Overview
Pulmonaria longifolia is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Pulmonaria, part of the Boraginaceae family. Pulmonaria longifolia grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover, woodland garden and shade garden. It is native to Europe.
About
Pulmonaria longifolia is a herbaceous perennial in the Boraginaceae, commonly known as narrow-leaved lungwort. It produces spring flowers that start pink and age to blue or violet, flowering from March to May. Grow it in partial shade or shade on moist, humus-rich, neutral to alkaline soil. It is fully hardy (H7) and suits sheltered, semi-shaded spots.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pulmonaria longifolia
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 longifolia is a European herbaceous perennial in the borage family that is valued for spring flowering in shady parts of the garden. Its flowers change from pink to blue or violet and appear in the main spring months of March to May. Sit it where it will receive partial shade or full shade, particularly on north, east or west-facing aspects and in sheltered positions. Soil is important: choose a moist, well-drained, humus-rich site with neutral to alkaline pH and avoid drought-prone corners. Mulching with organic material will help the soil retain moisture and supply humus as it breaks down. The plant tolerates semi-shade and will perform where light levels are lower than for many spring-flowering perennials. Use Pulmonaria longifolia as a ground cover or as part of a woodland or shade garden where its spring flowers can be seen before denser summer foliage fills the border. Because it is fully hardy (H7) it withstands UK winters in situ. The pink-to-blue colour shift in its spring flowers is a reliable seasonal marker for shady borders between March and May.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pulmonaria
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained, humus-rich
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- north, east, west
- Exposure
- sheltered, semi-shade
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Pulmonaria longifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, woodland garden, shade garden
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pulmonaria longifolia
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade. Avoid dry or exposed sites.
- Pruning
- Remove old leaves in early spring before new growth appears to tidy the plant.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed sowing in spring
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Pulmonaria longifolia?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade. Avoid dry or exposed sites.
Where is the best place to plant Pulmonaria longifolia?
Pulmonaria longifolia prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered and semi-shade positions.
What soil does Pulmonaria longifolia need?
Pulmonaria longifolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, well-drained and humus-rich. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Pulmonaria longifolia?
Remove old leaves in early spring before new growth appears to tidy the plant.
Is Pulmonaria longifolia hardy in the UK?
Pulmonaria longifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Pulmonaria longifolia?
Division in spring or autumn; seed sowing in spring.
More in the Pulmonaria genus
- Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign'Lungwort
- Pulmonaria 'Opal'Lungwort
- Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain'Lungwort
- Pulmonaria 'Diane Clare'Lungwort