Red lungwort Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles's Red'
ABOUT
Bowles's Red is a vibrant variety of Lungwort, displaying a charming and distinctive appearance that adds a touch of color to shaded garden areas. The plant is notable for its foliage and its early spring blooms. Its leaves are a rich, deep green and often showcase silver or white markings that create a striking contrast. These soft, hairy leaves are somewhat spoon-shaped, contributing to the plant's lush, ground-covering look. The flowers of Bowles's Red are particularly striking, with bright, coral-red to pinkish-red blossoms that emerge in clusters on short stalks above the foliage. These trumpet-shaped flowers are a welcome sight after a long winter, as they typically appear when few other plants are in bloom. The intensity of the red hues provides an eye-catching display that is both unusual and delightful among Lungworts, whose flowers are more commonly shades of blue or purple. Seasonally, the flowers and leaves of Bowles's Red may change. The blooms, after pollination, can shift in color, potentially taking on hues of violet or blue as they mature. The foliage remains visually interesting throughout the growing season, with the silver-speckled leaves persisting until the onset of colder weather. Bowles's Red is often appreciated for its low-maintenance nature and its ability to thrive in shaded environments where other flowering plants might struggle. Its combination of ornamental leaves and brightly colored flowers makes it a valuable addition to woodland gardens, shaded border fronts, or as an underplanting for taller, shade-loving shrubs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Red Lungwort, Bowles's Red Lungwort
Common names
Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles's Red'
ToxicityTo humans
Red Lungwort, generally, is not known to be toxic to humans. However, it is always best to avoid ingesting plants that are not meant for consumption as they can cause gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in some people.
To pets
Red Lungwort is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets such as cats and dogs. However, as with humans, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes lead to mild stomach upset. If your pet has ingested a large amount of this plant and is showing symptoms of illness, it is advisable to contact your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive early spring blooms - Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles's Red' features clusters of scarlet or coral-red flowers that are among the first to appear in spring, adding a pop of color to the garden when few other plants are in bloom.
- Shade tolerance - It is an excellent plant for shady areas, where it can provide vibrant color and interest under trees or in woodland gardens.
- Low maintenance - Once established, this plant requires minimal care, making it a great option for gardeners who desire an attractive garden but have limited time for upkeep.
- Drought resistance - It is relatively drought-tolerant, which means it can survive in dry conditions once it's well-established, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Wildlife attraction - The flowers of Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles's Red' are attractive to pollinators, such as bees, and can help support the local ecosystem.
- Ground cover - This plant spreads slowly, forming dense clumps that can serve as an attractive ground cover and suppress weeds.
- Ornamental foliage - The hairy, green leaves can be quite decorative, with some plants showing mottled or speckled patterns that add visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles's Red', commonly known as Lungwort, can serve as an indicator of ancient woodlands when found in the wild, aiding ecologists and conservationists in identifying areas of ecological importance.
- Due to its early spring blooming, Lungwort provides an important nectar source for bees when other flowers are not yet available, supporting local pollinator populations.
- The patterned leaves of Lungwort can be used in art projects, like leaf printing or natural textile dyeing, to create unique patterns and designs.
- In colder climates, Lungwort can act as a natural insulator when planted densely around the base of a tree or garden structure, potentially reducing frost damage to the roots.
- Lungwort can be planted as part of a 'living mulch' under taller plants or shrubs to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth, reducing the need for additional mulching materials.
- The texture and variegated foliage of Lungwort add visual interest in shade gardens, creating depth and contrast when paired with other shade-loving plants.
- Lungwort's foliage can be included in floral arrangements for a touch of greenery that lasts longer than many cut flowers, providing a different texture and look.
- Gardeners may propagate Lungwort through easy division, sharing plants with friends and neighbors, which can foster a sense of community and promote plant exchange programs.
- Children can engage with Lungwort in educational gardens, learning about plant life cycles, pollination, and the ecosystem services provided by native flora.
- As a food source, the springtime blossoms of Lungwort can be sprinkled on salads, providing edible garnishing and introducing new flavors, although they are not commonly consumed.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Red Lungwort is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Red Lungwort is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience â The Red Lungwort is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in shady conditions, making it a symbol of resilience and adaptability.
- Hope â With its early spring blossoms, the plant is often seen as a herald of spring, symbolizing new beginnings and hope.
- Longevity â Due to its perennial nature, Red Lungwort also represents long life and enduring presence.
- Health â The genus name Pulmonaria is derived from Latin 'pulmo' meaning lung; historically, it was used to treat lung diseases, symbolizing healing and good health.
WaterRed lungwort requires consistent moisture, especially during its growing season in spring and early summer. It is best watered deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water per plant, ensuring the soil is thoroughly moistened but not waterlogged. During hot or dry spells, more frequent watering may be necessary, potentially twice a week, to keep the soil evenly moist. In cooler weather or when the plant is not actively growing, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. However, it's important to avoid letting the soil completely dry out.
LightRed lungwort thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. It is an ideal plant for shaded woodland gardens or north-facing sites. The best spot for red lungwort is where it can receive filtered sunlight or be protected under the canopy of larger plants, as too much direct sun can scorch its leaves, while deep shade may reduce flowering.
TemperatureRed lungwort prefers cool to moderate temperature conditions and is winter hardy in zones 3 through 9, meaning it can typically handle temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, red lungwort thrives when temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat can stress the plant, and in such conditions, ample shade and proper watering are crucial.
PruningPruning red lungwort is generally done to remove any damaged or yellowing leaves and to tidy up the plant after flowering. Prune in late spring or early summer, after the blooms have faded, to encourage a flush of new growth. Cutting back the old flowering stems will often result in another bloom cycle and improves the plant's overall appearance. Pruning can be done once or as needed throughout the growing season to maintain plant health and vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRed Lungwort prefers a soil mix rich in organic matter with good drainage; aim for a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Amend garden soil with compost and leaf mold to create the ideal growing conditions.
RepottingRed Lungwort typically does not require frequent repotting. Assess the plant every 2-3 years, and repot if it is root-bound or the soil is exhausted.
Humidity & MistingRed Lungwort thrives in average to high humidity levels, but it is adaptable and does not require any special humidity considerations beyond normal indoor levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Red Lungwort in indirect light, keep soil moist, and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Red Lungwort in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleBowles's Red Lungwort (Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles's Red') begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in a suitable environment, germinates usually in the spring. Following germination, it grows into a small rosette of basal leaves, which are characteristic of young plants. As it matures into an adult plant, the leaves expand and the lungwort produces clusters of red funnel-shaped flowers, typically blooming in late winter to early spring. After pollination, often by bees attracted to the bright flowers, the plant sets seed, completing the reproductive phase. Throughout summer and fall, the lungwort continues to grow vegetatively, storing energy for the next year's flowering. Eventually, as temperatures drop, the plant enters a dormant phase during winter, reducing metabolic activity to survive the cold, before resuming growth and flowering in the subsequent spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles's Red', commonly known as Red Lungwort, is often propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. This process is typically done in the spring or early fall. To propagate by division, the gardener would carefully dig up the plant ensuring to preserve as much of the root system as possible. The clump should then be gently separated into smaller sections, each with roots and shoots attached. These individual sections can be immediately replanted in the garden at the same depth they were growing previously and spaced about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Regular watering after replanting will help the new divisions to establish quickly.
