Lungwort Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain'
ABOUT
Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain', commonly referred to as Lungwort, is a striking perennial known for its decorative foliage and early spring flowers. This plant typically features an attractive clumping formation of leaves that are oval to lance-shaped with a somewhat hairy texture. The foliage displays a distinctive green color, often speckled or mottled with silver or white spots, which gives it a unique and eye-catching appearance. The flowers of Lungwort are particularly noteworthy, emerging in clusters at the top of slender, upright stalks. They undergo a captivating color change as they mature, starting out as a lovely shade of pink and then transitioning to a vivid blue hue. The delicate blooms add a splash of color to shady gardens. Lungwort is often chosen for its decorative qualities, with the contrast between the variegated leaves and its enchanting dual-colored flowers making it a beloved choice for ornamental gardens. Its charming appearance is effective in borders, as a ground cover, or when planted in woodland settings, where it complements other shade-loving plants.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Trevi Fountain Lungwort, Trevi Fountain Bethlehem Sage
Common names
Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lungwort, specifically the Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain' variety, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It does not contain any known toxic substances that would cause poisoning upon ingestion. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could result in mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in some people. If such symptoms occur, medical advice should be sought. It is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid eating plants that are not typically recognized as food.
To pets
Lungwort, including the Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain', is not known to be toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. It is not listed on common toxic plant databases for pets, and there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with its ingestion. Nevertheless, individual pets may have variable reactions to ingesting non-food plants, potentially causing mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. If any adverse reactions are observed after a pet has ingested lungwort, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Blue
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1.5 feet (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain', known as Lungwort, is popular among bees and butterflies, helping to support local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Lungwort is a hardy perennial that requires minimal care once established, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant thrives in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, allowing for garden design flexibility.
- Early Spring Blooms: Lungwort flowers early in the spring, adding color to the garden when most other plants are not yet in bloom.
- Decorative Foliage: The plant has attractive variegated or speckled leaves that add visual interest throughout the growing season, even when not flowering.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Lungwort can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Ground Cover: Its dense growth habit can help prevent weed growth, acting as a living mulch and helping to maintain soil moisture.
- Cold Hardy: Lungwort is capable of withstanding colder temperatures, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
- Seasonal Interest: With its changing leaf patterns and flower colors, Lungwort provides seasonal interest from spring to fall.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain', commonly known as Lungwort, can be used to create a living mulch under deciduous trees, as it spreads to cover ground and suppresses weeds effectively.
- The plant, with its attractive foliage and flowers, serves as an excellent addition for woodland gardens, offering a splash of color in shady spots.
- Lungwort can be used in container gardens for shaded porches or patios, where its low-light tolerance is especially beneficial.
- This variety of Lungwort can be used in flower pressing due to its delicate and colorful blooms, which retain color well when dried.
- The leaves of Lungwort can be used in creative crafts, such as in the casting of stepping stones or decorative garden accents to imprint their patterns.
- Due to its early flowering period, Lungwort is valuable for supporting pollinators like bees when other food sources are scarce in the garden.
- The dense form and spread of Lungwort make it a useful plant for stabilizing soil on slight slopes to prevent erosion in partially shaded areas.
- Lungwort can be planted in hanging baskets for shaded balcony gardens, bringing a touch of woodland charm to urban outdoor spaces.
- When used in a sensory garden, the varied textures of Lungwort's leaves can provide a tactile experience for visitors.
- For educational gardens or school projects, Lungwort can serve to illustrate plant adaptation in shade tolerance and the importance of early spring flowering to ecosystems.
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 lungwort plant, with its miraculous appearance early in the spring season, represents hope and new beginnings as it brings colour back into the garden after the winter.
- Healing: Traditionally, lungwort was associated with lung healing due to its spotted leaves resembling the interior of the lungs, which led to its use in herbal medicine for respiratory conditions, symbolizing healing and health.
WaterThe Lungwort 'Trevi Fountain' requires consistent moisture, so watering should be done when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically translates to about once a week. Use room temperature water and aim for the soil rather than the leaves to prevent fungal diseases. During the hotter summer months, you may need to water more frequently, possibly two to three times per week, providing roughly one gallon of water each time, depending on the size of the plant and environmental conditions. In winter, reduce watering as the plant requires less moisture during dormancy. Adjust watering frequency based on rainfall and check soil moisture regularly.
LightLungwort 'Trevi Fountain' thrives best in partial shade to full shade conditions. It is ideal to place the plant in a spot that receives dappled sunlight or in an area with morning sun and afternoon shade to protect it from the intense midday sun. Avoid exposing the plant to prolonged direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureThe Lungwort 'Trevi Fountain' can typically withstand a range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. This plant prefers cooler conditions and can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30°F. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F to 75°F during the growing season. Extreme heat can be stressful for the plant, so provide some extra shade if temperatures consistently exceed 85°F.
PruningPruning the Lungwort 'Trevi Fountain' is beneficial for removing old or damaged leaves and promoting new growth. Prune away any spent flower stalks after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage a potential second flush of flowers. The best time for general pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to shape the plant and remove any dead or unsightly foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLungwort, or Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain', thrives best in a soil mix that is well-draining, rich in organic matter, and has a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a bit of perlite or coarse sand works well to create the ideal growing conditions for Pulmonaria.
RepottingLungwort typically requires repotting every 2 to 4 years to refresh the soil and provide additional space for root growth. When noting slow growth or roots emerging from drainage holes, it's time to repot.
Humidity & MistingLungwort prefers a moderately high humidity level, similar to that of its native woodland habitat. Aim for humidity levels between 45% to 65% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleLungwort 'Trevi Fountain' begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown, will germinate under suitable moisture and temperature conditions. The seedlings emerge and establish a root system, followed by the development of foliage, which is characterized by its unique silvery-spotted, green leaves. The plant then enters a vegetative state where it grows and matures, forming dense clumps via rhizome expansion. In the spring, usually around April, Lungwort 'Trevi Fountain' produces clusters of flowers that transition from pink to blue as they mature, a process which attracts pollinators and enables sexual reproduction. Once fertilized, the flowers produce seeds, completing the reproductive cycle, which then can be dispersed by various mechanisms to new locations where they can germinate. During the winter, the plant may die back to the ground, but as a perennial, it will re-emerge from its root system the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain', commonly known as Lungwort, is most popularly propagated through division. The best time for this is in either early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom, and temperatures are cooler, which reduces stress on the plant. To propagate through division, carefully dig up the Lungwort plant and shake or rinse off the excess soil. Then, using a sharp knife or spade, divide the root ball into sections, making sure each section has at least one shoot and a portion of the root system. The divisions can then be replanted in moist, well-drained soil, spacing them about 12 inches (roughly 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method allows gardeners to create new plants that are genetically identical to the parent and is a quick way to expand the garden while maintaining the plant's characteristics.
