Pulmonaria angustifolia (narrow-leaved lungwort) — herbaceous perennial

Overview

Pulmonaria angustifolia is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Pulmonaria, part of the Boraginaceae family. It typically grows around 0.3 metres tall. Pulmonaria angustifolia grows best in partial shade and full shade, and tolerates well-drained and humus-rich soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover, woodland garden and border. It is native to Europe.

About

Pulmonaria angustifolia is an herbaceous perennial notable for its narrow leaves and compact habit. It reaches about 0.3 metres in height and flowers in spring. Plants prefer partial to full shade and a moist, humus-rich soil. It suits ground cover, woodland garden planting and the front of a shaded border.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pulmonaria angustifolia

About the genus

Pulmonaria (lungwort) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae, native to Europe and western Asia, with one species east to central Asia. According to various estimates there may be between 10 and 18 species found in the wild.

Wikipedia contributors, "Pulmonaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pulmonaria

In the garden

Pulmonaria angustifolia is a low-growing herbaceous perennial native to Europe, valued where shade and moisture limit other spring-flowering plants. It forms a close-knit, leafy patch to roughly 0.3 metres high and provides early-season structure in a shade border. Flowering takes place from March to May. Plant in partial or full shade where the soil remains moist and rich in humus; a well-drained but moisture-retentive loam with neutral to alkaline pH suits it best. Mulch at planting with organic matter to help retain moisture and moderate soil temperature. The species is rated H7 in UK hardiness terms, meaning it is fully hardy outdoors through typical UK winters. Use narrow-leaved lungwort as a ground cover beneath trees and large shrubs, in woodland garden schemes or at the front of shaded mixed borders. Its compact stature makes it effective for filling gaps between clumps of taller perennials. Expect spring flowering from March to May, after which attention can turn to keeping the root run mulched and the soil evenly moist through the growing season.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Pulmonaria

Sunlight: partial shade, full shade
Soil type: well-drained, humus-rich
Soil pH: neutral, alkaline
Soil moisture: moist
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Pulmonaria angustifolia size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: herbaceous perennial
Height: 0.3 metres
Suggested uses: groundcover, woodland garden, border
Native to: Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Pulmonaria angustifolia

Cultivation: Prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Avoid dry or waterlogged conditions.
Pruning: Remove old leaves in early spring before new growth appears to tidy the plant.
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but less common.