Species

Pulmonaria officinalisCommon Lungwort

20 other cultivars

perennial

Milky Way Lungwort

Pulmonaria officinalis 'Milky Way'

The Story

Plant Bio

A clump-forming perennial prized for its exceptional foliage. Features basal leaves that are dark green and heavily spotted with silver. In early spring, clusters of funnel-shaped flowers emerge, opening pink and maturing to violet-blue, often displaying both colors at once.

Distinctive for its dark green leaves which are heavily splashed with large, silvery-white spots, resembling the Milky Way galaxy. The bicolored flower clusters add to its early season appeal.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides early spring color with attractive spotted foliage, enhancing shaded garden areas.

Prefers moist, rich soils, making it suitable for rain gardens and shaded borders.

Supports pollinators like bees and butterflies with early spring nectar.

SpeciesPulmonaria officinalisCommon Lungwort

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moist

Humidity

Prefers humid conditions

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

France and Italy (species native range)

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds or divisions into moist soil in early spring.
Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist.
Mist cuttings with water to encourage root growth.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring.
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.

Pro Tip

Plant in partial shade with rich, moist soil for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature
Divide every few years to rejuvenate

Don't

Avoid dry, sandy soils ❌
Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates ❌
Do not let soil dry out completely

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderEarly spring flower bed

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Astilbes Bleeding Heart Japanese Forest Grass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Milky Way Lungwort questions

What zones can Milky Way Lungwort grow in?

Milky Way Lungwort is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Milky Way Lungwort deer resistant?

Yes — Milky Way Lungwort is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Milky Way Lungwort bloom?

Milky Way Lungwort typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Milky Way Lungwort need full sun?

Milky Way Lungwort does best in part shade.