How to grow lungwort - 4324422 fergrgf
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.
These days they're grown for their shade tolerance, attractive leaves (despite resembling diseased lungs) and bee-friendly flowers – lungworts are particularly associated with the hairy-footed flower bee, Anthophora plumipes.
There are several species of lungwort available, such as Pulmonaria officinalis, Pulmonaria angustifolia and Pulmonaria saccarata. There are many hybrids, too, featuring different flower colours –typically blue, pink, or white – and leaf patterning.
Lungworts are perfect for growing at the front of shaded or partially shaded borders. Perfect as ground cover, grow them in a slightly more sunny location to attract more bees than those growing in full shade.
How to grow lungwort
Grow lungworts in moist but well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Remove browned leaves and faded flower stalks after flowering. Lungworts are slow growing so there's rarely need to divide plants, but you may wish to propagate new clumps to grow in other areas of the garden.
More on growing lungwort:
- Carol Klein's favourite plants for wildlife
- 20 plants with purple flowers
- The best shade-loving plants
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.
How to plant lungwort
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
Remove faded flower stems and browned leaves after flowering. If there are many brown leaves, you may consider cutting the whole plant back. This is a dramatic approach and can look unsightly, but fresh leaves soon grow back, giving the plant a completely fresh look. 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.
In this Gardeners' World clip, Monty Don demonstrates how to divide lungwort, for a bigger display the following year:
Growing lungwort: problem solving
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.
Lungworts - varieties to grow
