Lungworts (Pulmonaria) are low-growing, spring-flowering herbaceous plants that thrive in shade. Named after the mottled leaves of some species, which were thought to resemble lung (pulmonary) disease, lungworts were traditionally used to treat lung infections. You can buy ‘lungwort complex’ to treat lung, stomach and urinary tract issues today, however there is no scientific evidence that lungwort complex has any health benefits at all.
These days lungwort uses include shade tolerance, attractive leaves and bee-friendly flowers – lungworts are particularly associated with the hairy-footed flower bee, Anthophora plumipes.
Where to grow lungwort
Grow lungworts in moist but well-drained soil in partial shade to full shade. They work well in woodland borders and benefit from the shade produced by trees, however they may suffer in dry soils due to tree roots. A north- or east-facing border is ideal, where partial sun and moist soil offer the best growing conditions. You can also grow lungwort in pots.
When to plant lungwort
The best times to plant pulmonaria are autumn or spring, although container grown plants can be planted in summer as long as you water them regularly during dry spells.
How to plant lungwort
Plant pulmonaria singly, or in groups or drifts, in good fertile soil in partial shade. Depending on the ultimate spread of the variety, space plants between 30cm and 45cm apart. Dig a generous hole and plant the lungwort at the same depth it was in the pot. Firm gently around the rootball and water well. Lungwort needs very little feeding so there’s no need to add fertiliser to the planting hole.
How to care for lungwort
Pulmonaria is easy to grow and requires little care. Cut back the dead leaves of varieties that die back in autumn, at ground level. Evergreen varieties are best cut back immediately after flowering so the new season’s growth is shown off at its best. Mulch annually with well-rotted leaf mould or compost.
How to propagate lungwort
Lungwort may self-seed around your garden, but bear in mind that many cultivars are hybrids, so seedlings may not be true to type. The best method of propagation is therefore division. Divide lungwort after flowering or in autumn. It’s a good idea to do this every four to five years to maintain healthy growth.
Pests and diseases
Lungworts are usually free from disease and are not troubled much by slugs and snails. However, in dry soils, they can develop powdery mildew. Remove affected leaves and keep well watered, or move to a more shady area or part of the garden with more moisture-retentive soil.
Lungwort varieties to grow
- Pulmonaria ‘Dora Bielefeld’
- Pulmonaria ‘Glacier’
- Pulmonaria rubra
- Pulmonaria saccharata
- Pulmonaria rubra ‘Red Freckles’
- Pulmonaria ‘Ocupol’
Advice on buying lungwort
- Pulmonarias are available rom garden centres and nurseries. You’ll have a greater choice if you buy from an independent nursery
- Always choose plants with no signs of pests of disease
Where to buy lungwort
Frequently asked questions
Is lungwort poisonous?
Lungwort plant can be poisonous if eaten in large doses, and may cause stomach upset for cats, dogs and humans. However, bear in mind that lungwort leaves aren’t appetising to most animals and pets and wildlife would need to eat a lot of them before they became ill.
Is lungwort native to UK?
Pulmonaria officinalis, from which cultivated garden varieties of lungwort are bred from, is native to Europe and Asia. It was introduced to Britain in the 16th century and is widely grown. We do have a native species of lungwort, Pulmonaria longifolia, which is less widely grown in gardens.
