Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing
Position in border:
Front

Soil

Clay / Heavy / Moist

The lungwort is named after its mottled leaves, which were supposed to resemble lungs. Different varieties produce different leaf markings, which look their best in mid spring when putting on fresh growth after flowering. They make excellent ground-cover plants, especially for shady borders. Funnel-shaped flowers are borne in shades of blue, violet, pink, purple, red and white. They're extremely attractive to bees, particularly the hairy footed flower bee, Anthophora plumipes.

Pulmonaria rubra is one of the first lungworts to flower, with deep red blooms appearing in mid- to late winter. For best results grow in moist but well-drained soil, in sun to partial shade. Remove old leaves after flowering.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Divideyesyesyesyes
Pruneyesyes

Pulmonaria and wildlife

Pulmonaria is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Pulmonaria poisonous?

Pulmonaria has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Plants that go well with Pulmonaria rubra
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