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Plants that fill a similar niche:
Thymus vulgaris Thymus vulgaris
Viola canadensis Viola canadensis
Viola sororia Viola papilionacea
Pulmonaria officinalis has some common insect problems:
Slugs and Snails Found on Flowers and Foliage

Lungwort Pulmonaria officinalis

Phonetic Spelling
pul-mo-NARE-ee-ah oh-fish-in-AL-is
Description

Lungwort is a shade loving herbaceous perennial groundcover native to Europe in the Boraginaceae (borage) family.  Its common name, Lungwort, is derived from Medieval herbalists who believed that the plant was effective in the treatment of lung diseases.  This arose from the spots on the foliage resembling the diseased lungs of a human.

The flowers change color as they age.  Opening pink, they will change to a rose-violet color over time and at maturity will be blue.  This transformation  is due to a changing pH value within the flower.  The pink is the result of acidic content that becomes alkaline, where the flowers turn blue.  With the flowers opening at different times, you can have all three color tones displayed at the same time.

The plant spreads by rhizomes but at a very slow pace.  It isn't considered to be  invasive.  The proper amount of moisture is crucial to its survival. Soils that are too wet or too dry are detrimental to the plant's overall health.  

Division is the best form of propagation and can be done in the fall.  

Its leaves are edible.  Although quite bland, they are low in fiber and can be added to other ingredients in salads.  

Insects, Diseases, and other Plant Problems:  No serious issues.  Root rot may occur when the soil is allowed to remain wet.  Allowing the soil to dry out can cause leaf damage as well as placement in full sun.  Watch for slugs and powdery mildew.  

 

 

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Trevi Fountain'
'Trevi Fountain'
Tags:
#semi-evergreen#shade garden#rabbit resistant#interesting leaves#herbaceous#caterpillars#herbaceous perennial#groundcover#pollinator plant#edible garden#edible leaves#clay soils tolerant#fly friendly#bee friendly#black walnut toxicity tolerant#dry soils intolerant#heat intolerant#heavy shade tolerant#wet soils intolerant#edible#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Trevi Fountain'
'Trevi Fountain'
Tags:
#semi-evergreen#shade garden#rabbit resistant#interesting leaves#herbaceous#caterpillars#herbaceous perennial#groundcover#pollinator plant#edible garden#edible leaves#clay soils tolerant#fly friendly#bee friendly#black walnut toxicity tolerant#dry soils intolerant#heat intolerant#heavy shade tolerant#wet soils intolerant#edible#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Pulmonaria
    Species:
    officinalis
    Family:
    Boraginaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Europe
    Wildlife Value:
    Bees, flies, butterflies, moth caterpillars, and some wildlife are attracted to this plant.
    Play Value:
    Attracts Pollinators
    Easy to Grow
    Shade
    Edibility:
    The leaves are edible.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Perennial
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Semi-evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Creeping
    Horizontal
    Rounded
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Funnel
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    The flowers bloom in clusters. The flowers are pink when they open. Age they age, they begin to turn a rose-violet. When mature they will have again changed to blue.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Semi-evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    White
    Leaf Feel:
    Rough
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Its green leaves are splotched with white spots. The upper side of the leaf has tiny bumps. The basal leaves can grow up to 5" long. The stem leaves are somewhat shorter and not plentiful.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Form:
    Straight
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    The stems are unbranched and have a rough feel.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Patio
    Pond
    Small Space
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Edible Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rock Garden
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Small Mammals
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Rabbits