Mountain Lungwort
pulmonaria montana
Also known as: ["Lungwort","Spotted Dog","Jerusalem Sage"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to mountainous regions of Europe, known for its 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 montana |
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 in spring; occasional thinning as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or overcrowded growth.
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 to brighter light if moving from shade; protect from direct midday sun to prevent leaf scorch; place in a location with dappled light or filtered shade.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Morning sun is best; avoid hot afternoon sun; provide shade during peak hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting roots dry out completely; water more during active growth periods.
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.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C). Prefers cooler conditions and can tolerate light frost.
Keep in a cool spot in summer; protect from frost in winter; avoid sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can burn roots; fertilize in spring before active growth; use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Division of rhizomes or stem cuttings in early spring or late summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide rhizomes by cutting with a sharp knife.
- For cuttings, take 3–4 inch stems, remove lower leaves, and plant in moist medium.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is not in full bloom.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light for stem cuttings; keep soil consistently moist.
Medium
Rich, well-draining soil with added compost or peat moss.
Hormone
Optional, but can help with stem cuttings.
Timeline
Rhizome division can be done immediately; stem cuttings may take 4–6 weeks to root.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), pots, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; take cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at the base; thin stems by cutting back to a healthy bud or leaf junction.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Thin out overcrowded stems to improve air circulation.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; thin overcrowded stems; clean tools before use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from the current pot, ensuring adequate root space.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil with added organic matter. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound, typically in early spring.
Checklist
Check root health; trim dead roots; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution around the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues. Allow excess water to drain away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost, peat moss, or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and moisture retention. Incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage 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
Prolonged cold or freezing temperatures can damage leaves and slow growth, though the plant is generally hardy to USDA zone 4.
Solution: Provide winter mulch to insulate roots; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering in cold weather to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaves to scorch, wilt, or dry out, especially in direct sun.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; improve air circulation around the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize in spring; use balanced formula; dilute liquid fertilizer; reduce in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season, reducing or stopping in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPulmonaria montana is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicPulmonaria montana is not known to be toxic to dogs. The plant is not listed among common toxic plants for canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicPulmonaria montana, commonly known as mountain lungwort, is not considered toxic to humans. It has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its mild expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do the flowers change color?
A: The flowers of Pulmonaria montana typically start pink and turn blue as they age, influenced by soil pH and pollination.
Q: Is this plant suitable for shade gardens?
A: Yes, Pulmonaria montana thrives in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for shaded garden areas.
Q: How should I care for this plant?
A: Plant in moist, well-drained soil in partial shade. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, and divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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