In the early spring, sprinkle a small amount of all-purpose garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, around each plant.
Symptoms
- After flowering, the flower stalks turn brown and flop over. The initial leaves also begin looking tattered. Removing the entire flower stalk and the older leaves will encourage the plant to rejuvenate and look fresh again. More de-leafing may be necessary if the summer weather is particularly hot or dry.