Lungwort Pulmonaria 'Mrs Kittle'
ABOUT
Pulmonaria 'Mrs Kittle', commonly known as lungwort, is a perennial plant known for its attractive foliage and flowers. The leaves are characteristically large and oval to lance-shaped, with a rough, hairy texture. They often feature a base color of dark green with unique silver-white splotches or spots that give them a distinctive, variegated appearance. During blooming season, lungwort produces clusters of funnel-shaped flowers that typically grow in whorls at the top of the stems. The flowers of 'Mrs Kittle' exhibit a charming metamorphosis in color as they age, starting out as pink buds and maturing into blue-violet blossoms, displaying a two-tone effect on the same plant. After the flowering period, the plant continues to offer visual interest with its patterned leaves.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Mrs Kittle Lungwort, Mrs Kittle Bethlehem Sage
Common names
Pulmonaria saccharata 'Mrs Kittle'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lungwort, including the variety Pulmonaria 'Mrs Kittle', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There have been no significant reports of poisoning from consuming or coming into contact with Lungwort. Therefore, there should generally be no adverse symptoms associated with ingestion of this plant. However, as with any non-food plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could result in mild gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation in some rare cases.
To pets
Lungwort is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe for dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. There are no common symptoms of poisoning associated with the ingestion of Lungwort, which includes the variety Pulmonaria 'Mrs Kittle'. As with humans, individual sensitivities or allergic reactions could occur but are uncommon. Therefore, accidental ingestion by pets typically does not result in any serious health consequences.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Pulmonaria 'Mrs Moon' attract bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of many plants.
- Shade Tolerance: This variety is well-suited for shady areas in the garden where other plants might struggle to thrive.
- Easy to Grow: It is known for being low maintenance and easy to cultivate, ideal for novice gardeners or those with limited time.
- Seasonal Interest: With its decorative foliage and spring flowers, it provides visual interest throughout multiple seasons.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Pulmonaria 'Mrs Moon' can withstand periods of drought, making it suitable for drier climates or water-conserving gardens.
- Ground Cover: Its spreading habit makes it good for covering bare spots in the garden and suppressing weeds.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The plant is typically resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, helping to minimize garden damage.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pulmonaria 'Mrs Kittle', commonly known as lungwort, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving a range of colors from yellow to brown depending on the mordant used.
- Lungwort leaves can be incorporated into a compost pile as a source of nitrogen, helping to balance carbon-rich materials and accelerate the composting process.
- Due to its unique foliage, lungwort can be used for botanical prints where the leaves are pressed onto paper or fabric to create a natural pattern.
- When dried and pressed, lungwort leaves can be used in crafting, such as in the creation of eco-friendly greeting cards or in decoupage projects.
- Lungwort can be planted as an indicator plant as it prefers moist soil conditions, which can help in monitoring the moisture levels of garden soil.
- The plant can be used in educational settings, such as schools or botanical gardens, to demonstrate plant symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi, which is prevalent in lungwort species.
- Gardeners may use lungwort strategically under deciduous trees to add early spring color before the tree canopy develops and shades out the area.
- In folklore and storytelling, lungwort has been used symbolically to represent lung health and is sometimes incorporated into narrative themes around breathing and air.
- Lungwort's varied leaf patterns can serve as inspiration for artists and designers, who may mimic the spotted or mottled leaf patterns in their artwork or fabric designs.
- For nature-inspired weddings and events, lungwort can contribute to 'living tablescapes' or eco-centric decor, especially during the spring bloom period.
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: The variegated patterns on the leaves of Lungwort (common name for Pulmonaria 'Mrs Kittle') symbolize hope as they stand out brightly, encouraging optimism.
- Resilience: Lungwort is an early spring bloomer, often pushing through the last of winter's snow, which symbolizes resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Health: Historically, Lungwort has been used in herbal medicine, particularly for lung ailments, and thus symbolizes health and healing.
- Longevity: This plant is a perennial that returns each year, which is often interpreted as a symbol of longevity and enduring life.
WaterLungwort 'Mrs Kittle' should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically translates to about once a week, depending on the climate and the season. In the growing season, from spring to fall, lungwort may require more frequent watering, as much as twice a week if the weather is particularly hot or dry. When watering, provide enough water to soak the soil around the roots, using approximately 1 gallon per plant each time. During the winter, reduce watering to every other week or less, always checking the soil's moisture level before adding water.
LightLungwort 'Mrs Kittle' thrives best in partially shaded to full shaded conditions, where it can avoid the harsh midday sun. The ideal spot for this plant would be under a canopy of trees or on the north side of a building where it can receive dappled sunlight or consistent light shade. Direct sun, especially during the hotter parts of the day, should be avoided to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureLungwort 'Mrs Kittle' is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, but it does best in conditions that stay between 60°F and 70°F. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to around 15°F and can handle maximum temperatures up to about 80°F. However, consistently maintaining the ideal temperature range will promote optimal plant health and flowering.
PruningPruning lungwort 'Mrs Kittle' is essential to maintain plant health and appearance. After flowering, typically in late spring or early summer, cut back the flower stalks to encourage a second bloom and to keep the plant tidy. Additionally, remove any damaged or yellowed leaves at this time. Pruning can also be done in late winter to early spring to clear away old foliage and make room for new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLungwort 'Mrs Kittle' thrives in a soil mix that retains moisture but is also well-draining, composed of equal parts garden loam, peat moss, and perlite. The optimal soil pH for lungwort is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingLungwort 'Mrs Kittle' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Repotting is best done in late winter or early spring.
Humidity & MistingLungwort 'Mrs Kittle' prefers high humidity environments but can tolerate average room humidity if the soil is kept consistently moist.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with moist soil.
Outdoor
Partial shade, moist soil, sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleLungwort 'Mrs Kittle' begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically in a moist, shaded environment where it takes root in rich soil. After sprouting, the seedling grows into a rosette of basal leaves, which are often spotted or mottled, establishing its foliage during the first year. As it enters the vegetative stage in subsequent years, 'Mrs Kittle' grows larger and develops its distinctive hairy leaves, which are an adaptation to the shaded habitats it prefers. In early to mid-spring, the plant matures and produces flowering stems bearing clusters of bell-shaped flowers, which change color from pink to blue as they age, attracting pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers will set seed which can be dispersed to produce new plants. After flowering, Lungwort 'Mrs Kittle' enters a period of dormancy during the late summer or fall, with the foliage sometimes dying back if conditions are too dry, before re-emerging the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Pulmonaria 'Mrs Kittle', commonly known as Lungwort, is best propagated through division. The ideal time to propagate by division is in the spring or early fall when the plant is not in active flowering and the temperatures are mild. Begin by gently digging around the plant to lift it from the ground, taking care not to damage the root system. Once removed, shake off excess soil and carefully tease apart individual clumps, ensuring each has a portion of roots attached. These new divisions can then be replanted in the garden, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish the roots in their new locations. With proper care, these divisions will grow into robust plants that echo the beauty of their parent Pulmonaria 'Mrs Kittle'.
