We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Pulmonarias?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,257
Share

Pulmonarias or lungworts are perennial plants which are famous for their foliage and early Spring blooming. In addition to growing wild in many parts of the world, Pulmonarias are also cultivated in gardens, especially in Europe and parts of North America. These plants come in a dizzying array of cultivars and species with a wide assortment of colors and foliage patterns to choose from, and they are easy to care for, making them popular choices with some gardeners.

In addition to being known as lungworts, Pulmonarias are also called soldiers and sailors or spotted dogs, depending on the cultivar. The common name lungwort is a reference to the appearance of the leaves, which Medieval Europeans thought resembled diseased lungs; in the tradition of sympathetic medicine, lungwort was often prescribed for various respiratory conditions. The Latin name for the genus, Pulmonaria, comes from the Latin word for “lung.” Wort, incidentally, is the Saxon word for “plant.”

These plants classically grow low to the ground, forming rosettes of variously shaped leaves which are typically covered in fine hair. The leaves may be solid green or stippled with color, depending on the cultivar, and the white, blue, or pink flowers grow on long, hairy stalks which emerge in the early Spring. The leaves will persist year round, and the plants spread quickly, making them an excellent choice for lush green groundcover. If your garden starts to feel dull in the winter, lungworts can help liven it up by creating a bright spot of green foliage.

Recommended USDA zones for lungworts vary, depending on the species and cultivar, but generally they are hardy in zones three through eight. They prefer partial shade and soil which retains water well; Pulmonarias are often planted in woodland gardens for this very reason. As a general rule, they don't require much care, although if the leaves start to brown in the summer, they benefit from a bit of mulch. Pulmonarias should also be dug up and divided every three years or so.

There are so many cultivars of this plant with such different looks that you may want to purchase mature plants from a nursery, preferably in the spring so that you know what color the flowers will be. Be aware that Pulmonarias also hybridize very readily, so it is a good idea to deadhead the plants as soon as they are done blooming, to prevent the rise of mysterious hybrids.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-pulmonarias.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.