Pulmonaria (Lungwort): Early blooming perennial for shade

Constructing a garden in a shady spot is not as easy as it seems. Many flowers grow thanks to sunlight, but very few are able to thrive in dimly lit areas. Few shade-loving perennials are weak when it comes to flowering, tend to be feeble, suffer from lack of nutrition, or are prone to many fungal infections and disease. It is for this reason that people have to pay extra care and attention when choosing the right shade plants.

One highly recommended shade plant is Lungwort or Pulmonaria, which adds a great deal of variety to shady gardens. This early blooming perennial adds color to low light areas and is perfect for a shade garden. The large leaves, which have silvery or white spots on them, make it look stunning even when there is no blooming. Its mesmerizing pink to blue or purple delicate flowers, which bloom at the start of spring, is a delight to any gardener.

Growcycle is known to maintain a wide stock of seedlings and other hardy perennials suitable for various liriope for different gardens. The useful catalog makes it simple for gardeners to locate shade loving plants that blossom in the same conditions.

Historical and Medicinal Background

The term Pulmonaria is derived from the latin word lung, which is Pulmo. The association is lung health helps add to the reason why this plant is amazing. Many herbs and plants possess structures that seem to mimic lung tissues, and it is for this reason Pulmonaria has significance.

During the medieval period, herbalists would prescribe plants that resembled certain body parts to help treat injuries to said body part. For example, Pulmaria was widely known for its ability to treat all forms of lung ailments due to its shape. Coughs, asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, and other diseases were treated by encouraging the use of the plant. The admirable lungwort could be used in the form of poultices, teas, and tinctures, and were said to possess the ability to help in breathing problems and mucus removing.

Pulmaria has its unique share of folklore too, for example it being used to stop any bleeding, curing wounds and even infections of the urinary tract. Some cultures go even further and boil the leaves in an attempt to cure sore throats and even enhance digestion. Despite its rich heritage in folk medicine, pulmaria is primarily grown for ornamental purposes along with Lungwort in shade gardens where it can be admired for the exceedingly large gorgeous leaves and sprouts that bloom in early spring.

Botanical Description

The plant known as lungwort, or pulmonary, lungwort is a part of the big family of Boraginaceae (borage). Because of sophisticated surface of its leafs and early sprout blooms in spring, it is one of the most popular ornamental plants for shading gardens.

1. Growth Habit and Size

• Pulmonaria forms low-growing, clumping mounds that spread slowly through rhizomes.
• It ranges in height from 10 to 18 inches (25 to 45 cm) and can spread up to 24 inches (60 cm) wide.
• This plant has a tidy compact bushy shape which makes it a good ground cover for shaded zones.

2. Leaves and Foliage

• One of the features that makes Pulmonaria striking is its unique silvery or white in color spots or flecks. This is the most distinctive part of the foliage.
• The leaves have rough or hair like texture and are oval or lance in shape.
• Some cultivars are fully silvery, giving color to the shaded gardens.
• In mild climate regions the foliage is semi evergreen, while in extreme cold, the foliage dies back.

3. Flowers and Blooming Period

• Pulmonaria has small clusters of bell shaped flowers at the tips of stems which are produced in the spring.
• They bloom in the early to mid spring, most often earlier than other perennial flowering plants.
• Their stems have a unique feature of changing color-changing nature:
• The flowers start with a pink color that hunts then gradually turn blue or purple with aging.
• Some other variations may have white or dark violet blooms as well.
• These early flowers provide great value to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, as they are an important nectar source for them.

4. Root System

• Pulmonaria is very susceptible to the the environment due to its weak and shallow fibrous root system. Thus, it is able to establish quickly but is sensitive to drought.
• It prefers a soil that is moist and well-draining, and benefits from mulching which helps to retain moisture.

5. Reproduction and Propagation

• Over time, Pulmonaria extends through short rhizomes and gradually forms larger clumps.
• This plant can be propagated by division in early spring or fall whilst ensuring there is healthy new growth.
• Some varieties are capable of self-seeding, but it is not to an invasive level.

Types of Pulmonaria (Lungwort)

A number of species and many cultivars that have different foliage patterns and flower colors are included in pulonaria. Below are some of the most common types of Pulmonaria that today can be found in gardens:

Ideal Growing Conditions to Grow Pulmonaria

Lungwort (Pulmonaria) is a hardy perennial plant that loves shade and grows well in cool moist conditions. In order to produce healthy growth with vibrant blooms, it requires the right amount of light, soil, climate, water, and nutrients.

