Red Lungwort Pulmonaria rubra 'Barfield Pink'
ABOUT
Barfield Pink is a perennial plant notable for its attractive foliage and flowers. The leaves are typically green with a unique, hairy texture that may feel rough to the touch. They're often spotted or mottled with lighter colors, adding to their decorative appeal. The standout feature of the Barfield Pink is its blossoms. During the blooming period, the plant produces clusters of pink flowers that provide a vibrant contrast against the backdrop of the foliage. These flowers are funnel-shaped, and they can add a splash of color to gardens or naturalized areas. The plant has a bushy habit, forming a clump of leaves and flowers that is visually appealing. It's known for its early spring blooms, which emerge even before the last frosts of the year have dissipated. Overall, Barfield Pink is appreciated for its ornamental leaves and charming pink flowers, which make it a popular choice for shady garden spots, borders, and underplanting beneath taller specimens. The combination of its leaves and flowers adds texture and color to the landscape almost throughout the growing season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae.
Synonyms
Red Pulmonaria, Red Lungwort, Barfield Pink Pulmonaria.
Common names
Pulmonaria rubra 'Barfield Pink'.
ToxicityTo humans
Red Lungwort is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant typically does not lead to poisoning or serious health consequences; however, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities could occur.
To pets
Red Lungwort is not known to be toxic to pets. While it is not common for pets to ingest this plant, if they do, it generally does not result in poisoning. However, gastrointestinal upset is possible if any non-food plant material is consumed in large quantities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Pulmonaria rubra 'Barfield Pink' is known for attracting bees and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Low Maintenance: It is a hardy perennial that requires minimal care once established.
- Shade Tolerant: This plant thrives in shaded areas where other plants may not grow as well.
- Early Bloomer: It produces flowers early in the season, offering color in the garden when few other plants are blooming.
- Drought Resistant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Ornamental Foliage: The plant has attractive foliage that provides visual interest even when not in bloom.
- Ground Cover: It can serve as an effective ground cover, spreading to fill space and suppress weeds.
- Deer Resistant: Pulmonaria rubra 'Barfield Pink' is not a preferred choice for deer, reducing the risk of damage from grazing.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lungwort 'Barfield Pink' can be used as a living mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture in garden beds, thanks to its dense foliage.
- The leaves of Lungwort can be added to compost piles to enrich the final compost with essential nutrients.
- The borage-like flowers of Lungwort 'Barfield Pink' can provide a delicate touch to floral arrangements in the spring.
- This plant can be used to create a textured, visually interesting ground cover in shady woodland gardens.
- The flowers, with their noticeable color change from pink to blue as they age, can be used educationally to demonstrate pH effects on petal pigmentation.
- Lungwort can be planted as an early nectar source for pollinators such as bees, providing food when few other plants are in bloom.
- In a sensory garden, the rough, hairy leaves of Lungwort can be interesting to touch, making it a good choice for tactile experiences.
- The species can be used in a moon garden where its light-colored flowers stand out in the twilight, creating a serene ambiance.
- The contrasting foliage, with its white spotted leaves, can be utilized to create pattern contrast in garden design.
- Lungwort can act as an indicator plant, as its preference for moist environments can signal over-watering or poor drainage in the garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Red Lungwort is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Red Lungwort is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Health: The plant's genus name, Pulmonaria, is derived from the Latin word for "lung," due to its historic use in treating lung ailments. Thus, it symbolizes good health and healing.
- Compassion: The soft and gentle appearance of the 'Barfield Pink' variety of lungwort can be seen to represent tenderness and compassion.
- Longevity: Lungwort is a perennial plant, returning year after year, making it a symbol of longevity and endurance.
- Hope: The early blooming of lungwort in spring can symbolize hope and the promise of new beginnings.
- Secrets: With its spotted leaves believed to resemble lung tissue, lungwort was once used in the Doctrine of Signatures, a philosophy that stated herbs resembling various parts of the body could be used to treat ailments of those body parts. This historical usage gives lungwort an air of mystique and secrecy.
WaterRed Lungwort (Pulmonaria rubra 'Barfield Pink') requires consistent moisture, so water the plant thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically amounts to once or twice a week depending on weather conditions. In terms of water volume, aim for approximately one gallon per watering session to ensure deep soil penetration without causing waterlogging. During the growing season in spring and summer, increased frequency may be necessary, while in winter, reduce watering as plant growth slows. It's important not to let the soil dry out completely, but also avoid letting the plant sit in soggy soil to prevent root rot.
LightRed Lungwort thrives in partial to full shade, making it an ideal plant for spots that receive filtered sunlight or are shaded for part of the day. Direct afternoon sun should be avoided to prevent scorching the leaves. The perfect location would be under a canopy of deciduous trees where dappled light can replicate its natural woodland habitat, or a northern-facing garden area that provides consistent shade.
TemperatureRed Lungwort can survive in a range of temperatures but prefers cooler conditions, making it well-suited to temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to around 30°F, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing is not advisable. During hot summer spells where temperatures exceed 80°F, providing additional shade and moisture helps to keep the plant healthy.
PruningPruning Red Lungwort is necessary to remove spent flower stalks and any damaged or diseased foliage, which encourages new growth and maintains a tidy appearance. The best time for pruning is immediately after the plant finishes blooming in late spring or early summer. Cut back the flower stalks to the base and trim any unattractive leaves. Pruning can be done again in late fall to prepare the plant for winter and remove any old foliage that could harbor pests.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Red Lungwort 'Barfield Pink' prefers a soil mixture that is humus-rich, well-draining and has a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). A blend of garden soil, compost, and a small amount of perlite or vermiculite is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingRed Lungwort 'Barfield Pink' does not need frequent repotting; it should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot. Repot in spring just before the new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingRed Lungwort 'Barfield Pink' thrives best in moderate to high humidity levels, similar to its native woodland environment. Aim for a humidity level around 50% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Red Lungwort 'Barfield Pink' in bright, indirect light with moist soil.
Outdoor
Place in part shade to full shade in moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cyclePulmonaria rubra 'Barfield Pink', commonly known as Red Lungwort 'Barfield Pink', begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically occurring in moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade environments. After germination, the seedlings establish a rosette of leaves and a strong root system. As the plant matures, it develops its distinctive silver-spotted green foliage and prepares for the flowering stage, which occurs in early spring, showcasing clusters of pink flowers that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers develop into small capsules containing seeds that, when mature, are dispersed to start a new generation. During the summer months, the plant enters a period of vegetative growth, where it may spread and form large clumps. Finally, in winter, Red Lungwort 'Barfield Pink' enters dormancy, with the foliage dying back to ground level, conserving energy to begin a new growth cycle in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Pulmonaria rubra 'Barfield Pink', commonly known as red lungwort, is best propagated by division. The most suitable time to carry out this process is in the spring or early autumn when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, gently lift the parent plant from the soil using a spade, taking care to minimize root damage. Then, using your hands or a knife, divide the plant into smaller sections, each with a portion of roots and a few shoots. Replant these divisions into prepared soil, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart, and water them thoroughly to help establish their roots. This method allows gardeners to quickly and effectively increase their stock of red lungwort while maintaining the plant's health and vigor.
