Lungwort
Pulmonaria officinalis
Also known as Common Lungwort, Jerusalem Cowslip, Joseph-and-mary
Climate Match for your location
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Lungwort is a spring-blooming perennial with attractive spotted foliage and nodding clusters of pink and blue flowers. It thrives in shaded woodland gardens and makes an excellent groundcover.
Why grow it
Lungwort offers reliable early spring color in shaded sites where many perennials struggle, with the bonus of ornamental foliage that remains attractive through the growing season. Compared to other woodland groundcovers like Helleborus or Epimedium, it establishes quickly and requires minimal maintenance once established. The bicolored flowers and spotted leaves provide layered visual interest without demanding fertile soil or frequent division.
Watch out for
Plants may develop powdery mildew in humid conditions with poor air circulation, though this rarely threatens vigor. Foliage can look ragged by late summer in hot climates or if kept consistently wet, so site selection for afternoon shade and moderate moisture helps maintain appearance. Slugs and snails may browse young growth, particularly in spring.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Boraginaceae
Native Range
Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Lungwort is a spring-blooming perennial with attractive spotted foliage and nodding clusters of pink and blue flowers. It thrives in shaded woodland gardens and makes an excellent groundcover.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Lungwort grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Lungwort offers reliable early spring color in shaded sites where many perennials struggle, with the bonus of ornamental foliage that remains attractive through the growing season. Compared to other woodland groundcovers like Helleborus or Epimedium, it establishes quickly and requires minimal maintenance once established. The bicolored flowers and spotted leaves provide layered visual interest without demanding fertile soil or frequent division.
Watch out for
Plants may develop powdery mildew in humid conditions with poor air circulation, though this rarely threatens vigor. Foliage can look ragged by late summer in hot climates or if kept consistently wet, so site selection for afternoon shade and moderate moisture helps maintain appearance. Slugs and snails may browse young growth, particularly in spring.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Boraginaceae
Native Range
Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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