1. Light Requirements

Pulmonaria is ideal for areas with partial to full shade and is commonly suggested for shaded borders or woodland gardens. While it can tolerate some morning, prolonged sunlight will dry out the leaves, leading to wilting.

Diminished lighting helps mitigate moisture deficit stress which has a positive impact on its health. In addition, the dappled shade version helps in flowering and protects the plant from excess heat and dryness.

2. Soil Preferences

Pulmonaria performs best where the soil is rich, has a good drainage mechanism, as well as retaining moisture without getting waterlogged.. The ideal soil should have the following characteristics:

• Soil Type: A loamy or humus rich soil.
• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (ph 6.0-7.0) is most ideal, and will even tolerate a bit of alkaline.
• Drainage: Good drainage is a further requirement to avoid root rot. Compost or organic matter helps improve nutrient value and moisture retention.

3. Climate Zones and Temperature

Pulmonaria grows best in temperate regions and is also suited to the USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8 with cold winters and light frosts. However, the regions with hot and humid summers (zones 9+) suffer from heat stress, and it is advisable to plant these in deeper shade with sufficient mulch to cool the soil. The ideal temperature conditions for pulmonary plants are as follows:

• Spring and Fall: Roots are encouraged in colder temperatures (40 – 65 °F) leading to foliage and flower growth.
• Summer: The plant prefers moderately warm summers; a severe excess in heat (above 80 °F) may lead to dormancy.
• Winter: Pulmonary roots are hardy to the cold, but mulching helps to protect the roots during more extreme freezes.

4. Watering and Moisture Needs

Pulmonaria plants need a steady supply of moisture, but too much water impedes growth. The plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week, and additional water may be needed depending on the amount of rainfall. If there isn't sufficient watering during droughts, the plant will end up wilting. In order to retain moisture, mulch can be placed at the base of the plant. In addition, watering should be done at soil level rather than on the leaves to prevent fungal infections.

5. Fertilization Needs

Pulmmonaria does require light supplementation of organic materials as well as special fertilizers in order to grow properly. To add nutrients that the soil lacks, spreading compost or well-aged manure around the base of the plant in early March will help out.

As well as in the spring, Pulmonaria's growth is stimulated through blooming fertilizers. To promote vigor in the plant, a balanced substitute such as 10-10-10 or 5-5-5 is applied blooming. Throughout the plant, these fertilizers encourage overall vigor. It is best to not use fertilizers that are high in nitrogen during the growing season as they boost an excess of foliage at the expense of the flowers. This increases the plant’s ornamental value, which is not desirable.

Planting and Propagation Techniques

The timing of Pulmonaria planting is highly influenced by the climate. For colder areas, early spring and early autumn after the last frost are ideal planting times. This allows the roots to establish before the harsher temperatures set in.

In hotter areas, Pulmonaria is best planted in the autumn to avoid summer heat stress. If there is ample watering, this plant can also be set in mid-summer but only in the shaded regions. There are common approaches to planting Pulmonaria as follows:

1. Direct Seeding

Growing Pulmonaria from seeds might be the slower method, but it is possible. Use these steps for a successful seed germination:

1. If seeds require cold stratisfaction for germination, plant them in late summer or early fall.
2. Scatter seeds on top of the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil or compost.
3. Diligently maintain the moisture levels of the soil. This process can take several weeks to months.
4. Once seedlings develop three true leaves, thin out younger seedlings.

Because Pulmonaria seeds can be slow to sprout, many gardeners prefer dividing or transplanting for faster results.

2. Transplanting

Grown Pulmonaria is often bought from garden centers and comes as a potted plant. To transplant the plant properly, do the following:

1. Select an area that has shade and is well drained.
2. Dig a hole that is twice the diameter of the root ball and fill the hole with some compost.
3. Remove the plant, loosen the roots, and place it in the hole.
4. Cover the hole with dirt, pat it down slightly, and give it a good soak. 
5. Put a layer of mulch around the base of the shrub or flower to keep water from evaporating and to help keep the right temperature in the soil.

3. Division

Dividing Pulmonaria is the simplest method of reproduction and brings life to older plants. This is best done in early spring or fall when the plant is not actively blooming. 

1. Gently lift the plant out of the ground, taking care not to disturb the root system. 
2. Take a sharp knife or a spade and cut the clump into smaller portions that are manageable. Make sure each portion is left with some roots and leaves. 
3. Divisions should be planted in prepared soil and the portions should be 12-18 inches apart. 
4. Give the plants a good soak and cover the soil with mulch to help it keep moisture.

