Pulmonaria officinalis
common lungwort
A semi-evergreen perennial to 30cm tall, with broad leaves spotted freely with greenish-white, and clusters of flowers opening pink and soon changing to blue, in spring
Other common names
Bedlam cowslipbeggar's basket
see morebugloss cowslip
Jerusalem cowslip
lady's cowslip
Mary's honeysuckle
Mary's tears
soldiers and sailors
spotted dog
Virgin Mary's honeysuckle
Adam and Eve
Jerusalem sage
lady's milk
sage of Bethlehem
Synonyms
Pulmonaria officinalis subsp. maculosaSize
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Blue Pink | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Pulmonaria can be herbaceous or semi-evergreen rhizomatous perennials with terminal clusters of funnel-shaped flowers in late winter or early spring, and often strikingly patterned leaves developing in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, fertile, moist but not waterlogged soil in full or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by division after flowering or in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- City and courtyard gardens
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
Pruning
Remove old leaves after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be subject to powdery mildews in dry conditions
Get involved
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