Bring life to shady corners as early as March! Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.) is one of the first perennials to bloom in spring, with cheerful pink and blue flowers paired with unique spotted leaves. A must-have for shade gardeners, this plant offers color, texture, and resilience.
Appearance & Unique Features
- Flowers: Clusters of funnel-shaped blooms open pink and age to blue — a magical color-shifting effect.
- Foliage: Distinctive green leaves with white or silver spots, forming a lush groundcover.
- Size: Compact clumps 10–15 inches tall, spreading steadily over time.
Growing Conditions & Care
- Light: Partial to full shade; thrives under trees, shrubs, or north-facing borders.
- Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well-draining soil is ideal.
- Watering: Keep consistently moist in spring; tolerate drier conditions once established.
- Fertilizer: Light feeding in early spring improves foliage vigor.
Seasonal Care & Flowering Cycle
- Spring: First blooms (March–May), fresh foliage emerges.
- Summer: Flowers fade, foliage may tire; cut back ragged leaves to encourage new growth.
- Fall: Lush leaves persist; acts as groundcover.
- Winter: Semi-evergreen in mild climates, dies back in cold zones.
Sowing & Propagation
- Sowing Time: Sow seeds indoors in late winter or direct-sow in fall (cold stratification improves germination).
- Division: Best method — divide clumps after flowering in late spring or in fall.
- Transplanting: Space 12–18 inches apart for a carpet-like effect.
Common Problems & Solutions
- Leaf scorch in heat → Provide deep shade and mulch.
- Powdery mildew or leaf spot → Improve air circulation; remove infected leaves.
- Root rot → Avoid waterlogging; plant in raised beds if soil is heavy.
- Aphids → Hose down or treat with insecticidal soap.
Garden Uses & Companion Planting
- Pair with hostas (broad foliage contrast) and ferns (soft textures).
- Combine with astilbes or bleeding hearts for layered, seasonal color.
- Perfect for woodland borders, shady containers, or as a flowering groundcover.
Regional Tips (US/EU)
- USDA Zones 3–8: Hardy; thrives across much of North America.
- Southern US: Needs extra shade and mulch to cope with heat.
- Northern Europe: Excellent naturalizer in cool, damp woodlands.
- Mediterranean climates: Plant in deep shade and irrigate regularly.
FAQ: Quick Answers for Beginners
Q: Why are my Pulmonaria leaves turning brown?
A: Likely heat or drought stress; keep soil moist and mulch to retain coolness.
Q: Can lungwort grow indoors?
A: Not recommended — prefers cool outdoor shade.
Q: How fast does lungwort spread?
A: Slowly by clumps; divide every 3–4 years to rejuvenate.
Seasonal Planting Calendar (Infographic + PDF)
| Season | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Late Winter | Sow seeds indoors | Cold stratify for better germination |
| Early Spring | Plant/divide clumps | Best time for establishment |
| Summer | Cut back foliage | Encourages fresh leaves |
| Fall | Divide again or mulch | Prepares plants for winter dormancy |
Free Resource for Readers
Download our Shade Garden Planting Calendar (Printable PDF) to track care, propagation, and seasonal bloom times.
