Dusky Lungwort
pulmonaria obscura
Also known as: ["Dusky Lungwort","Shady Lungwort"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with spotted leaves and pink to blue flowers, native to Europe.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Boraginales |
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Genus: | Pulmonaria |
| Botanical Name: | Pulmonaria obscura |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shaded 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: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Rich, moist, 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 for stronger light in spring/summer by providing dappled shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch; place in a sheltered spot outdoors or near an east-facing window indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sunlight; provide dappled shade; monitor for signs of stress in changing light conditions.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; avoid waterlogging; ensure good drainage.
Soil
moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; enrich with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C). Prefers cooler conditions, especially during flowering in spring.
Keep in cooler areas; protect from extreme heat; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly and infrequently; stop before dormancy; use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Division of rhizomes or stem cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Division: Dig up clump, separate rhizomes, replant immediately.
- Cuttings: Take 3–4 inch stems, remove lower leaves, plant in medium, keep moist.
Best Time: Early spring or early fall when the plant is not in full bloom.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light for cuttings; normal garden conditions for divisions.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for cuttings; garden soil for division.
Hormone
Optional for stem cuttings, but not necessary for division.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; Stem cuttings: roots in 4–6 weeks, mature plant in 3–4 months.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, pruning shears, pots, rooting medium.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; take cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim back old or damaged leaves; divide clumps if overcrowded.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming and maintain tidy appearance; thin out overcrowded stems to improve air circulation.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, clean knife.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; cut back damaged leaves; thin overcrowded stems; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound to refresh soil and encourage growth.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water at the base; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the day to minimize leaf wetness and prevent fungal issues. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Increase frequency during active growth in spring and early summer; reduce in winter.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf yellowing, or cessation of flowering in excessive heat; cold damage may cause leaf browning or necrosis.
Cold Stress
Pulmonaria can tolerate light frosts but prolonged cold or freezing temperatures may damage leaves and flowers.
Solution: Mulch around the base to insulate roots; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold weather to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause the plant to wilt, flower prematurely, or stop producing new growth.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity around the plant; water more frequently but ensure good drainage.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early summer). Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPulmonaria obscura is not considered toxic to cats. It does not produce any known harmful effects when ingested by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPulmonaria obscura is not considered toxic to dogs. It does not produce any known harmful effects when ingested by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicPulmonaria obscura is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pulmonaria obscura toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does this plant require full sun?
A: No, it prefers partial shade or full shade.
Q: Does Pulmonaria obscura attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees and butterflies.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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