Longleaf Lungwort
pulmonaria longifolia
Also known as: ["Jerusalem sage","Spotted dog","Mary's milk bottles"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial with spotted, lance-shaped leaves and clusters of pinkish-purple flowers that age to blue.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Boraginales |
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Genus: | Pulmonaria |
| Botanical Name: | Pulmonaria longifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shady garden bed or woodland setting
- 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; should not stay waterlogged but retain some moisture.
- Soil Type: Rich, fertile, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, diseased, or damaged leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 3–4 hours of morning sunlight or bright indirect light is ideal. Avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from scorching midday rays; in hot climates, keep in dappled shade.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Morning sun is best; avoid direct afternoon sun; adjust placement based on season.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting roots dry out completely; water early in the day to reduce fungal risk.
Soil
moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Keep soil consistently moist; enrich with organic matter annually; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, 50–70°F (10–21°C). Prefers cooler conditions and can tolerate light frost.
Protect from extreme cold; provide shade in hot weather; maintain consistent temperatures if possible.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize in spring/summer only; dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; water before applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Division or stem cuttings. Division is the most reliable method for Pulmonaria longifolia.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Division: Dig up clump, divide into sections with roots, replant immediately.
- Cuttings: Take 3–4 inch stem, remove lower leaves, plant in medium, keep moist.
Best Time: Early spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
Moderate humidity, partial shade, and consistent moisture for cuttings; division requires no special environment.
Medium
Rich, well-draining soil with added compost or peat moss.
Hormone
Not typically necessary for division; rooting hormone can help with stem cuttings.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 3–4 weeks, mature plant in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife or shears, rooting hormone (optional), pots or planting site.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; take cuttings from non-flowering stems; keep cuttings consistently moist.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip individual leaves at the base with clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed. Focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to improve appearance and health.
Tools
Sharp scissors or small pruners, clean cloth for sterilization.
Checklist
Remove only dead/damaged leaves; sterilize tools; prune before new growth starts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant, trim any dead roots, repot in fresh, well-draining soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Division is often done during repotting.
Checklist
Check for root-bound roots; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water at the base; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone. Water until it drains from the bottom, but avoid pooling. Morning watering is ideal to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring/summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall/winter. Adjust based on rainfall and humidity.
Soil Improvement
Add compost, peat moss, or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; ensure good drainage with perlite or sand if needed.
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
Slows growth and can cause leaf damage or dieback if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C) without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from harsh winds; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop severely.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or develop brown edges; growth may slow or stop in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak sun hours; increase watering frequency; improve air circulation around the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPulmonaria longifolia is not considered toxic to cats. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPulmonaria longifolia is not considered toxic to dogs. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicPulmonaria longifolia is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pulmonaria longifolia deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant.
Q: Does this plant require full sun?
A: No, it prefers partial shade to full shade.
Q: Are the leaves always spotted?
A: Yes, the leaves are typically spotted with silver or white markings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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