Pulmonaria officinalis
True Lungwort
Common names: Spotted Lungwort, Deer’s Cabbage, Sky Key
Photo: CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Pulmonaria officinalis, commonly known as true lungwort, is one of the earliest spring bloomers along woodland edges, often flowering as early as March. Its flowers typically shift from delicate pink to bright blue, frequently displaying multiple hues on the same plant, giving it a distinctive appearance. The leaves are mottled with white spots and have a rough, hairy texture; they remain attractive as a shade-loving groundcover after flowering. It is an important early nectar source for bumblebees and solitary bees when few other plants are in bloom. Traditional folk medicine has used the plant, but safe use should be discussed with a qualified professional.
Care instructions
Plant lungwort in a semi‑shaded to shaded spot under trees where it feels most comfortable. The soil should be fresh to moist and contain some humus; water during dry spring weeks, especially in the first year. After flowering, trim the foliage close to the ground to encourage healthy new growth and reduce mildew risk. A mulch of leaf litter or compost keeps the root zone evenly moist and reduces the need for extra watering. Once established, lungwort tolerates occasional drier weeks and spreads slowly into a dense groundcover through seed and rhizomes.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
moist, humus-rich, nutrient-rich, loamy
Feeding
Medium feeder
Notes from real gardens
What other gardeners have written down about this variety — anonymous, voluntary.
No notes shared yet. Will you be the first to write one down?