Lungwort Pulmonaria 'Sissinghurst White'
ABOUT
The plant known as Sissinghurst White is a captivating variety due to its lush foliage and striking floral display. The leaves of this plant exhibit a unique trait where they are often speckled or marbled with silver or white, giving them a textured and intricate appearance amidst the underlying green. This attractive foliage sets the stage for the flowers, which are the plant's most distinctive feature. The flowers of the Sissinghurst White present themselves in clusters, blooming in the shape of delicate bells that dangle elegantly from their stems. True to their name, these blooms boast a pure white color, radiating a sense of freshness and purity in the garden. This crisp whiteness is especially pronounced against the plant's variegated foliage, making it a visually striking choice for gardeners. Overall, the Sissinghurst White offers a harmonious blend of uniquely patterned leaves with serene, white bell-shaped flowers, making it a prized specimen in any shade garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae.
Synonyms
Lungwort, Bethlehem Sage, Jerusalem Cowslip, Spotted Dog, Soldiers and Sailors.
Common names
Pulmonaria officinalis 'Sissinghurst White'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lungwort, commonly known as Pulmonaria 'Sissinghurst White', is not considered to be toxic to humans. If ingested, it is unlikely to cause poisoning or any adverse health consequences. However, as with any plant material, individual allergic reactions or irritation can occur, so it is always best to avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically meant for consumption.
To pets
Lungwort, commonly referred to as Pulmonaria 'Sissinghurst White', is not known to be toxic to pets. It is not typically associated with poisoning or harmful effects if pets consume parts of the plant. Nevertheless, individual animals can have unique sensitivities, and ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset, so it is advisable to monitor pets and prevent them from eating ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Shade tolerance: Well-suited for shaded areas where other plants might not thrive.
- Ornamental foliage: Attractive silver-spotted leaves add visual interest to the garden throughout the growing season.
- Spring flowers: Produces beautiful white flowers in the spring, providing an early source of nectar for pollinators.
- Ground cover: Functions as an effective ground cover, reducing weed growth and soil erosion.
- Drought resistance: Once established, it has a degree of drought tolerance, requiring less watering.
- Wildlife-friendly: Attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity.
- Easy to grow: Low maintenance requirements make it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Seasonal interest: Offers variety throughout the seasons with its changing foliage and blooms.
- Divisibility: Can be easily propagated by division to create more plants and fill out garden spaces.
- Cold-hardy: Capable of surviving in colder climates, often hardy down to USDA zone 3.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lungwort 'Sissinghurst White' can be used as an indicator plant in the garden to detect mildew presence, as it is prone to powdery mildew, prompting gardeners to take preventive actions for other plants.
- With its variegated foliage, Lungwort 'Sissinghurst White' is used as a living mulch under larger plants or trees, helping to suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture.
- It's often planted in cottage gardens, adding an old-fashioned charm with its delicate white flowers and speckled leaves.
- Lungwort 'Sissinghurst White' can be used in a moon garden, where the white blooms reflect moonlight and create a striking visual effect in the evening.
- Gardeners can plant Lungwort 'Sissinghurst White' near the end of a garden path to create a visual full stop due to its mounding form and distinct foliage.
- The plant can be utilized in fairy gardens or miniature scenes because of its small stature and enchanting flower shapes.
- Lungwort 'Sissinghurst White' serves as an early-season nectar source for bees and other pollinators, supporting the local ecosystem.
- The foliage's texture and color contrasts can be used to juxtapose adjacent plants with darker foliage or flowers, enhancing overall garden design.
- This plant can function as a natural carpet or ground cover in shaded woodland areas, providing a sense of continuity and fullness in the landscape.
- In artistic settings like theater or photography sets, Lungwort 'Sissinghurst White' can be incorporated into the scene for its aesthetic qualities.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLungwort is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLungwort is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: Pulmonaria, also known as Lungwort, is often associated with hope due to its early spring blooms, signaling the end of winter and the arrival of more favorable conditions.
- Longevity and Health: Lungwort's name derives from the doctrine of signatures, where the plant's spotted leaves were thought to resemble lungs, suggesting its use in treating respiratory conditions and thus symbolizing long life and good health.
- Healing and Protection: Due to its medicinal history, Lungwort also carries connotations of healing and protection, particularly in regards to lung-related ailments.
WaterLungwort should be watered thoroughly to ensure the soil is consistently moist but not soaking wet, typically 1 inch of water per week suffices. Increase the frequency during hot, dry weather, possibly to twice a week, providing extra water to prevent the soil from drying out. Less water is needed during the winter months, so reduce watering to every other week or whenever the soil begins to dry out. Avoid overhead watering which can lead to leaf diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry. It's best to water in the morning to allow any excess moisture on the leaves to evaporate during the day.
LightLungwort thrives in partial to full shade, which makes it ideal for planting under trees or in the shadowed parts of a garden. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so a spot that receives filtered light or morning sun with afternoon shade is perfect. It can handle some morning sun, but it is essential to protect it from the harsh midday and afternoon sun.
TemperatureLungwort prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate a range between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It may survive short periods of colder weathers, down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but it is not recommended for environments with temperatures consistently below freezing. Optimal growth occurs within its preferred temperature range, where the plant can maintain its health and bloom properly.
PruningPruning Lungwort should be done after flowering to encourage a second bloom and to maintain plant vigor. Cut back the spent flower stalks and any damaged or yellowing leaves to promote new growth. Pruning is typically done annually, immediately after the first flush of flowers fades in late spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Lungwort 'Sissinghurst White' prefers a soil mix that is rich in organic matter, well-draining, and has a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0-7.0. A good soil recipe could include garden compost, peat moss, and perlite in equal parts.
RepottingLungwort 'Sissinghurst White' should generally be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current container, to ensure the soil remains rich in nutrients and the roots have space to grow.
Humidity & MistingLungwort 'Sissinghurst White' thrives best at moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%, mimicking its natural woodland habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Lungwort in indirect light and moist soil.
Outdoor
Partial shade, moist, well-drained soil; mulch in spring.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cyclePulmonaria 'Sissinghurst White', commonly known as Lungwort, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in fertile, moist soil, germinates to give rise to small seedlings. These seedlings develop into rosettes of foliage, which are characteristically fuzzy, and display white-spotted, oval leaves. In the spring, mature plants produce flowering stalks that bear clusters of white, bell-shaped flowers that are attractive to pollinators such as bees. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed to propagate new plants, completing the reproductive stage of the cycle. Throughout the growing season, Lungwort may spread slowly by creeping rhizomes, expanding its presence in the garden bed. As a perennial, it enters a period of dormancy in the winter, when the above-ground foliage dies back, to re-emerge and repeat its life cycle the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer to Early Autumn
Pulmonaria 'Sissinghurst White', commonly known as Lungwort, is most commonly propagated by division. The best time to propagate by division is in the early spring or just after the plant has finished flowering. To propagate by division, carefully lift the parent plant from the ground with a shovel, making an effort not to damage the roots. Gently tease apart the root clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each new piece has a portion of the root system and several shoots for regeneration. These divisions can then be replanted into prepared soil, spaced approximately a foot (about 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter to promote healthy root development. Adequate watering after replanting is crucial to help establish the new divisions.
