Mildew Lungwort
pulmonaria mollis
Also known as: ["Mildew Lungwort","Mildew Spotted Dog","Jerusalem Cowslip"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial with spotted leaves and early spring flowers, native to Europe.
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 mollis |
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":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; every 3–4 years to divide and rejuvenate the plant.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or overcrowded stems.
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 plants gradually to sunlight changes; protect from intense midday sun; place in dappled shade for best growth.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct afternoon sun; provide filtered light; monitor for leaf scorch.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply to encourage root growth; avoid overwatering to prevent fungal diseases; adjust frequency based on season and weather.
Soil
moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, 60–75°F (15–24°C); prefers cooler conditions in summer.
Protect from extreme heat; maintain moderate temperatures; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly in spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue in late summer.
Propagation
Methods
Division of rhizomes or stem cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide rhizomes by cutting with a clean knife.
- Replant divisions at the same depth.
- 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
Moderate humidity, indirect light, and consistent moisture for cuttings; division requires minimal care.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but can help with stem cuttings.
Timeline
Rhizome division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 4–6 weeks, full establishment in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Clean knife, pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), pots, well-draining 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; divide clumps for propagation and rejuvenation.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; thin out crowded clumps to improve air circulation.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, clean knife (for division).
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; thin crowded stems; divide clumps if necessary; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with added organic matter.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; division is often done during repotting.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; avoid wetting leaves to reduce disease risk; allow excess water to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water regularly during spring and summer, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce frequency 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 root rot in cold, damp conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause root damage, especially in poorly drained soil.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; ensure good soil drainage; move potted plants to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced vigor, especially in full sun.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; improve air circulation around the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilizing; monitor plant response.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, as Pulmonaria prefers lean soil.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPulmonaria mollis is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented adverse effects associated with ingestion by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPulmonaria mollis is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented adverse effects associated with ingestion by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicPulmonaria mollis is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Pulmonaria mollis require full sun?
A: No, it prefers partial shade or full shade.
Q: Are the leaves of Pulmonaria mollis edible?
A: The leaves are not typically consumed by humans.
Q: Does Pulmonaria mollis attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is known to attract 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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