Lungwort
Pulmonaria officinalis
Lungwort is a shade-loving perennial grown for its silver-spotted leaves and early spring flowers that often open pink and age to blue on the same plant. It is an excellent groundcover for woodland and shady gardens.
- Light
- Part to full shade
- Water
- Regular; keep evenly moist
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Lungwort (genus Pulmonaria) is a group of low-growing, clump-forming perennials in the borage family, valued for both their distinctive foliage and their very early bloom.
Many varieties have leaves spotted or washed with silvery white, and their funnel-shaped flowers frequently change color as they mature, often shifting from pink buds to blue or violet open blooms, so a single cluster shows several shades at once.
The name and old medicinal use come from the spotted leaves, once thought, by the doctrine of signatures, to resemble diseased lungs.
How to identify it
Silver-spotted leaves and two-toned spring flowers are the giveaways.
- Flowers: Small funnel-shaped blooms in clusters, often opening pink and turning blue or violet; white forms exist
- Leaves: Oval to lance-shaped, rough-textured, frequently spotted or splashed with silver-white
- Habit: Low, spreading clumps usually 6-12 in tall
- Bloom time: Very early spring, among the first perennials to flower
Care & growing
Easy in shade with steady moisture.
- Light: Partial to full shade; too much sun scorches the leaves
- Water: Regular; keep soil evenly moist, especially in summer
- Soil: Rich, humus-rich, well-drained but moisture-retentive soil
- Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 3-8
- Feeding: A spring mulch of compost is usually enough
- Propagation: Division in autumn or after flowering
- Tip: If leaves get mildewed or tired in summer, cut them back to spark fresh foliage
Habitat & origin
Lungwort is native to Europe and western Asia, where it grows in deciduous woodland, shady banks, and along forest edges in cool, moist soil.
It is widely planted as a shade groundcover, woodland-garden plant, and front-of-border perennial across temperate regions.
Uses & benefits
Mainly an ornamental shade plant with herbal history.
- Excellent groundcover for shade and woodland gardens, prized for silver foliage
- One of the earliest nectar sources for spring bees, especially queen bumblebees
- Historically used in herbal medicine for lung and respiratory complaints, reflected in its name, though it is no longer a recommended remedy
- Non-toxic and safe around children and pets
Frequently asked questions
Why do lungwort flowers change color?
The blooms shift from pink to blue as they age due to changing pH in the petals, so one cluster can display both colors at once.
Will lungwort grow in deep shade?
Yes, it is one of the best perennials for shade and even tolerates fairly deep shade as long as the soil stays moist.
Why are my lungwort leaves getting powdery mildew?
Dry soil and poor air circulation encourage mildew. Keep plants evenly watered, and cut back affected foliage to encourage clean new growth.
Is lungwort good for pollinators?
Very. Its early flowers are a crucial nectar source for emerging bumblebees and other pollinators in early spring.
Lungwort guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Lungwort.
