Do pulmonaria like sun or shade?
Pulmonaria are native to many parts of Europe and Asia. All grow best when given light shade and a few hours of morning sun. Sites that are too sunny or hot will cause this plant’s foliage to deteriorate rapidly. They perform at their best at higher elevations and cooler temperatures. Plant pulmonaria singly, or in groups or drifts, in good fertile soil in partial shade. Once established, pulmonarias need little care apart from cutting back once or twice a year. Remove browned leaves and faded flower stalks after flowering. Divide clumps every four to five years to maintain healthy growth.
What are the benefits of growing Pulmonaria?
Lungwort is popular amongst gardeners not only because of its decorative appearance but also because it is extremely easy to care for and shade tolerant. Lungwort is said to have healing properties and has been used in traditional medicine since the 15th century to treat a variety of lung ailments. Lungworts flower in late winter/very early spring, some often beginning around the end of February. The flowers, most of which emerge usually either pink or violet, typically change to blue as they age. The flowers are borne in corymbs on short stalks that reach just above the foliage.Some Lungwort leaves may decline in the summer heat and can be removed as necessary. Step 3 – Trim the plant back in the fall. Cut the top of the plant, creating a smaller, bushier Lungwort plant in areas with mild winters. Cut all growth back to the ground in areas with cold winters.Lungworts don’t have serious pest problems. Powdery mildew can be a problem in areas with poor air circulation. Slugs also can damage the foliage. Though they can be left undisturbed for years, lungworts can be propagated by dividing the clumps in late summer/early fall or after flowering in spring.Lungworts are great for a first-time gardener! These easy-to-grow perennials love part shade/partial sun in cooler climates and full shade in the warmer end of their hardiness zone range of USDA growing zones 3 to 9. Plant these sun-shy garden jewels in your moist, rich, fertile, well-drained garden beds and borders.
What kind of fertilizer for pulmonaria?
Best Fertilizer For Lungwort Use a balanced fertilizer for Lungwort. A product with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or similar is a good choice to support roots, foliage, and flowers. Water-soluble fertilizers can be applied when watering the plant for ease of use. Step 1 – Cut back overgrowth on Lungwort plants grown in areas with mild winters. Step 2 – Remove all growth after the first frost. Step 3 – Place a layer of mulch around the Lungwort plant to protect the roots from cold weather. Step 4 – Cover the plant in warm areas if the weather calls for a cold snap.Lungwort produces flowers that grow on tall stalks. As the flowers fade, the stems will also begin to die. The flower stalk will become floppy, and the leaves will die. Prune the entire stalk when the flowers die.Potted Lungwort needs water every few days, as the soil dries out. The amount of sunlight and rainfall the plant receives will impact how often to water container-grown Lungwort. Monitor the plant and water potted Lungwort when the top couple of inches of soil are dry.Lungworts are perennial plants that are not only very attractive, but they are hardy, resilient, and easy to grow! They spread by their slow creeping rhizomes, yet are not invasive! Politely spreading and forming clumps of silver-speckled leaves.Lungwort is a clump-forming plant that can be divided every few years or as needed. Transplant Lungwort after the blooms have faded. Late summer or early fall is usually the ideal time to move Lungwort. Dig the plant up and move it to a new location, and water immediately to help the plant acclimate.
How do you winterize pulmonaria?
Step 1 – Cut back overgrowth on Lungwort plants grown in areas with mild winters. Step 2 – Remove all growth after the first frost. Step 3 – Place a layer of mulch around the Lungwort plant to protect the roots from cold weather. Some Lungwort leaves may decline in the summer heat and can be removed as necessary. Step 3 – Trim the plant back in the fall. Cut the top of the plant, creating a smaller, bushier Lungwort plant in areas with mild winters. Cut all growth back to the ground in areas with cold winters.Lungworts can be grown in moist but well-drained soil and partial or fully shaded areas of the garden. They’re great for under trees and shrubs, although some sunlight will help them thrive. Water once a week, or more frequently if you’re planting them in summer.Step 1 – Cut back overgrowth on Lungwort plants grown in areas with mild winters. Step 2 – Remove all growth after the first frost. Step 3 – Place a layer of mulch around the Lungwort plant to protect the roots from cold weather.The pests that are likely to damage Lungwort plants are the usual suspects: slugs and aphids. Controlling and preventing infestation will protect Lungwort plants so you can enjoy the unique foliage and lovely flowers.A spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal. Plants can be grown in full sun if enough moisture is provided, but dry, sunny conditions will often result in scorched and withered leaves. Lungworts also do not perform well in overly wet sites and can suffer from root rot in poorly drained, soggy soil.