Lungwort Pulmonaria saccharata Argentea Group
ABOUT
Pulmonaria saccharata Argentea Group, commonly known as lungwort, is a herbaceous perennial known for its distinctive foliage and flowers. The leaves of lungwort are one of their most striking features; they are ovate to lance-shaped and their base color is a lush green. What makes them particularly notable are the silver or white spots and blotches that speckle the leaf surface. This variegation appears as if someone has splattered paint across the leaves, making each one unique. In early spring, lungwort begins to bloom, producing clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers. These blossoms can be quite a show as they often change color over time. Initially, the flowers typically start out in shades of pink and then transition to purplish-blue as they mature. This creates a delightful two-tone effect on the plant with different colored flowers coexisting at the same time. The contrast of the pastel flowers against the speckled foliage adds to the plant's visual interest and charm. Overall, lungwort has a bushy, mounding habit that contributes to its attractiveness as a shade garden plant. Its textured leaves and changing flowers give it a long season of visual interest, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of whimsy and elegance to their planting beds or borders.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae.
Synonyms
Bethlehem Sage, Silverstripe Lungwort, Ladies-in-the-green, Spotted Dog, Soldiers and Sailors.
Common names
Pulmonaria saccharata.
ToxicityTo humans
Lungwort is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. While it is always possible for individuals to have particular sensitivities or allergic reactions to plants, there is no widespread evidence of toxicity or dangerous consequences from ingesting lungwort. As with any plant, if ingested in large quantities or if an individual has specific health issues or vulnerabilities, it is wise to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
To pets
Lungwort is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered to be a pet-safe plant, with no significant toxic properties that would pose a threat to the health of domestic animals such as cats and dogs. However, each pet may react differently to unfamiliar plants, and it is still wise to prevent your pets from eating plants as a precaution. If you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount of lungwort, or is displaying unusual symptoms, contacting a veterinarian is recommended.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: The flowers of Pulmonaria, commonly known as Lungwort, are known to attract bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Shade tolerance: Lungwort thrives in shaded areas of the garden where other plants may struggle to grow.
- Groundcover: With its spreading habit, Lungwort acts as an effective groundcover, preventing weed growth and helping to stabilize soil.
- Spring interest: With its early blooming flowers, Lungwort adds color to the garden in spring when many other plants have not yet started to flower.
- Foliage texture: The spotted or silvered leaves of Lungwort provide interesting foliage texture that stands out in a shaded garden setting.
- Low maintenance: Once established, Lungwort is a low maintenance plant, requiring minimal care beyond occasional watering and removal of old foliage.
- Drought tolerance: Although Lungwort prefers moist soil, it can tolerate periods of drought once it's well established, making it suitable for variable climates.
- Seasonal color change: The leaves of some Lungwort varieties undergo a transformation in color as the seasons change, adding dynamic interest to the garden.
- Herbaceous perennial: As a perennial, Lungwort will return year after year, providing longevity and stability in a garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lungwort can be used as a natural dye. The leaves of the plant, particularly in autumn, can yield a range of colors from yellow to brown when used in dyeing fabrics.
- The leaves of lungwort can be added to compost piles. Because they decompose relatively quickly, they are good for adding nutrients and improving compost structure.
- Lungwort plants can serve as a living mulch under trees or shrubs. Their foliage covers the ground and helps retain soil moisture while suppressing weeds.
- The plant's silvery-spotted foliage can be used in floral arrangements to add texture and contrast with other plants.
- Lungwort can provide early spring nectar for bees. It blooms early in the season, which can help support pollinators when other nectar sources are scarce.
- Their unique spotted leaves can be used in shade garden design to brighten up dark areas and provide visual interest.
- Lungwort may serve as an indicator plant, as their preference for certain soil types can reveal the pH and moisture levels of the garden soil.
- The plant's dense growth habit can help prevent soil erosion in shady areas where other plants might struggle to grow.
- Lungwort can be used in educational gardens to teach about foliar variegation and the importance of early spring blooming plants.
- The blossoms can be used to gently adorn cakes or desserts, as some gardeners consider the flowers of lungwort to be edible, adding a light floral accent to dishes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Lungwort is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLungwort is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: Pulmonaria, also known as Lungwort, often symbolizes hope due to its early spring blooms, which signify the end of winter and the arrival of the new growing season.
- Health: With a historical connection to treating lung conditions, Lungwort is associated with good health and recovery from illness.
- Perseverance: Lungwort is a hardy plant, thriving in shady areas where other plants might struggle, embodying the spirit of perseverance in adverse conditions.
- Longevity: Its long blooming period and ability to spread make Lungwort a symbol of longevity and endurance.
WaterThe Lungwort should be watered deeply once a week, making sure the soil is thoroughly moistened. During periods of drought or extreme heat, additional watering may be necessary to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Aim to provide the plant with about one gallon of water per week under normal weather conditions, adjusting as needed based on rainfall and temperature. Water should be applied directly to the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases. During the winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant.
LightLungwort thrives in partial to full shade, avoiding direct harsh sunlight especially during the hottest part of the day. The ideal spot is under the canopy of deciduous trees where it receives dappled sunlight or in a north-facing garden that provides filtered light. Too much sun can scorch the leaves, while too little light can result in leggy growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureLungwort prefers a temperature range between 50°F and 75°F for optimum growth; this plant can withstand minimum temperatures down to about -20°F and can survive maximum temperatures of approximately 80°F. However, extreme cold or heat can stress the plant, so providing a location with stable temperatures is ideal. Mulching can help insulate the plant against temperature extremes.
PruningPrune the Lungwort after flowering to maintain plant vigor and to encourage a tidy appearance. Cut back the spent flower stems and any damaged or old foliage to the base. Pruning is typically done annually, preferably in late spring or early summer after the blooming season. Regular pruning also helps to promote new growth and improves air circulation within the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLungwort prefers moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.5-7.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or vermiculite would be ideal.
RepottingLungwort should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.
Humidity & MistingLungwort thrives in average to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-70%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Lungwort in bright, indirect light, ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Lungwort in partial shade, sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Lungwort (Pulmonaria saccharata Argentea Group) begins its life cycle as a seed, typically germinating in the cool, moist conditions of early spring. After germination, the young seedlings establish a rosette of basal leaves, which are often silver-spotted and provide the first year's growth. The plant enters a vegetative phase where it expands its foliage and root system throughout the spring and summer, preparing for eventual flowering. In the second year, Lungwort will send up flowering stalks in early spring, displaying clusters of funnel-shaped flowers that often change color, from pink to blue, as they age. After the flowering stage, seeds are produced and dispersed, allowing the cycle to begin anew, while the parent plant typically goes dormant during the heat of summer, to revive and regrow from the base in the fall. Lungwort is a perennial, so after the initial seeding and growth, it will return each spring from the same rootstock, with the cycle of growth, flowering, and dormancy repeating annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: Pulmonaria saccharata Argentea Group, commonly known as the Lungwort 'Argentea', is best propagated through division. The most popular method for propagating Lungwort 'Argentea' takes place in the spring or early fall, when the weather is cool and the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established lungwort plant and gently separate it into smaller clumps, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the root system intact. This can be done using your hands for smaller plants or a sharp spade for larger ones. After separating, replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth they were previously growing, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 cm) apart to allow sufficient room for growth. The divisions should be kept well-watered until they are established, which typically occurs within a few weeks. This method is highly effective because it maintains the variegated foliage and the plant's overall health.
