Blue Lungwort Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Blaues Meer'
ABOUT
Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Blaues Meer', commonly known as blue lungwort, is a visually striking perennial plant. Its appeal comes largely from its decorative foliage and attractive flowers. The leaves of the blue lungwort are a noteworthy feature, with a green base color that serves as a canvas to silver-white spots or blotches; these spots often form intriguing patterns across the breadth of the foliage. The leaves themselves are typically broad and hairy, giving them a somewhat rough texture to the touch. Flowering in early to mid-spring, blue lungwort produces clusters of funnel-shaped flowers. The flowers come in captivating shades of blue, which can be vivid and rich, hence the name 'Blaues Meer', translating to 'Blue Sea'. As the flowers age, they often change color, transitioning from pink to blue, which adds a dynamic element to its display. Blue lungwort has a bushy, clumping habit, often forming dense patches of foliage intermixed with its colorful blooms. It's popular in gardens as a ground cover or as part of shaded border plantings where its decorative leaves and cheerful flowers can brighten up dim areas. Despite its common name, the blue lungwort is unrelated to the organs in the respiratory system; its name is derived from the lung-like appearance of its spotted leaves.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Blue Lungwort, Narrow-Leafed Lungwort, Blue Ensign Lungwort
Common names
Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Blaues Meer'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lungwort, the common name for Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Blaues Meer', is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting any part of this plant, suggesting that it is generally considered safe. However, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically intended for consumption, as individual allergic reactions or sensitivities could occur.
To pets
Lungwort, the common name for Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Blaues Meer', is not listed as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. It is not known to cause poisoning in pets, and there are no specific symptoms associated with ingesting this plant. That being said, individual pets might experience mild digestive discomfort if they consume plants that are not part of their regular diet, so it is always wise to monitor pets and keep non-food plants out of their reach.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
Blue
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Pulmonaria 'Blaues Meer', commonly known as Lungwort, is highly attractive to bees and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity in the garden.
- Shade Tolerant: Lungwort thrives in shady conditions where other plants might struggle, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens or shaded borders.
- Early Blooming: Lungwort offers early spring flowers, providing one of the first nectar sources for pollinators and adding color to the garden when few other plants are in bloom.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Lungwort is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care beyond occasional watering during dry spells.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The textured leaves and mildly bitter taste tend to deter deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for a pest-resistant garden.
- Ground Cover: With its spreading habit, Lungwort can serve as an effective ground cover, suppressing weeds and stabilizing soil in shaded areas.
- Drought Tolerant: While it prefers consistently moist soil, Lungwort is quite drought tolerant once established, making it a resilient choice for variable climate conditions.
- Vibrant Foliage: The spotted or silvery leaves of Lungwort add visual interest and contrast to the garden even when the plant is not in bloom.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Blaues Meer', commonly known as Lungwort, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving a range of colors from yellow-green to gray, depending on the mordant used.
- Lungwort leaves are sometimes incorporated into salads by foragers, imparting a mildly bitter flavor reminiscent of chicory.
- In some cottage gardens, Lungwort is planted for its attractive foliage which can provide textural contrast to other garden plants.
- Because Lungwort is tolerant of low light, it can be used effectively as ground cover in shaded woodland gardens.
- The plant's early spring flowers can serve as an important nectar source for bees and other pollinators emerging from hibernation.
- Lungwort can be used in themed gardens that focus on plants with historical use in folk remedies, contributing to the educational aspect of the garden.
- The variegated leaves of Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Blaues Meer' add aesthetic value to floral arrangements as a foliage accent.
- When grown as companion plants, Lungworts can provide visual cues for the seasonal changes in the garden because they are among the first to bloom in spring.
- Lungwort is sometimes used in the creation of "green" roofs, which are partly or entirely covered with vegetation, because of its low maintenance and hardiness.
