Pulmonaria officinalis (common lungwort) — Clump-forming perennial

Overview

Pulmonaria officinalis is a clump-forming perennial perennial in the genus Pulmonaria, part of the Boraginaceae family, with spotted, silver-splashed foliage. 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 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
Habit: Clump-forming perennial
Foliage: Spotted, silver-splashed
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.
Pest resistance: Slugs, Snails
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew

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.