Lungwort Pulmonaria 'Cleeton Red'
ABOUT
The plant known as Pulmonaria 'Cleeton Red' is a perennial that is recognized for its attractive foliage and striking flowers. This variety features the characteristic green leaves with a rough, hairy texture that are often spotted or speckled with silver or white, which adds to its decorative appeal even when it's not in bloom. When it comes to flowering, 'Cleeton Red' stands out with its blossoms that start as a pinkish-red color and mature to a deep reddish hue. The flowers are bell-shaped and form clusters that rise above the foliage in a charming display. This contrast of silver-speckled leaves and vivid red flowers makes Pulmonaria 'Cleeton Red' a vibrant and eye-catching addition to shaded garden areas where it can add pops of color in early to mid-spring. Overall, the plant has a bushy, clumping habit that makes it a lovely ground cover or border plant in suitable growing conditions.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Lungwort, Bethlehem Sage, Jerusalem Cowslip, Soldiers and Sailors, Spotted Dog, Joseph And Mary, Cleeton Red Lungwort.
Common names
Pulmonaria 'Cleeton Red'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lungwort is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, it is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants that are not commonly used as food, as individual reactions can vary, and there may be a lack of comprehensive toxicity information for many ornamental plants. If you suspect poisoning, seek medical attention.
To pets
Lungwort is not known to be toxic to pets. Despite its general safety, pets should not be encouraged to eat ornamental plants as they could cause gastrointestinal upset or an unexpected allergic reaction. If you notice any unusual symptoms after your pet has ingested lungwort, consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
Red
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Pulmonaria 'Cleeton Red' produces showy red flowers that add a vibrant splash of color to the garden in spring.
- Shade Tolerant: This Lungwort variety flourishes in shady conditions, making it a great choice for darker areas of a garden.
- Low Maintenance: It is a hardy perennial that requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Ground Cover: Its foliage spreads, forming an effective ground cover that can suppress weeds and protect the soil.
- Drought Resistant: Once established, it can withstand periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity.
- Variegated Foliage: The leaves are often mottled or spotted, which provides visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom.
- Seasonal Interest: It offers early spring blooms and attractive foliage throughout the growing season, providing extended interest in the garden.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some perennials, Lungwort tends not to become invasive and is easy to manage in a garden setting.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lungwort, the common name for Pulmonaria 'Cleeton Red', can be used as a natural dye, offering a range of colors depending on the mordant used during the dyeing process.
- As a ground cover plant, it provides a dense foliage that can help suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture levels.
- Its early blooms are useful for providing a nectar source for pollinators like bees when few other plants are in flower.
- Lungwort can be incorporated into a sensory garden for its varied leaf patterns and textures which can be interesting to touch and observe.
- The plant provides habitat for small wildlife, with its leaves offering shelter for insects and its flowers attracting beneficial bugs.
- In a permaculture garden, lungwort can function as a living mulch, improving soil health and fertility over time as its leaves decompose.
- Its distinct foliage can be used in floral arrangements, adding a unique texture and variegation even without its blooms.
- Lungwort's leaves can serve as an indicator of soil pH; the intensity of leaf spot patterns may vary with soil alkalinity or acidity.
- It can be used in a rain garden as it tolerates moist conditions and can help manage water runoff in landscape design.
- The plant's dense nature can act as a natural barrier or border in a garden, subtly defining different areas or paths without the need for fencing or hardscapes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lungwort is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lungwort is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: Pulmonaria, commonly known as lungwort, often symbolizes hope due to its resilience and the way it flowers early in spring, signifying the triumph of life over adversity.
- Health and Healing: The plant's Latin name hails from a historic belief in the Doctrine of Signatures, where the lung-shaped leaves were thought to indicate its use in treating pulmonary ailments.
- Longevity: Lungwort's ability to grow for many years in the same spot without much care is often seen as a sign of endurance and long life.
WaterFor Lungwort 'Cleeton Red', water regularly to maintain moist soil conditions, especially during periods of drought. Depending on the climate and the weather conditions, watering once or twice a week may be sufficient. Ensure the plant receives about one inch of water each week. It's important to avoid overwatering, as standing water can lead to root rot. During hot summer months, you may need to increase the frequency of watering, but always check the soil moisture level before adding water.
LightLungwort 'Cleeton Red' thrives in partial shade to full shade. It performs best when protected from the intense afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves. The ideal spot for this plant would be under a canopy of larger trees or on the north side of a building where it can receive filtered or dappled light throughout the day.
TemperatureLungwort 'Cleeton Red' prefers a temperate climate and can generally tolerate temperatures between 30°F and 80°F. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50°F and 75°F. Avoid placing the lungwort in areas where temperatures may drop below freezing, as it might not survive extreme cold conditions.
PruningPrune Lungwort 'Cleeton Red' to remove any damaged or diseased foliage and to encourage a more compact growth habit. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. You can also cut back the foliage after flowering to promote a second flush of leaves and potentially a lighter second bloom. Pruning every year or every other year is often sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLungwort 'Cleeton Red' requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, leaning towards slightly acidic to neutral. A good soil mix might consist of garden soil, compost, peat moss, and perlite to improve drainage and fertility.
RepottingLungwort 'Cleeton Red' does not need frequent repotting; it should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth. Early spring is the best time to repot this plant.
Humidity & MistingLungwort 'Cleeton Red' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, similar to what is found in its native woodland habitats. Aim for humidity levels around 50% for optimal growth, ensuring good air circulation to prevent disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep lungwort in well-draining soil, partial shade, and ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant lungwort in partial shade, moist soil, and organic mulch.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cyclePulmonaria 'Cleeton Red', commonly known as Lungwort, begins its life cycle as seeds, which germinate in moist, shady conditions. The seedlings develop into rosettes with hairy leaves that often exhibit a unique spotted pattern. As the plants mature, they send up flowering stalks in early to mid-spring, bearing clusters of funnel-shaped red flowers which can change to pink and then to blue as they age due to pH changes in the plant's sap. After the flowering phase, the plants set seed, which can be dispersed to produce new individuals, while the parent plant goes into a period of reduced activity in the summer heat. Lungwort is a perennial, so its foliage dies back in the fall, and the plant overwinters with its root system intact, ready to regrow in the spring again. Over time, the clumps may become sizeable and can be divided in the fall or early spring to propagate new plants and maintain vigor.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Pulmonaria 'Cleeton Red', commonly known as Lungwort, is by division. The best time to divide Lungwort is in the early spring or fall when the weather is cool. To propagate by division, carefully lift the plant from the ground with a shovel, aiming to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. Then, using your hands or a knife, gently separate the plant into smaller clumps, making sure each section has both roots and shoots. Replant the divisions promptly at the same soil depth they were previously growing, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to establish them in their new location. This straightforward method allows gardeners to expand their Lungwort collection or share with others while ensuring the health and vigor of the plants.
