Lungwort 1 to 7 of 7 total
Lungwort 1 to 7 of 7 total
Lungwort
Uses:
- Shaded Borders
- Woodland & Cottage Gardens
- Container Gardens
Features:
- Speckled, Lance-Shaped Foliage
- Deer & Rabbit Resistant
- Clusters of Bell-Shaped Flowers
Sunlight:
- Full Shade to Partial Sun
- Under 5 Hours of Direct Sun
- North Or East Side of Homes
Growing Zones:
- 3-9
- What is My Zone?
Lungwort, botanically known as Pulmonaria, is an herbaceous perennial that appreciates shady, moist locations. The fuzzy foliage has silver specks and provides an interesting visual display all growing season. Pink bell-shaped blooms appear in early spring and transition to blue-violet with age. This plant forms mounded clumps that slowly spread over time and make an attractive groundcover.
About Lungwort
Genus
Pulmonaria
Species
Pulmonaria officinalis, Pulmonaria angustifolia, Pulmonaria saccharata, Pulmonaria rubra
Family
Boraginaceae
Common Names:
Bethlehem Sage, Spotted Dog
Native To:
Europe and western Asia
Plant Type:
Annuals
Foliage Type:
Evergreen, herbaceous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3-9
Flower Color:
White or lavender to purple
Flower Bloom Time:
Spring
Growth Habit:
Clumping
Attracts:
Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Tolerates
Shade, heat, humidity
Resists:
Deer, rabbit
How To Use Lungwort In The Garden
Lungwort (Pulmonaria) is a semi-evergreen perennial renowned for its early spring blooms and distinctive foliage. The plant features fuzzy, speckled leaves and bell-shaped flowers that can be deep pink, violet, or blue. Flower stalks may reach up to 18 inches, supporting the charming blooms. Thriving in USDA hardiness zones 3-8, this deer-resistant perennial thrives in dry shade once established, tolerating root competition under trees.
Lungwort excels as a groundcover due to its low-growing, clump-forming habit. It flourishes in shady areas with moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil, making it ideal for planting under tree canopies or in woodland gardens. Pair it with ferns or hostas for layered texture, or leverage its silvery leaves to illuminate moon gardens and woodland edges. Compact growth makes it suitable for edging pathways or filling containers, where its foliage contrasts sharply with darker-leaved companions.
Lungwort Care
Lungwort should be planted in late spring or summer in a shady location with a few hours of dappled morning sunlight. These plants prefer moist, humus-rich soil and can tolerate clay-based soils. Maintaining adequate moisture is crucial, as lungworts prefer not to dry out; however, the soil should never be soggy to prevent disease issues. Fertilize at the beginning of the growing season by sprinkling a granular, slow-release fertilizer around the root zone, and topdress the soil with compost annually.
Prune lungwort at the end of fall as the foliage starts to fade and turn brown; in warmer climates, cut back in early spring before new growth begins. Remove flower stalks as the flowers finish blooming throughout the growing season to encourage new healthy growth. For winter care, apply a two-inch layer of mulch before winter to insulate the root system and crown, reducing stress from frost heaves. In containers, lungwort requires frequent watering and should be repotted annually to provide space for the roots to expand.
Learn More About Lungwort
Lungwort Companion Plants
Dappled light, consistently moist yet well‑drained soil, and humus‑rich conditions keep lungwort happiest, so any companion must likewise tolerate shade and evenly damp ground. Hydrangea is ideal because its taller canopy supplies the filtered sun lungwort craves and its later‑season flower heads extend color once the pulmonaria fades. To round out the planting, astilbe contributes airy plumes that contrast the spotted leaves, caladium offers dramatic architectural foliage that rises behind the low clumps, and primrose carpets the foreground with prolonged spring bloom that matches lungwort’s woodland temperament.
