Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Munstead Blue'
ABOUT
Munstead Blue is a charming perennial plant known for its striking foliage and dainty spring blooms. The leaves of this plant are one of its most distinctive features, with their rough, hairy surface and a unique pattern of silver-white spots and speckles that stand out against the dark green background. This mottled effect gives the foliage a soft, almost frosted appearance that adds texture to garden beds. As the seasons progress, Munstead Blue produces clusters of bell-shaped flowers. These blooms are a captivating shade of sky blue, with delicate veining and a faintly ruffled edge, contributing to their quaint, cottage-garden feel. The flowers are neatly arranged on slender, upright stems that rise just above the mound of foliage beneath. This plant's overall shape is typically clumping or mounding, presenting a lush appearance that works exceptionally well as an understory element in garden designs or as part of shaded border areas. Its foliage and flowers together create a contrast that is visually appealing and can act as an eye-catching component in any garden that seeks to have a spectrum of colors and textures. Munstead Blue's ability to produce such wonderful foliage and blooms, coupled with its durable nature, makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add long-lasting interest to their shaded garden spots.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Blue Cowslip, Blue Lungwort, Narrow-Leafed Lungwort, Munstead Blue Lungwort
Common names
Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Munstead Blue'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Munstead Blue' is Lungwort. Lungwort is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting any part of the Lungwort plant, and it does not typically cause adverse reactions when handled or consumed in moderate amounts. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can exist, and it is generally advisable not to consume plants not specifically grown for consumption.
To pets
Lungwort is also not known to be toxic to pets. There is no significant evidence that Lungwort causes poisoning in animals such as dogs or cats if they ingest parts of the plant. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant for pets. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion in large quantities could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea simply due to the ingestion of non-digestible plant matter.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Lungwort ('Munstead Blue') are known to attract bees and butterflies, which are key pollinators for the garden.
- Early Spring Bloom: It's one of the first plants to bloom in spring, providing early color to the garden when most plants are just emerging.
- Shade Tolerance: This variety thrives in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens or shaded areas.
- Low Maintenance: Lungwort is considered to be low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established in a suitable location.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or in areas with water restrictions.
Medical Properties- Traditionally used for respiratory conditions: It has been used for easing the symptoms of respiratory ailments such as coughs and bronchitis.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Contains allantoin, which is known to reduce inflammation and support wound healing.
- Expectorant properties: May help with the expulsion of phlegm from the lungs and airways.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lungwort 'Munstead Blue' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, yielding a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- It can serve as an early source of nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies in the garden.
- The leaves of Lungwort 'Munstead Blue' can be incorporated into compost as a source of green material, contributing to soil health.
- The plant can be used in permaculture designs as a ground cover to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
- Lungwort 'Munstead Blue' can be planted under deciduous trees, utilizing its preference for shade and adding diversity to woodland gardens.
- The patterns on the plant's leaves may be used as inspiration for art and design, influencing textures and motifs in creative work.
- Dried leaves of Lungwort 'Munstead Blue' can be used in potpourri mixes for their texture and subtle hints of color.
- It can act as a visual indicator of soil conditions due to its preference for alkaline soils; yellowing leaves may signal overly acidic soil.
- The flowers of Lungwort 'Munstead Blue' can be used to add a decorative touch to salads, as they are edible and have a mild flavor.
- It can be included in sensory gardens for its soft, hairy leaves and bright flowers, providing a tactile and visual experience.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lungwort is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lungwort is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Pulmonaria angustifolia, commonly known as Lungwort, is often associated with healing because of its history in herbal medicine where it was used to treat lung diseases, thus symbolizing recovery and health improvement.
- Protection: In folk traditions, Lungwort was sometimes used as a charm against negative influences and evil spirits, symbolizing protection and safety.
- Perseverance: Lungwort can grow in shady, damp environments where other plants might struggle, representing the ability to thrive in difficult circumstances and symbolizing perseverance and resilience.
- Clarity: The plant's association with lung health and its traditional use for respiratory problems could imply clarity or clear breathing, symbolizing clear thinking or expression.
WaterLunaria, commonly known as Lungwort, prefers consistently moist soil, so it's important to water it regularly. During the growing season in spring and summer, water Lungwort once or twice a week, depending on the weather, with enough water to soak the soil thoroughly—about 1 to 2 gallons per week for an established plant. It's crucial not to let the soil dry out completely, but also to avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to match cooler temperatures and decreased evaporation rates. Ensure that Lungwort planted in containers is watered more frequently, as pots can dry out faster than garden soil.
LightLungwort thrives in partial to full shade. The best spot for this plant would be a location where it can receive dappled sunlight or light shade throughout the day. Direct afternoon sun can be too intense and may cause the leaves to scorch, so a location under the canopy of open-branched trees or on the north or east side of a building would be ideal. Protecting Lungwort from harsh sun will promote lush foliage and vibrant blooms.
TemperatureLungwort performs best in temperatures that range from 60°F to 75°F, which are ideal growing conditions. Though frost-hardy, it should not be subjected to prolonged periods below 20°F, or it could suffer damage. Lungwort can generally withstand winter temperatures down to about 30°F without significant protection, but it’s advisable to mulch overwinter to provide extra insulation against frost.
PruningLungwort benefits from pruning to encourage bushier growth and to maintain a tidy appearance. After flowering, cut back the spent flower stems to the base to promote a second flush of leaves. In late winter or early spring, before new growth starts, prune any old or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy and to prevent disease. Best time for major pruning is after the main bloom in late spring; this will give it time to rejuvenate over the summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLungwort, 'Munstead Blue,' thrives in moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, with an ideal pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix can be made by combining equal parts of garden soil, compost, and leaf mold or peat moss to increase fertility and water retention while ensuring good drainage.
RepottingLungwort 'Munstead Blue' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years. It is best done in the spring, just as the plant starts to grow.
Humidity & MistingLungwort 'Munstead Blue' prefers moderate to high humidity levels, but it is quite adaptable and can tolerate less humid conditions typical in most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cyclePulmonaria angustifolia 'Munstead Blue', also known as Narrow-leafed Lungwort, begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in moist, fertile soil, typically in the spring. Seedlings soon emerge and develop into rosettes of lance-shaped leaves, and over time the plant develops a robust root system. In subsequent years, the perennial plant returns from these roots and forms clumps, with leaves becoming progressively larger and more abundant. In late winter to early spring, flower stalks arise bearing clusters of funnel-shaped flowers that start pink and transition to blue as they mature, attracting pollinators such as bees. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can self-sow under ideal conditions, thus helping the species perpetuate. As the growing season progresses, the foliage remains attractive, often featuring silver-spotted leaves until it dies back in late autumn to re-emerge the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Lungwort 'Munstead Blue' is by division. This is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully lift the entire plant out of the ground with a spade, ensuring a generous amount of soil around the roots. Gently tease apart the clumps into smaller sections, each with a good root system and several shoots. Replant each division promptly, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to give them room to grow. Water the new divisions well to help establish them. This method is often preferred for its simplicity and effectiveness in expanding lungwort collections or filling out garden spaces.
