Red Lungwort Pulmonaria rubra 'Ann'
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as red lungwort 'Ann' is distinguished by its attractive foliage and flowers. The leaves are typically characterized by their hairy texture, which is soft to the touch. These oval-shaped leaves can appear in a deep green hue, often with decorative spots or mottling in white or silver that add to the visual interest of the plant. As the season progresses, the foliage remains a key feature of the red lungwort 'Ann', providing a lush backdrop for its blossoms. The flowers of this plant emerge in charming clusters that boast a striking shade of coral or red, setting this variety apart from others that may display blue or violet flowers. The bell-shaped blooms are a delight to behold and attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are drawn to their vibrant color and nectar. The blossoming period typically occurs in the spring, during which time the plant becomes a focal point in the garden thanks to its vivid floral display. With a bushy and clumping growth habit, red lungwort 'Ann' adds texture and color to any shaded area, making it a popular choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and underplanting beneath deciduous trees where it can complement the dappled light. Overall, the plant is valued for its decorative leaves, the cheerful burst of red flowers in the spring, and its adaptability to shaded garden environments.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Red Lungwort, Ann's Red Lungwort
Common names
Pulmonaria rubra 'Ann'.
ToxicityTo humans
Red lungwort (Pulmonaria rubra 'Ann') is generally not considered to be toxic to humans. There are no widely reported symptoms of poisoning from ingesting this plant, and it's not commonly known as a harmful species. However, it's always advisable to avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically grown or identified as food, due to the distinct possibility of individual allergic reactions or unknown personal sensitivities.
To pets
Red lungwort (Pulmonaria rubra 'Ann') is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. There are no major reports of pets being poisoned by ingesting this plant. This suggests that it is typically safe around common domestic animals. Nonetheless, as with humans, it is generally a good practice to prevent pets from consuming plants not specifically intended for them to avoid potential allergic reactions or individual sensitivities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value - Adds visual appeal to gardens with its bright red flowers and attractive foliage.
- Wildlife Attraction - Bees and butterflies are drawn to the flowers for their nectar, promoting biodiversity.
- Erosion Control - Its root system helps to stabilize soil on slopes, reducing erosion.
- Shade Tolerance - Thrives in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, adding color to darker garden spots.
- Early Blooming - One of the first plants to bloom in spring, signaling the end of winter.
- Low Maintenance - Once established, requires minimal care, making it suitable for busy gardeners.
- Drought Resistance - Can withstand periods of dryness once it is well established.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pulmonaria rubra 'David Ward', commonly known as Red Lungwort, can be used as a living mulch to suppress weeds due to its low-growing, spreading habit.
- Its vibrant early spring flowers provide an important nectar source for bees and other pollinators when there are few other plants in bloom.
- Red Lungwort can be employed in sensory gardens for its textured leaves that are interesting to touch, offering a tactile experience.
- The plant can be used as an educational tool to demonstrate the concept of variegated foliage and how it can create visual interest in the garden.
- It's suitable for a "moon garden" due to its pale foliage that can reflect moonlight and create a subtle glow during the evening.
- This plant can be integrated into a wildlife garden setting to provide cover for small creatures like amphibians and insects.
- Red Lungwort can be used in natural dye making, where the leaves may yield varying shades of green or brown.
- The leaves can be added to compost piles as a source of moisture and nitrogen to help accelerate the composting process.
- When planted en masse, Red Lungwort acts as a ground stabilizer for sloped areas or to control erosion.
- Its distinctive patterned leaves can be used as visual markers between different sections of a garden or to delineate pathways.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiRed Lungwort is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Restoration: Pulmonaria rubra 'Ann', commonly known as Red Lungwort, is traditionally associated with the lungs and healing due to its spotted leaves resembling lung tissue, which in the past led to its use in treating pulmonary diseases based on the doctrine of signatures.
- Premonition: In some folklore, lungwort has been considered a plant that could foretell the weather due to the color change in its flowers in response to shifts in atmospheric conditions.
- Perseverance and Tenacity: Red Lungwort is an early spring bloomer, often pushing through the last of the winter snow to flower, symbolizing the ability to persevere and thrive despite challenging conditions.
- Protection: Due to its herbal history in healing, the Red Lungwort is also sometimes associated with protection - particularly guarding against lung illnesses.
- Maternal Love: The presence of the Red Lungwort in a garden is occasionally seen as a symbol of a caring and nurturing nature, reflecting a maternal love that supports growth and recovery.
WaterRed Lungwort should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions and soil moisture. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist without it being soggy. It's preferable to provide about 1 gallon of water per square foot every week during the growing season. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water more frequently to maintain soil moisture. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant is dormant.
LightRed Lungwort thrives best in partial to full shade. A location under dappled sunlight, such as beneath a canopy of deciduous trees or on the north side of a structure, is ideal. The plant should be protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves.
TemperatureRed Lungwort is a hardy plant and can tolerate a temperature range from as low as 20°F to as high as 80°F. It prefers to grow in a cooler environment and will flourish in temperatures that are consistently between 50°F and 70°F. It can withstand brief periods of temperature extremes outside this range but may need protection if temperatures persistently fall outside these limits.
PruningPruning Red Lungwort is mainly done to remove any dead or damaged leaves and to promote a tidy growth habit. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Additionally, after the first flowering in late spring, cutting back the flower stems may encourage a second bloom period. This plant doesn't require rigorous pruning; just minor clean-up is generally sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRed Lungwort 'Ann' thrives in a soil mix that is well-draining but consistently moist. A blend of loamy garden soil, compost, and a bit of coarse sand or perlite is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingRed Lungwort 'Ann' generally does not need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. It's best to repot the plant once it outgrows its container, which may be every 3-4 years.
Humidity & MistingRed Lungwort 'Ann' prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% to 70%. This plant will benefit from being placed in a naturally humid environment or regular misting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in moderate light, keep soil moist, high humidity.
Outdoor
Part shade, moist soil, shelter from wind, mulch in winter.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Pulmonaria rubra 'Red Lungwort' begins with seed germination, which occurs when conditions are moist and cool, typically in spring or autumn. These seeds develop into small rosettes of foliage, which over time, will mature into larger clumps of hairy, green leaves, sometimes with spots. In the early spring of the second year, 'Red Lungwort' produces clusters of funnel-shaped flowers that are usually red and later may turn pink or blue as they age. After flowering, the plant sets seed, spreading to produce new plants nearby if not deadheaded. Throughout the growing season, 'Red Lungwort' undergoes vegetative growth, expanding its foliage spread. The plant is perennial, so after the colder months, it will die back to the ground before regrowing from its root system the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Pulmonaria rubra 'Ann', commonly known as 'Red Lungwort', is by division. This technique is typically performed in either spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. It involves carefully digging up an established clump and gently separating it into smaller sections, making sure that each division has a portion of the root system and several shoots. Ideally, the divisions should be replanted immediately, placed at the same depth they were growing at before, and watered thoroughly. It's important to keep the newly planted divisions well-watered throughout their first growing season to help establish them. This method of propagation ensures that the offspring will be true to the parent plant, maintaining its characteristics and health.
