How to Grow Lungwort 'Mrs. Moon'
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Lungwort 'Mrs. Moon'
Pulmonaria saccharata 'Mrs. Moon'
flowerLungwort 'Mrs. Moon' is a deciduous to semi-evergreen perennial groundcover prized for its striking variegated foliage with silvery-white spots on green leaves. In early spring, it produces delicate pink buds that open into bright blue flowers, creating a stunning two-tone color display. This shade-loving plant is excellent for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and under trees.
When should you plant Lungwort 'Mrs. Moon' in your zone?
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Example Lungwort 'Mrs. Moon' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lungwort 'Mrs. Moon'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Lungwort 'Mrs. Moon' blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lungwort 'Mrs. Moon' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in cooler regions (zones 3-6)
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Get my Lungwort 'Mrs. Moon' timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with first true leaves; foliage is plain green without variegation
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright, indirect light. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
Vegetative/Foliage Development
8-12 weeksPlant develops basal rosettes with characteristic variegated leaves showing silvery spots emerging on green background
Water regularly and mulch to retain moisture. Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer. Remove any diseased leaves immediately
Flowering
4-6 weeks (March-April)In early spring, delicate flower buds appear on short stems above the foliage, transitioning from pink to bright blue flowers in clusters
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming. Continue regular watering. Do not cut back foliage yet
Post-Flowering/Summer Dormancy
6-8 weeksFlowers fade and plant foliage may become sparse or decline in hot weather; variegation becomes more pronounced
Cut back faded foliage to 2-3 inches if plant looks shabby. Increase mulch to keep roots cool and moist. Reduce watering slightly but maintain moisture
Fall/Winter Rest
4-5 monthsPlant becomes semi-dormant; foliage may regrow fresh and variegation intensifies; plant prepares for spring flowering
Avoid cutting back new foliage. Maintain light watering. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch for winter protection in colder zones
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur or neem oil spray if infection appears. Remove affected leaves
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Remove infected leaves immediately. Improve air circulation. Apply fungicide if severe. Avoid wetting foliage
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Hand-pick early morning or evening. Use copper tape barriers. Apply diatomaceous earth around plants. Beer traps are effective
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap. Use neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Apply neem oil in late evening. Remove debris where adults hide. For severe infestations, treat roots with beneficial nematodes
Uses
Respiratory Health & Herbalism
MedicinalHistorically used in traditional herbal medicine for respiratory support and to soothe coughs. Contains mucilage compounds that may have demulcent properties. Modern herbalists use dried leaves for herbal teas [source]
Edible Flowers for Garnish
CulinaryThe delicate blue flowers are edible and make attractive garnishes for salads, desserts, and beverages. The leaves can be used fresh in small amounts to add visual interest to dishes [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
HouseholdThe unique pink-to-blue flowers are prized by florists for early spring arrangements and add delicate texture to bouquets. Foliage provides interesting variegated texture to floral designs [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe spring flowers are an important early nectar and pollen source for bees, hoverflies, and other early-season pollinators emerging from winter. Provides critical sustenance when few other flowers are blooming [source]
Herbal Drying & Decoration
CraftLeaves dry beautifully and can be pressed for botanical crafts, herbals, or dried arrangements. Flowers can also be pressed for decorative herbarium specimens or mixed media art projects [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 is grown ornamentally rather than harvested. Cut flowers for arrangements just as they fully open. Foliage can be harvested year-round for herbal use by pinching off leaves (take no more than 1/3 of plant). Best leaf harvest is spring after flowering. For dried herbal use, harvest and dry leaves in summer
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Lungwort' derives from its historical use in treating lung ailments and its leaf shape, which was thought to resemble lung tissue due to the spotted variegation—an example of the 'Doctrine of Signatures' in medieval herbalism
- 🌱 'Mrs. Moon' is named after a historic English garden cultivar and is one of the most popular variegated Pulmonaria varieties, known for its exceptional silver spotting that becomes even more pronounced in cooler weather and shade
- 🌱 Lungwort flowers are one of nature's color-changing marvels—they open pink or red and gradually shift to blue as they age due to pH changes in the flower's cell sap, sometimes displaying both colors simultaneously on the same plant
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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