Also known as Lungwort · 1.1k saves
Pulmonaria
Pulmonaria, the genus most gardeners know as lungwort. We track 36 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Pulmonaria varieties
See all 36 Pulmonaria varieties →Search this genus →
2 species of Pulmonaria
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Pulmonaria in Sow
Save the Pulmonaria you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Pulmonaria
Whats common across all Pulmonaria varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 36 most-grown of them.
The Pulmonaria year
- DivideSeptember97% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-5 years to renew vigor
- Spring CleanupFebruary94% of varieties
Remove old or tattered foliage before new growth emerges
- Check for PestsMay–July75% of varieties
Monitor for slugs and snails, especially in wet weather
- MulchMarch53% of varieties
Apply 2 inches of organic mulch to retain soil moisture
- DeadheadApril and May47% of varieties
Cut back spent flower stalks after bloom to tidy plant
- FertilizeMarch33% of varieties
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
What goes wrong with Pulmonaria
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in leaves | Use organic slug bait or handpick at night |
| Slugs and snails | Chewed leaves and ragged edges | Use organic slug pellets or handpick pests at night |
| Slugs and Snails | Irregular holes chewed in leaves, often with slime trails nearby. | Use slug baits like iron phosphate. Set beer traps or hand-pick at night. |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Root Rot | Wilting and browning leaves | Ensure well-drained soil and reduce watering |
Making more Pulmonaria
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring or fall.
- Gently separate into smaller sections with roots attached.
- Plant divisions at same depth in prepared moist soil.
- Water thoroughly and mulch to reduce stress.
- Wait 6 weeks for establishment.
Seeds
- Sow seeds on moist soil surface in early spring.
- Cover lightly with soil or sand.
- Keep soil consistently moist.
- Germination occurs in 2-4 weeks.
Pulmonaria questions
How many types of Pulmonaria are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 36 distinct Pulmonaria varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.1k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Pulmonaria grow in?
Across its varieties, Pulmonaria covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Pulmonaria bloom?
Most Pulmonaria varieties bloom in early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Pulmonaria should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.