Lungwort, also called pulmonaria, is a popular shade plant that blooms with bright colors in early spring. When the flowers die off, the leaves become the star of the show, making a lush carpet of green even in low light. With over 20 species and countless cultivars to choose from, it’s easy to see why gardeners look for these hardy perennials. Lungwort plants are easy to find for sale, both online and at local nurseries.
A Brief Overview of Lungwort
Lungwort plants belong to the borage family and originate from Europe and Asia. The common name refers to the spotted leaves that resemble diseased lungs. While the association may not seem appealing, the foliage is actually quite attractive with its silver-green patterns. The plants spread slowly via rhizomes to form clumps 12-18 inches tall and wide. Tiny bell-shaped flowers emerge in spring, blooming in shades of pink, blue, purple, white or red. After flowering, the foliage remains evergreen in warmer zones and semi-evergreen where winters are cold.
This perennial thrives in the dappled sunlight of woodland gardens. They require moist, humus-rich soil and should be shielded from hot afternoon sun. Once established, these carefree plants will return year after year with minimal care Deer and rabbit resistant, lungwort naturalizes easily to create a lush understory planting
Mail Order Sources Offer Variety
Looking for lungwort plants for sale near me? Mail order nurseries provide the widest selection of varieties. Reputable sources like Plant Delights Nursery carry dozens of unique cultivars perfect for shade gardens. Expect to find exciting options like:
- Raspberry Splash – Deep pink blooms with white centers
- Diana Clare – Blue flowers with silver leaves
- Silver Bouquet – Heavily spotted silver foliage
- Mrs. Moon – Large blue-violet blooms
- Trevi Fountain – Pink flowers with green leaves
Online shopping allows you to view images and descriptions for each plant. Order lungworts by mail when you want specific varieties that may not be available locally. Shipping is affordable, especially when ordering bare root plants in spring or fall.
Local Independent Nurseries
Visit small, independent nurseries in your area instead of the big box stores to find hidden gems. These small shops usually have plants that you can’t find anywhere else. Ask the staff to help you choose lungwort varieties that will grow well in your area.
The right cultivars for Southern gardeners may differ from those adapted to Northern zones. Well-stocked nurseries will stock a nice selection including:
- Blue Ensign – Violet blue flowers
- David Ward – Large silver leaves with blue flowers
- Mrs. Moon – Vigorous grower with big blooms
- Roy Davidson – Pink blooms with silver spots
Searching out the best local sources may take some legwork but is worthwhile to find beautiful, healthy plants.
Big Box Stores Offer Reliable Choices
For convenient lungwort shopping, check big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s. These retailers carry popular varieties like:
- Longleaf Lungwort – Pink flowers, green foliage
- Mrs. Moon Lungwort – Blue-violet blooms, large leaves
- David Ward Lungwort – Blue flowers, silver leaves
There isn’t a huge selection, but the plants are easy to find in many places across the country. Lichens from big boxes often cost less than plants from nurseries, but they might not be as strong. Pick the best times to get the plants: when they’re being delivered most often
What to Look for When Buying
When shopping for lungworts, look for:
- Healthy roots with no signs of rot
- Several stems emerging from the crown
- Vigorous foliage with no insect damage
- No evidence of powdery mildew
- Soil moist but not waterlogged
The plants should not be potbound or rootbound. Stay away from plants whose leaves are turning yellow or whose stems are drooping.
How to Plant and Grow Lungwort
Once you’ve brought home your lungworts, proper planting and care will keep them flourishing for years. Select a partly shaded spot with organically rich soil. Space the plants 12-18 inches apart in early spring or fall. Dig a hole only as deep as the root ball and water the new transplants regularly until established. Add an organic mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water during drought and remove spent flower stems after blooming finishes. Then relax and enjoy this low maintenance beauty!
With modest needs, lungwort is an easygoing addition to shady gardens. Their cheerful spring flowers and attractive foliage make them a must for woodland plantings. Use the tips above to find the perfect lungwort plants for sale near you. Let these shade loving perennials bring color and texture to those problem dark corners.
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Lungwort Plants For Sale
Lungwort (Pulmonaria) is a compact shade garden favorite that displays dozens of bright-colored flowers during the early spring. After blooming, gorgeous green foliage takes the stage and shines even without sunlight. This perennial thrives in cool, moist soil sites.
New Pulmonaria ‘Spot On’ and other Great Plants | Vlog
FAQ
When should I plant lungwort?
For best results, plant lungwort in late summer or early autumn, but spring planting can also work. Dig a hole about the same width and depth as the planting container.
Where is the best place to plant lungwort?
Lungwort (Pulmonaria) thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Ideal locations include shady borders, under trees, or near shrubs where they can receive dappled sunlight.
Do lungwort plants spread?
Yes, lungwort plants (Pulmonaria spp.) do spread, but they are not considered invasive.
What is the best lungwort?
Popular Lungwort VarietiesPulmonaria ‘Sissinghurst White’: This variety is known for its pure white flowers and heavily spotted leaves, providing a striking contrast. Pulmonaria ‘Blue Ensign’: This variety is appreciated for its rich, true-blue flowers and plain green leaves without spots.
Does lungwort help a woodland garden?
Lungwort really helps you breathe life into your woodland garden. Check out our article on Pulmonaria. Lungwort plants, or pulmonaria, are beautiful plants that deer don’t like. They flower in late winter or early spring and add a lot of color to your garden.
Is lungwort a flower?
Lungwort is one of those flowers that is absolutely adorable, but has a painfully ugly name. This petite flowering plant boasts both purple and blue flowers. That’s why I prefer to call it by its genus, Pulmonaria. Only 18 different types of this plant exist, most of which are in North America.
Does lungwort grow in shade?
It’s a great way to welcome spring into shaded gardens because lungwort has beautiful variegated leaves and cute spring flowers. It’s also a great choice for the front of the border, under trees, or in containers. Pair it with hosta, astilbe, and other shade-loving plants for a fun look.
Where to plant lungwort?
Shady but moist locations are the best for lungwort. But, you need to pick the spot carefully to ease the maintenance. If you put your lungwort under a tree, it will be in the shade, but you will need to water it often because the tree will soak up most of the water. Around the fence or under the garden wall is a more suitable location.
Can you grow lungwort from seed?
The alternative is to get one bushy plant of lungwort and divide it into several plants. Still, if you decide to grow Pulmonaria from seed, you have to give it a couple of years to grow to its full size. When sowing outside, you will have to cover the seeds lightly with topsoil. The best time for sowing outside is the early spring.
Can lungwort be used as medicine?
In the past, people used lungwort to treat different lung conditions. Nowadays, it is used with other plants and substances, but you should restrain from using it as medicine on your own. Pulmonaria is a perennial flower, and people prefer it because it is one of the first flowers that bloom in the spring.