Lungwort Pulmonaria 'Roy Davidson'
ABOUT
Pulmonaria 'Roy Davidson', commonly known as lungwort, is a perennial with a visually striking appearance owing to its foliage and flowers. The leaves of lungwort are one of its most distinctive features; they are oval-shaped and covered with a soft, hairy texture that is pleasant to touch. The foliage is characterized by its unique coloration pattern – a stunning mosaic of green with a speckling of silver dots or patches, which makes the leaves seemingly shimmer in the light. In early to mid-spring, lungwort produces clusters of delicate flowers that add vibrant colors to the garden. The blooms can start as pink buds, which then transition into shades of blue as they fully open. This striking color change is due to the varying acidity levels in the soil and is a delightful display that is cherished by gardeners. The flowers themselves are bell-shaped and hang in clusters above the foliage, looking almost like small, hanging bouquets. The contrast between the silvery dotted leaves and the pastel-colored flowers creates a picturesque display in any setting where lungwort is planted. Its overall appearance is one of both softness and whimsy, which makes it a popular choice for shade gardens and as an underplanting beneath taller plants or trees.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Lungwort, Bethlehem Sage, Jerusalem Cowslip
Common names
Pulmonaria 'Roy Davidson'
ToxicityTo humans
Lungwort (Pulmonaria 'Roy Davidson') is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant, and it does not typically cause adverse effects. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities can vary, and it's always prudent to avoid eating plants that are not specifically grown for consumption.
To pets
Lungwort (Pulmonaria 'Roy Davidson') is also generally regarded as non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause poisoning in domestic animals like cats and dogs. If a pet were to ingest a significant amount of the plant, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset simply due to the ingestion of non-food plant matter, but there are no specific toxic effects associated with lungwort.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Blue
Height
1 feet (30 cm)
Spread
1 feet 6 inches (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Early Spring Blooms: Pulmonaria 'Roy Davidson' offers vibrant flowers that bloom early in the spring, providing a colorful start to the gardening season.
- Shade Tolerant: This plant is well-suited for shaded areas in the garden, where other plants may struggle to grow.
- Attracts Pollinators: The trumpet-shaped flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for a healthy ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Lungwort requires minimal care, making it an excellent option for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Drought Resistant: While preferring moist soil, the plant can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The hairy leaves of Lungwort deter deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens plagued by these pests.
- Colorful Foliage: The leaves of this variety often have unique silver spots or blotches, providing visual interest throughout the growing season, even when the plant is not in bloom.
- Ground Cover: Lungwort can serve as an effective ground cover, spreading to fill in spaces and suppress weeds.
- Seasonal Interest: With changing leaf colors and patterns during different seasons, Lungwort offers varied visual interest throughout the year.
- Easy to Divide: The plant can be easily divided to propagate and share with other gardeners or to expand its presence in your own garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pulmonaria 'Roy Davidson', commonly known as lungwort, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- In the garden, lungwort acts as an early nectar source for bees and other pollinators when few other plants are in bloom.
- Lungwort leaves can be added to compost piles to introduce beneficial microorganisms and speed up decomposition.
- It can be used in themed garden designs that mimic the look of an understory in a woodland setting, providing aesthetic value.
- Lungwort's spotted leaves can be used as a whimsical educational tool for children, teaching them about plant adaptation and variation.
- The plant can be utilized as ground cover to suppress weeds due to its low-growing, spreading habit.
- Lungwort can be planted to stabilize soil on slopes or in shaded erosion-prone areas due to its mat-forming nature.
- The flowers of lungwort can also be used decoratively in salads, adding a splash of color with its edible blooms, though they should be eaten in moderation.
- Intricate patterns on the leaves can inspire artists and designers looking for natural shapes and textures to incorporate into their work.
- When dried, the leaves of lungwort can be used in potpourri mixes for their textural variety and as a conversation piece about their historical medicinal uses, even though we are excluding actual medicinal properties.
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 'Roy Davidson', commonly known as Lungwort, has historically been used in herbal medicine, as its spotted leaves resemble the appearance of diseased lungs and it was believed to treat lung diseases according to the Doctrine of Signatures. Therefore, it symbolizes healing, especially of respiratory issues.
- Protection: Lungwort is also associated with protective qualities. In medieval times, plants were often believed to possess powers that could shield from evil spirits and disease. As a plant that was used for its purported medicinal properties, it also came to symbolize protection.
- Perseverance and Hope: Lungwort is one of the early bloomers in the spring garden. Its ability to flower in early spring, often while snow is still on the ground, represents perseverance and the hope that comes with the arrival of spring after a long winter.
WaterLungwort should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during its growth in spring and fall. In general, provide about one inch of water per week, but adjust frequency during hot or dry periods to avoid drying out. It’s best to water lungwort deeply to encourage root growth, which means slowly adding enough water so it reaches the roots without causing excess runoff. During winter, reduce watering since the plant is not actively growing and to prevent waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot.
LightLungwort thrives in partial shade to full shade, making it an ideal plant for spots that receive dappled sunlight or are shaded for most of the day. The best location is under tree canopies or on the north side of a building where it's protected from the harsh afternoon sun. Bright, indirect light will encourage vibrant foliage and flower color without the risk of leaf burn.
TemperatureLungwort prefers cooler temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8, where minimum winter temperatures can fall down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can tolerate brief periods of higher temperatures, but consistently hot conditions above 80 degrees Fahrenheit can stress it. Ideal growing conditions range from about 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during active growth.
PruningPruning lungwort helps to maintain its shape, remove spent flowers, and encourage a second bloom. Trim back the foliage after the first flowering in late spring to promote fresh growth. Pruning can be done again after the second bloom, if it occurs, to tidy the plant before winter. The best time for pruning is generally immediately after flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLungwort 'Roy Davidson' thrives best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of loamy garden soil, compost, and peat with a bit of perlite or vermiculite is ideal.
RepottingLungwort 'Roy Davidson' should be repotted every few years to replenish the soil as it doesn't become root-bound quickly. Repotting is best done in the spring.
Humidity & MistingLungwort 'Roy Davidson' prefers moderate humidity levels; aim for around 50% relative humidity for optimal growth. Avoid extremes of too dry or too moist air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Lungwort 'Roy Davidson' in bright, indirect light and moist soil.
Outdoor
Place Lungwort 'Roy Davidson' in part shade and moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleLungwort 'Roy Davidson' begins its life as a seed, which, when sown, germinates to produce small rosettes of foliage. The seedlings mature into clumps of hairy, silver-spotted, green leaves that form the base of the plant. In early to mid-spring, flowering stems arise from the basal foliage, bearing clusters of bell-shaped flowers that are initially pink and fade to blue with age. After the blooming period, the plant sets seed, and the flowers are replaced by small, inconspicuous fruit that contains the seeds for the next generation. The plant then enters a period of vegetative growth throughout the summer, where it continues to develop its leafy foliage. As winter approaches, Lungwort 'Roy Davidson' may die back, depending on the climate, entering a dormant phase only to revive and start the cycle anew with the return of warmer spring temperatures.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The common lungwort 'Roy Davidson' is typically propagated by division, which is best conducted in either the spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate lungwort, carefully dig up an established clump and separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each new segment has a portion of the roots. These divisions should be replanted at the same soil depth they were previously growing at, spaced approximately 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) apart to give them room to spread. It's important to keep the newly planted divisions well-watered, especially during their first growing season, to help them establish robust root systems.
