How to Grow Lungwort 'Mrs. Moon'

Lungwort 'Mrs. Moon'

Pulmonaria 'Mrs. Moon'

flower

Lungwort 'Mrs. Moon' is a semi-evergreen perennial featuring distinctive heart-shaped leaves with silver-white spots and vibrant pink flowers that mature to blue. This shade-loving groundcover blooms in spring and provides year-round foliage interest in woodland gardens and shaded borders.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Partial to full shade; 2-4 hours of indirect sunlight daily. Prefers shade in warm climates

💧

Water: Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during growing season and drought periods. Reduce watering in winter. More drought-tolerant once established

📏

Spacing: 12 inches

📅

Days to maturity: Plants reach maturity in 2-3 years

🌱

Planting depth: Plant crowns at soil level; do not bury

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Leaf mold or compost Peat moss or coconut coir Well-rotted manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in cooler climates

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

Growth Stages

Establishment

First spring/summer (3-4 months)

Young transplants develop roots and basal rosettes of spotted foliage

Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist. Mulch around plants. Avoid burying crown

Vegetative Growth

Late spring through summer (3-4 months)

Plant expands with increasing heart-shaped leaves displaying characteristic silver-white spots

Fertilize lightly in spring with balanced fertilizer. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage foliage focus

Flowering

Spring (March-May, 4-6 weeks)

Bell-shaped flowers emerge on sturdy stems, initially pink then changing to blue as they age

Deadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom. Ensure adequate moisture during this stage

Seed Development

Late spring through early summer (3-4 weeks)

After flowering, small seed pods develop if flowers are not deadheaded

Allow some flowers to remain for self-seeding if desired. Remove others to prevent excessive self-sowing

Summer Dormancy & Fall Regrowth

Summer through fall (4-5 months)

Plant maintains foliage through summer but may look less vigorous in heat; new growth emerges in fall

Continue watering during heat. In warm climates, provide afternoon shade. Cut back damaged foliage in fall

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hellebores Coral bells (Heuchera) Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) Epimedium Astilbe Solomon's seal Trillium Vinca minor Bleeding heart (Dicentra)

Avoid planting near:

Dense tree roots that compete for moisture Plants requiring full sun (will shade them out) Moss-sensitive plants

Common Pests

Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply sulfur-based fungicides if needed, thin crowded foliage
and
Remove debris and mulch that harbors them, hand-pick at night, use copper tape barriers, apply diatomaceous earth
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, prune affected foliage, encourage natural predators
Increase humidity and moisture, spray with water, apply miticide if severe

Uses

🏠

Groundcover & Border Plant

Household

Excellent for shaded woodland gardens, borders, and as a low-growing groundcover. The variegated foliage provides season-long visual interest even when not flowering. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Spring flowers attract early-season bees and other pollinators emerging from dormancy. Provides valuable nectar and pollen when few other shade plants are blooming. [source]

🎨

Cut Flowers & Foliage

Craft

Variegated leaves are attractive in floral arrangements and bouquets. The two-toned flowers (pink to blue transition) add visual interest to fresh flower designs. [source]

💊

Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

Historically, Pulmonaria species have been used in herbal medicine, particularly for respiratory support, though scientific evidence is limited. Not commonly used in modern herbalism. [source]

🍳

Edible Flowers

Culinary

Young leaves and flowers are edible and can be added to salads for mild flavor and ornamental appeal, though this is not a primary culinary use. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Lungwort 'Mrs. Moon' is not harvested for yield but rather enjoyed for ornamental value. Cut back dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring. Deadhead spent flowers in late spring to maintain appearance and prevent excessive self-seeding. Divide established clumps every 3-4 years in spring or fall for rejuvenation

Fun Facts

🌱 The common name 'lungwort' comes from the doctrine of signatures—the spotted leaves were thought to resemble diseased lungs, leading herbalists to believe the plant could cure lung ailments
🌱 The color-changing flowers of 'Mrs. Moon' serve a botanical purpose: the pink color attracts bees, and as the flower ages and self-pollinates, it turns blue as a signal to other pollinators to visit fresher flowers instead
🌱 'Mrs. Moon' was named after the famous plantswomen and gardening writer, and remains one of the most popular Pulmonaria cultivars for ornamental gardens due to its bold variegation

Want personalized planting timelines?

Get started free