Lungwort Pulmonaria longifolia 'Bertram Anderson'

Water

The common name for Pulmonaria longifolia 'Bertram Anderson' is Lungwort. Lungwort should be watered deeply when the soil's top inch feels dry to the touch, which typically happens once a week in active growth seasons like spring and fall. During hot, dry periods, watering frequency may increase, and you might need to water it two or three times a week. Use enough water to saturate the root zone, which is roughly equivalent to 1 inch of rainfall, or around 0.62 gallons per square foot. In cooler or non-growth seasons like winter, reduce the frequency to minimize the risk of root rot, watering only when the soil is dry several inches down.

Light

Lungwort thrives best in partial shade to light shade conditions. The ideal spot is one that receives bright, indirect light or dappled sunlight. Morning sun with afternoon shade or light penetration through a canopy of deciduous trees is perfect for Lungwort, protecting it from the harsh midday sun.

Temperature

Lungwort prefers cool to average home temperatures, thriving between 50°F and 75°F. The minimum temperature it can withstand is around 30°F, but for optimal growth, avoid exposure to extreme cold. Ideal growth occurs when temperatures are kept consistent within the preferred range and not exposed to drastic temperature fluctuations.

Pruning

Pruning Lungwort helps maintain its appearance and health. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring to remove any old, damaged leaves and to shape the plant before new growth begins. Cutting back the foliage after flowering encourages a second bloom and keeps the plant tidy. Prune Lungwort every year to promote vigorous growth and enhance air circulation.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Lungwort, or Pulmonaria longifolia 'Bertram Anderson', prefers a soil mixture that is rich in organic matter, well-draining, and with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6.5 to 7.0. A soil mix composed of garden loam, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite in equal parts can create the ideal growing conditions, ensuring good moisture retention yet avoiding waterlogging.

Repotting

Lungwort doesn't require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. It's best to repot Lungwort every 3-4 years or when you notice that the plant has outgrown its current pot, which is evident when roots start to come out of the drainage holes.

Humidity & Misting

Lungwort prefers higher humidity levels but will tolerate average indoor humidity. Aim for a humidity level between 45% to 65% for optimal growth, which can often be achieved in a typically humid environment like a bathroom or kitchen, or through the use of a humidifier.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide dappled light, keep the soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Partial shade, rich moist soil, cool roots.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Pulmonaria longifolia 'Bertram Anderson', commonly known as lungwort 'Bertram Anderson', is a herbaceous perennial plant. It begins its life as a seed, which, under suitable moisture and temperature conditions, will germinate and sprout into a seedling. The seedling develops into a rosette of leaves at the soil surface, and as it matures, it establishes a deep root system. In spring, lungwort 'Bertram Anderson' produces flowering stalks with clusters of pink to purple flowers that are popular with pollinators like bees. Following pollination, the flowers develop into small nutlet-like fruits that contain the seeds, thereby completing the reproductive stage. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in the winter months, with the foliage often dying back to the ground, before resuming growth again in the next spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Pulmonaria longifolia 'Bertram Anderson', commonly known as long-leaf lungwort, can be propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. The best time for division is either in the spring after flowering or in the early fall when the weather is cool, and the plant is not under heat stress. To propagate by division, carefully lift the entire plant from the ground using a garden fork, ensuring you get as much of the root system as possible. Gently shake off the excess soil and tease the clump apart into smaller sections, making sure each new piece has a portion of the roots and a few shoots. These sections can then be replanted in soil amended with compost, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well and maintain adequate moisture while they establish themselves in their new location. This method allows gardeners to rejuvenate older clumps and create additional plants to expand their garden or share with friends.