Boraginaceae
Long-leaved Lungwort (Pulmonaria longifolia)
Pulmonaria longifolia
Long-leaved lungwort is a low-maintenance shade perennial that rewards minimal care with early spring color and handsome, silver-spotted foliage. Keep the soil consistently moist and rich in organic matter, provide full to partial shade, and divide clumps every few years to keep them vigorous.
Every 5 days
Low light
° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Long-leaved Lungwort?
Long-leaved Lungwort (Pulmonaria longifolia) is a easy-care plant from the Boraginaceae family. Pulmonaria longifolia, commonly called long-leaved lungwort, is a low-growing, semi-evergreen woodland perennial native to France, Great Britain, Portugal and Spain. Its long, narrow, dark green leaves are heavily dappled with silvery-white spots, forming dense clumps of textural foliage well before...
Long-leaved Lungwort grows up to 40cm, spread of 45cm, watering every 5 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Long-leaved Lungwort tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Long-leaved Lungwort?
TLDR: Long-leaved Lungwort needs Low light, watering every 5 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Long-leaved Lungwort?
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially in dry spells; avoid letting the soil dry out repeatedly, as this stresses the plant and encourages powdery mildew.
How Much Light Does Long-leaved Lungwort Need?
Grow in full shade to partial shade. Some morning sun is tolerated in cooler climates, but hot, direct sun scorches the narrow leaves.
What Is the Best Soil for Long-leaved Lungwort?
Plant in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil; it tolerates chalk, clay or loam as long as it does not dry out excessively. Amend heavy soils with compost and avoid waterlogged spots that can lead to root rot.
What Pot Should You Use for Long-leaved Lungwort?
If grown in a container, choose a wide, shallow pot with good drainage to accommodate its spreading rhizomes; keep the compost consistently moist and add mulch to help retain moisture.
What Is Long-leaved Lungwort and Where Does It Come From?
Pulmonaria longifolia, commonly called long-leaved lungwort, is a low-growing, semi-evergreen woodland perennial native to France, Great Britain, Portugal and Spain. Its long, narrow, dark green leaves are heavily dappled with silvery-white spots, forming dense clumps of textural foliage well before and after the bloom period. In spring, dense clusters of funnel-shaped flowers open from pink buds and mature to deep blue, giving each stem a two-toned display. Slow-spreading and shade-loving, it thrives in the cool, moist woodland conditions of borders and shaded slopes.
How to Propagate Long-leaved Lungwort?
Division
Divide every 3-4 years to rejuvenate crowded clumps and improve flowering; avoid dividing during hot, dry weather.
- 1 Dig up an established clump after flowering has finished, in early fall
- 2 Gently separate the rhizomes into sections, each with healthy roots and at least one growth bud
- 3 Replant divisions immediately at the same depth in prepared, humus-rich soil
- 4 Water thoroughly and keep consistently moist until new growth appears
Materials needed:
Seed sowing
Seed-grown plants may not reproduce the exact leaf spotting or flower color of the parent; division is more reliable.
- 1 Sow fresh seed in trays filled with moist, well-draining seed compost in early spring
- 2 Cover lightly with compost and keep in a cool, shaded spot
- 3 Keep the compost consistently moist until germination
- 4 Transplant seedlings to individual pots once they have two true leaves, then harden off before planting outdoors
Materials needed:
How Big Does Long-leaved Lungwort Grow?
TLDR: Long-leaved Lungwort can reach up to 40cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
40cm
Spread
45cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Long-leaved Lungwort?
TLDR: Long-leaved Lungwort is susceptible to 3 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are mollusks that feed on plant tissue, causing irregular holes in leaves and damage to young seedlings. They are most active at night and in moist conditions, leaving characteristic silvery slime trails. These pests can quickly devastate gardens, especially during wet seasons.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Meaning & Symbolism
Named from the Latin pulmo (lung) under the old Doctrine of Signatures, its spotted, lung-shaped leaves were once thought to mark it as a cure for pulmonary ailments. The pink buds opening into blue flowers symbolize transformation, while its early bloom heralds the arrival of spring in the shade garden.
Fun Facts
The genus name Pulmonaria comes from the Latin word for lung, inspired by the old belief that its spotted leaves could cure lung ailments.
Its flowers open pink and gradually turn blue as they age, so a single plant can display both colors at once.
Long-leaved lungwort is native to woodlands and hedgerows of Western Europe, including a rare native population in southern England.
Frequently asked questions
Is long-leaved lungwort toxic to cats or dogs?
How much sun does long-leaved lungwort need?
Why is my long-leaved lungwort developing powdery white patches?
How do I propagate long-leaved lungwort?
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