Lungwort
pulmonaria officinalis
Also known as: ["Spotted dog","Jerusalem sage","Mary's milk bottles"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial with spotted leaves and early spring flowers that change color from pink to blue.
Benefits & Perks
["early flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Boraginales |
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Genus: | Pulmonaria |
| Botanical Name: | Pulmonaria officinalis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shady garden beds or woodland gardens
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much water.
- Soil Type: Rich, fertile, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged foliage.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on selective removal rather than heavy cutting.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily. Adjust to dappled sunlight in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light to prevent leaf burn. In hot climates, provide shade during peak afternoon sun. Indoors, place near an east-facing window or filtered light area.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct afternoon sun; provide dappled light in gardens; rotate indoor plants for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot; adjust based on weather and soil moisture.
Soil
moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; enrich soil with organic matter annually; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C). Prefers cooler conditions and can suffer in prolonged heat.
Protect from extreme heat; mulch to regulate soil temperature; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize in early spring before new growth; use a balanced formula; stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Division or stem cuttings. Division is the most reliable method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps by gently separating roots.
- Cut stems just below a node.
- Plant divisions or cuttings in prepared medium.
Best Time: Early spring or early fall when the plant is not in full bloom.
Environment
Shaded, humid environment with consistent moisture for cuttings; normal garden conditions for divisions.
Medium
Rich, well-draining soil with added compost or peat moss for division; moist perlite or sand for stem cuttings.
Hormone
Not necessary for division; optional for stem cuttings to encourage rooting.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 3–6 weeks, mature plant in 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional).
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; use clean tools to prevent disease; keep cuttings consistently moist.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead flowers by cutting just above a leaf or bud; trim leaves with clean, sharp scissors.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming and maintain tidy appearance. Trim damaged or yellowing leaves to improve plant health.
Tools
Pruning shears, scissors, or a sharp knife.
Checklist
Remove spent blooms; cut damaged leaves; clean tools before use; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from the current pot; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound to refresh soil and encourage growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning; avoid wetting foliage; ensure drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution to the root zone. Water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal issues. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Increase frequency during active growth in spring and early summer; reduce in fall and winter.
Soil Improvement
Add compost, peat moss, or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or leaf drop in excessive heat; stunted growth or browning leaf edges in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Pulmonaria can tolerate light frost but prolonged cold or freezing temperatures may damage leaves and slow growth.
Solution: Mulch around the base to insulate roots; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering, especially if combined with drought.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation to reduce humidity.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid late-season fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply every 4–6 weeks during active growth in spring and early summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPulmonaria officinalis is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicPulmonaria officinalis is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicPulmonaria officinalis is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has been used traditionally in herbal medicine for its mild expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do the flowers change color?
A: The flowers of Pulmonaria officinalis change from pink to blue as they age, influenced by soil pH levels.
Q: Is lungwort deer resistant?
A: Yes, lungwort is generally deer resistant due to its fuzzy leaves, which are less appealing to deer.
Q: Can lungwort be grown in full sun?
A: Lungwort prefers partial shade, especially in warmer climates, though it can tolerate some morning sun.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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