How to Grow Pulmonaria

Pulmonaria

Pulmonaria officinalis

flower

Pulmonaria, also known as lungwort, is a shade-loving perennial featuring attractive spotted or mottled foliage and early spring flowers that bloom in shades of pink, blue, purple, or white. The plant is valued for its ornamental leaves that often display silver or white markings, making it decorative even after flowering. It's a low-maintenance groundcover ideal for woodland gardens and shaded borders.

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Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to full shade; 2-4 hours of dappled sunlight ideal. Tolerates deep shade but may have fewer flowers.

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during growing season, especially during dry spells. Reduce watering in winter.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches

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Days to maturity: Established flowering in 2 years from seed; blooms appear in spring of first year if planted as young plants

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Planting depth: Crown at soil level; plant transplants so top of root ball is flush with ground

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Leaf mold Peat moss or coconut coir Aged manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny leaves emerge with characteristic oval shape; very small at this stage

Keep soil consistently moist. Provide humidity if growing indoors. Thin seedlings to proper spacing.

Vegetative Growth

Several months before first flowering

Rosette of heart-shaped leaves develops; leaves show silver or white mottling begin to appear

Water regularly, maintain consistent moisture. Apply mulch around base. Ensure adequate shade.

Flowering

4-6 weeks (March-May depending on zone)

Early spring blooms in clusters above foliage; flowers change color as they age (often pink then blue on same plant)

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Provide consistent moisture.

Post-Flowering

Summer months (June-August)

Foliage expands and becomes the main feature; leaves increase in size and may show more prominent markings

Continue regular watering. Cut back any diseased or damaged leaves. Watch for mildew in humid conditions.

Dormancy/Winter

November-February

Foliage may die back or persist depending on zone; plant enters semi-dormant state

Reduce watering. Do not cut back foliage; allow it to protect crown. Apply winter mulch in colder zones.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hellebores Epimedium Hostas Ferns Coral bells (Heuchera) Bleeding heart Solomon's seal Astilbe Primrose Digitalis

Avoid planting near:

Full sun perennials like Russian sage Drought-tolerant plants requiring dry conditions Aggressive spreaders like vinca that may outcompete

Common Pests

Ensure good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if severe. Cut back affected foliage.
and
Handpick at dusk. Apply copper tape around beds. Use beer traps. Encourage natural predators.
Remove affected leaves. Improve air circulation. Water at soil level only. Apply fungicide if widespread.
Increase humidity. Spray with water to dislodge. Use neem oil if infestation is severe.

Uses

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Traditional respiratory support

Medicinal

Historically used in herbal medicine to support respiratory health, earning the common name 'lungwort.' The spotted leaves were thought to resemble lung tissue according to the Doctrine of Signatures. [source]

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Herbal tea and infusions

Culinary

Fresh or dried leaves can be steeped into a mild herbal tea. Modern culinary use is limited but some herbalists include it in throat-supporting tea blends. [source]

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Ornamental groundcover

Household

Excellent for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and under-tree planting due to its attractive mottled foliage and low maintenance requirements. Provides color when many plants struggle in shade. [source]

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Pollinator support

Wildlife

Early spring flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators emerging in early season when food sources are scarce. [source]

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Dried flower arrangements

Craft

Pressed flowers and decorative foliage can be used in dried arrangements and botanical crafts, particularly for Victorian-themed or woodland designs. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Pulmonaria is not typically harvested. Deadhead spent flowers in late spring to tidy appearance and encourage new foliage. Leaves can be used fresh for medicinal infusions (harvest in summer when fully mature), though modern use is limited. Best practice is to enjoy it as an ornamental groundcover.

Fun Facts

🌱 Pulmonaria flowers are dichromatic—they change color as they age, often opening pink or red and turning blue as they mature. This color shift may signal to pollinators which flowers have been visited.
🌱 The plant's spotted or mottled leaves inspired the medieval 'Doctrine of Signatures,' which suggested plants resembling body parts could treat those parts—hence the name 'lungwort' for a plant with lung-like spotted leaves.
🌱 Pulmonaria is one of the earliest spring bloomers in the shade garden, often flowering before snowmelt in northern regions, making it invaluable for early-season pollinator support.

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