- Gardeners interested in butterfly gardening plant Lungwort to attract and support the growth of caterpillars, such as those of the Mother Shipton moth, which feed on the leaves.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Lungwort is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Lungwort is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: Pulmonaria angustifolia, commonly known as Lungwort, often symbolizes hope due to its resilient nature and ability to thrive in shaded gardens.
- Healing: Lungwort has historically been used in herbal medicine, believed to treat lung diseases, and as a result, it symbolizes healing.
- Longevity: The plant's early blooming and hardy characteristics are often associated with long life and perseverance.
WaterBlue Lungwort prefers consistently moist soil, so it's important to water it regularly while allowing the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Depending on the climate and weather conditions, water your Blue Lungwort with about 1 gallon of water per week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hotter, drier periods, you may need to increase the frequency to twice a week, whereas in cooler, wetter conditions, less frequent watering may be required. Always check the soil before watering to ensure it's necessary, as over-watering can lead to root rot.
LightThe Blue Lungwort thrives best in partial shade to full shade conditions. It should be planted in a spot that receives dappled sunlight or light shade throughout the day. Avoid placing Blue Lungwort in direct, harsh sunlight as it can scorch the leaves and stress the plant. A location under a canopy of trees or on the north side of a building would provide ideal light conditions for this plant.
TemperatureBlue Lungwort is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, usually surviving winter temperatures down to about -20°F. The ideal growing temperature for Blue Lungwort is between 50°F and 75°F, which encourages lush foliage and vibrant blooms. It can tolerate summer heat as long as it is not exposed to prolonged periods above 85°F, especially if the nights remain cooler.
PruningPruning Blue Lungwort is important to remove spent flower stalks and encourage a second bloom. Lightly prune the plant after the first flowering by cutting back the flower stems to the base to maintain a tidy appearance and promote new growth. It's also advisable to remove any damaged or dead foliage in the spring to rejuvenate the plant. The best time for major pruning is in the spring or immediately after flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLungwort 'Blaues Meer' thrives best in a soil mix that is rich in organic matter with good drainage. A mixture containing equal parts garden soil, compost, and peat moss or leaf mold can create a conducive environment for this plant. Aim for a soil pH of around 6.5 to 7.0, as neutral to slightly acidic conditions are beneficial for its growth.
RepottingLungwort 'Blaues Meer' does not require frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 2-3 years. Repotting is best done in the spring when the plant shows signs of being root-bound or if the soil quality has degraded significantly.
Humidity & MistingLungwort 'Blaues Meer' prefers a moderately humid environment, similar to its natural woodland habitat. Aim to maintain humidity levels around 50% for optimal growth, allowing for some natural fluctuation with the seasons.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Lungwort 'Blaues Meer' in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant Lungwort 'Blaues Meer' in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cyclePulmonaria angustifolia 'Blaues Meer', commonly known as the Narrowleaf Lungwort 'Blaues Meer', begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in moist, semi-shaded conditions in late spring. After germination, the seedling starts to develop a rosette of hairy, lance-shaped green leaves. As the plant matures, it forms a clump and in early to mid-spring, it produces flowering stems that bear clusters of funnel-shaped flowers, which are initially pink and turn a vivid blue as they mature. After pollination, typically by bees attracted to the flowers, the plant produces small nutlets as fruits that contain seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. In summer, after flowering, the plant often goes dormant, especially in hot climates, with foliage dying back until cooler temperatures return. The plant is perennial and will emerge again from its root system the following spring to repeat the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Blaues Meer', commonly known as Blue Lungwort, is typically propagated by division, which is the most popular and effective method for this perennial. The best time to divide the plant is in the autumn, after the flowering period has ended, or in early spring before new growth begins. To propagate by division, gently lift the clump from the ground using a garden fork, ensuring a good amount of roots are attached to each piece. Carefully separate the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy root system. Each section can then be replanted in moist, well-draining soil at the same depth it was previously growing. Space them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to give them room to grow. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help them get established.
