Lungwort (pulmonaria) Pulmonaria officinalis
Lungwort (pulmonaria) (Pulmonaria officinalis) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Boraginaceae family, native to Europe (woodland, from Germany to the Balkans). It grows 20–30 cm (8–12 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Lungwort (pulmonaria) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Mature height | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Europe (woodland, from Germany to the Balkans) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Lungwort (pulmonaria) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: foliage
Boraginaceae contain small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids; occasional herbal use but not recommended in quantity.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Lungwort (pulmonaria)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Lungwort (pulmonaria)
- How far apart should I plant Lungwort (pulmonaria)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Lungwort (pulmonaria) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Lungwort (pulmonaria) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Lungwort (pulmonaria)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Lungwort (pulmonaria) flower?
- From about March for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Lungwort (pulmonaria) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Boraginaceae contain small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids; occasional herbal use but not recommended in quantity.
- What grows well with Lungwort (pulmonaria)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Lungwort (pulmonaria). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Semi-evergreen; early nectar for bumblebees. Flowers open pink and age to blue. Powdery mildew in dry summers; cut back after flowering.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Borage Borago officinalis
- Comfrey Symphytum officinale
- Woodland forget-me-not Myosotis sylvatica
- Heliotrope Heliotropium arborescens
- Tree echium (giant viper's bugloss) Echium pininana
- Virginia bluebells Mertensia virginica
- Pride of Madeira Echium candicans
- Chatham Island forget-me-not Myosotidium hortensia