About
Pulmonaria officinalis, common lungwort, is a semi-evergreen perennial to 30 cm with broad leaves heavily spotted with greenish-white. Clusters of flowers that open pink and change to blue are produced in spring. An ornamental and rewarding native lungwort for a shaded, moist border.
About the genus
Pulmonaria, the lungworts, are herbaceous or semi-evergreen, rhizomatous perennials with hairy, often attractively spotted or marbled leaves and terminal clusters of funnel-shaped flowers that open pink and turn blue or violet in late winter and early spring. Excellent ground-cover plants for shaded, moist borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens
Native toEurope
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, fertile, moist but not waterlogged soil in full or partial shade
PruningRemove old leaves after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division after flowering or in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions