Lungwort Pulmonaria 'Little Star'

Water

Lungwort 'Little Star' prefers consistently moist soil, so it's important to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this means watering about once a week, but this can vary depending on the climate and weather conditions. Provide approximately one gallon of water per plant, ensuring you're watering deeply enough to reach the root zone. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler or rainy conditions, less watering may be required. Always monitor the soil moisture and adjust accordingly to prevent waterlogging or drying out.

Light

Lungwort 'Little Star' thrives best in partial to full shade conditions. The ideal spot for this plant is beneath the canopy of trees or on the north side of a building where it receives dappled sunlight. Direct afternoon sun can scorch the leaves, so it's crucial to avoid placing Lungwort 'Little Star' in a spot where it will be exposed to the harsh midday sun.

Temperature

Lungwort 'Little Star' is hardy and can tolerate a temperature range from around 20 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it prefers a cooler climate and thrives best when the temperature is between 50 degrees and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant may struggle if exposed to temperatures outside of its tolerance range for extended periods.

Pruning

Pruning Lungwort 'Little Star' promotes healthier growth and helps maintain its attractive shape. The best time for pruning is immediately after flowering in late spring or early summer. Cut back the spent flower stems and any damaged or brown leaves to encourage fresh foliage. This process only needs to be done once a year unless additional shaping or removal of damaged foliage is necessary.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Lungwort 'Little Star' thrives in well-draining, humus-rich soil with a high content of organic matter. The ideal pH range for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7. To create the best soil mix for Lungwort, combine garden soil with compost and a bit of perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. Mulching with organic material is also beneficial to maintain moisture and soil structure.

Repotting

Lungworts, including 'Little Star', generally don't require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3 to 4 years. However, they should be divided and repotted if they outgrow their current container or if the soil becomes exhausted. Repotting is best done in the spring just as new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Lungwort 'Little Star' prefers a moderately humid environment, mimicking its natural woodland habitat. A humidity level of around 50% is ideal for this plant. Maintaining such humidity can be achieved by placing the plant in a naturally humid area like a bathroom or using a humidifier if needed.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with moist soil.

• Outdoor

  Part shade, moist soil, protect from afternoon sun.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

Pulmonaria 'Little Star', commonly known as Lungwort 'Little Star', begins its life as a seed, which when sown in well-draining, humus-rich soil and exposed to partial shade, will germinate to produce small rosettes of foliage. As it enters its vegetative stage, the plant develops its distinctive spotted or silver-speckled leaves, which are evergreen in milder climates and form a low, ground-covering mound. During early spring, it advances to the flowering stage, producing clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers that transition in color from pink to blue as they mature. After pollination by bees and other insects, the plant sets seed which can be dispersed to create new plants, continuing the reproductive cycle. In the post-flowering stage, the leaves may die back in hotter summers or remain if conditions are favorable, ready to regrow the following spring. Over time, Lungwort 'Little Star' can be divided and transplanted to propagate new plants, effectively starting a new individual lifecycle while the parent plant remains in its perennial cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• Pulmonaria 'Little Star', commonly known as lungwort, is generally propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. The best time to divide lungwort is in the spring or early fall when the weather is cool, which allows the plant ample time to establish roots before the extremes of summer heat or winter cold. To propagate by division, dig up the entire clump of the plant after flowering has finished or before new growth starts, and gently tease apart the roots into smaller sections, each with a good amount of roots and shoots. These sections can then be replanted immediately into prepared soil, spaced about 12 inches (around 30 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Ensure they are planted at the same depth as they were previously growing and water well to help settle the soil around the roots.