Troubleshooting Planting Issues

Some common gardening problems and their solutions are:

• Unsatisfactory Germination: Pulmonaria seeds can be problematic because they require cold stratification. To improve germination rates, place seeds in the fridge for a couple of weeks before planting.
• Transplant Shock: Watering the transplanted flowers abundantly tends to help with the droughts or stunted growth most plants suffer upto a year after replanting. Make sure to also keep them in the shade until the plants adapt.
• Inadequate Growth or Leaves Becoming Pale: Insufficient nutrients and overwatering can cause these problems. More compost can be added to the soil to improve growth. Also, examine the soil for adequate moisture.
• Fungal Infections: Adequate spacing, as well as avoiding overhead irrigation, can be helpful in controlling mildew.

Care and Maintenance

Pulmonaria might be just an understated, ordinary, perennial flowering plant, but any attention given can boost its growth, flowering, and resilience against diseases. Proper watering, incremental feeding, trimming, mulching, inflight pest management, and overall supervision maintain the health and increase the life span of the plant.

Pruning and Deadheading

Regularly cutting back Pulmonaria and its blooms will heighten the beauty of the plant while also prolonging its lifespan. To promote a neater appearance and new growth, cut back all blooming flowers to ground level. Cutting back damaged, yellowing, and wilting foliage makes way for new leaves to sprout.

If the plant is suffering from severe overgrowth or disease, removing the plant back to 2-3 inches (5-7cm) above the soil can help to promote new growth. Pruning lower leaves also promotes poorer air circulation, helping to reduce the risk of developing fungal diseases.

Mulching and Soil Health

It is important to apply mulch around Pulmonaria to avoid the loss of moisture, increase in temperature, and weed growth. The organic mulch comprised of shredded leaves or compost along with bark chips does maintain the soil’s coolness while preventing water loss. 

Mulch needs to be layered at 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) and should not be in contact with the base of the stem to avoid stem rot. Plants are maintained healthy by refreshing the mulch regularly and supplementing compost into the soil, which enhances the soil's fertility as well.

Pest and Disease Management

Some pests and diseases are known to be a problem Pulmonaria is more or less resistant but it is not completely immune to some common garden insect problems.

• Slugs and Snails: Irregular holes in the leaves are traced back to the feeding activity of these pests. Organic slug traps, diatomaceous earth, or hand-picking can be used to control the pest's population.
• Aphids: These minute creatures tend to suck the sap from the plant and in the process weaken it. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap or even a strong blast of water through a pipe.
• Powdery Mildew: Looks like the leaves having white patchy powder on them. Vanilla should be used under the leaves for good airflow, water should not be sprinkled from above, and fungicidal sprays should be used if needed.
• Leaf Spot: Dark patches appearing on leaves due to excessive moisture. Space the plants well, cut off the effected leaves and plant to stop the propagation.

Seasonal Care Tips

Pulmonaria requires different care strategies depending on the season:

• In spring, the plant should be topped up with some compost or a balanced fertilizer to promote strong initial growth. Water aids in blossoming, and mulching assists in soil moisture while soil is mulched.
• Watering should be increased during dry periods of summer and damaged or yellowing leaves should be cut to keep the plant healthy. Organic methods should be used for slugs and aphids as they are the most prominent pests in Pulmonaria.
• For fall, moderate watering can be practiced as the temperatures begin to decrease, and the mature clumps can be divided and replanted if necessary. The roots will need protection from frost damage, so a layer of mulch should be added before winter.

FAQs

Is Pulmonaria shade tolerant?

Yes, Pulmonaria thrives in partial to full shade and prefers cool, low-light conditions.

Is lungwort a perennial?

Yes, lungwort is a hardy perennial that returns each year with vibrant foliage and flowers.

Is lungwort an evergreen?

No, lungwort is not. In winter lungwort loses its leaves but it does get new ones in spring.

The Bottom Line

Pulmonaria can be a valuable plant in the garden as this plant is richly colored and sturdy. The minimal care needed in conjunction with outstanding foliage and beautiful spring flowers make this plant invaluable to any landscape. This plant unlike other shade plants is not weak, sick, or dead because it can actually do well in cool and moist conditions while showcasing stunning and unique leaves that are spotted throughout the year.

Knowing how to take care of the plant will ensure that it thrives for years. With its flowers and foliage, it can transform dull areas into vibrant ones. For more tips and information on perennial plants, check out Growcycle.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a passion for storytelling, he highlights the latest trends, innovations, and practices that promote ecological balance and responsible farming.