The Story
Plant Bio
Pulmonaria officinalis, commonly known as Common Lungwort, is a perennial herb known for its attractive foliage and spring flowers.
Features distinctive white-spotted, hairy leaves and flowers that open pink and mature to blue-violet. An excellent groundcover for shady, moist woodland gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
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, well-drained
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Europe
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested, can cause skin irritation.
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds lightly into moist soil in early spring.
- Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist during germination.
- Mist cuttings with water every few days to maintain humidity.
- Transplant seedlings when they are 3 inches tall into a shaded area.
- Apply organic compost around the base in early spring for nutrients.
- Divide mature plants in early fall for propagation.
Pro Tip
Plant in partial shade with rich, moist soil for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture
- Provide partial shade in hot climates
- Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer in spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not expose to full sun in hot climates
- Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil
- Do not forget to deadhead spent flowers
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Common Lungwort questions
What zones can Common Lungwort grow in?
Common 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 Common Lungwort deer resistant?
Yes — Common Lungwort is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Common Lungwort bloom?
Common 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 Common Lungwort need full sun?
Common Lungwort does best in part shade.
More Pulmonaria to compare

Twinkle Toes Lungwort
Pulmonaria officinalis 'Twinkle Toes'

Pulmonaria Pink-a-Blue
Pulmonaria officinalis 'Pink-a-Blue'

Lungwort Redstart
Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart'

Spilled Milk Lungwort
Pulmonaria officinalis 'Spilled Milk'

David Ward Lungwort
Pulmonaria rubra 'David Ward'

Shrimps on the Barbie pulmonaria Shrimps on the Barbie lungwort
Pulmonaria officinalis 'Shrimps on the Barbie'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Common Lungwort with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.





















