Narrowleaf Lungwort
pulmonaria angustifolia
Also known as: ["Lungwort","Narrow-leaved Lungwort"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to 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 angustifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: partial shade 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 to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-draining soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season, especially after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on tidiness rather than drastic cuts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily. Adjust for seasonal light changes.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light to prevent leaf burn. Avoid direct sunlight, especially in hot climates. Place in a shaded area outdoors or a north-facing window indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sun; provide dappled light; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; amend with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C). Tolerates mild frosts but avoid extreme heat.
Protect from frost; avoid hot, direct sun; maintain moderate temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilization; stop in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Division or stem cuttings. Division is the most reliable method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps by hand or sharp knife.
- Replant divisions at the same depth.
- Water well. For cuttings, take 3–4 inch stems, remove lower leaves, and plant in moist medium.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light for cuttings; division requires no special environment.
Medium
Moist, well-draining soil mix such as peat and perlite or standard potting mix.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; optional for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 3–4 weeks, full establishment in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, trowel, rooting hormone (optional), pots.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; use clean tools to prevent disease.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off faded flowers and damaged leaves with clean cuts close to the stem.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to encourage new growth and maintain appearance.
Tools
Pruning shears or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Remove dead or diseased foliage; deadhead spent flowers; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot, ensuring good drainage.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Division is often done during repotting.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; ensure drainage holes; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during spring and summer, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in fall and winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, or chlorosis in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf damage if below 20°F (-6°C).
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; mulch around the base to insulate roots.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced vigor.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season only.
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 angustifolia is not toxic to cats. The plant does not produce any known substances that are harmful to felines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPulmonaria angustifolia is not toxic to dogs. The plant does not produce any known substances that are harmful to canines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicPulmonaria angustifolia is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do the flowers change color?
A: The flowers of Pulmonaria angustifolia change from pink to blue as they age, influenced by soil pH levels.
Q: Is this plant deer resistant?
A: Yes, Pulmonaria angustifolia is generally deer resistant due to its fuzzy leaves.
Q: How much shade does it need?
A: It thrives in partial to full shade, making it suitable for woodland gardens.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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