Overview
Pulmonaria officinalis is a perennial in the genus Pulmonaria, part of the Boraginaceae family. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall and 0.5 m wide. Pulmonaria officinalis grows best in full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include groundcover, woodland garden and border. It is native to Europe.
About
Pulmonaria officinalis is a shade-preferring perennial used as a low ground cover, reaching about 0.3 m high and spreading to 0.5 m. It grows best in full shade on moist but well-drained soils of sandy, loamy or clay types and tolerates acidic to alkaline pH. The plant suits north, east and west aspects and is rated H6 (very hardy). Flowering occurs from March to May.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pulmonaria officinalis
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 officinalis is a perennial native to Europe that performs as a low, spreading ground cover in shaded parts of the garden. It reaches roughly 0.3 m in height with a spread to about 0.5 m, so it fills the lower layer of borders and woodland clearings without becoming tall. The species is hardy to H6—very hardy in UK terms—and maps to USDA zones 6–9. Choose a permanently shaded spot on north, east or west aspects where the soil stays moist but drains; the plant tolerates sandy, loamy and clay soils across acidic to alkaline pH ranges. Avoid dry, exposed sites; exposure should be shade. Planting in groups or drifts suits its ground cover habit and helps suppress weed competition while the clumps establish. Use Pulmonaria officinalis in woodland gardens, shaded borders or as underplanting for taller perennials and shrubs. Its modest height and spread make it suitable for edging shady paths or filling gaps beneath shrubs where it will sit at the lowest planting level. Flowers appear March to May, offering a reliable early-season display at ground level in shaded locations.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pulmonaria
- Sunlight
- Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- north, east, west
- Exposure
- shade
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Pulmonaria officinalis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Spread
- 0.5 m
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, woodland garden, border
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pulmonaria officinalis
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in shady locations. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.
- Pruning
- Remove old or damaged leaves in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Pulmonaria officinalis?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in shady locations. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.
Where is the best place to plant Pulmonaria officinalis?
Pulmonaria officinalis prefers full shade. It suits shade positions.
What soil does Pulmonaria officinalis need?
Pulmonaria officinalis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Pulmonaria officinalis?
Remove old or damaged leaves in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Pulmonaria officinalis grow?
Pulmonaria officinalis reaches a height of 0.3 m and a spread of 0.5 m.
Is Pulmonaria officinalis hardy in the UK?
Pulmonaria officinalis has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Pulmonaria officinalis?
Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow.
More in the Pulmonaria genus
- Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign'Lungwort
- Pulmonaria 'Opal'Lungwort
- Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain'Lungwort
- Pulmonaria 'Diane Clare'Lungwort