2 named cultivars

perennial

Lungwort

The Story

Plant Bio

Pulmonaria rubra is a low clump-forming perennial from the mountains of southeastern Europe, making a mound nine to twelve inches high and one to two feet across. Unlike most lungworts its leaves are plain soft green rather than silver-spotted, and slightly hairy. Coral-red funnel flowers open very early, in March and April, before much else in shade.

It is among the earliest perennials to flower and the only common lungwort with genuinely red blooms, which is what earns it space despite the unmarked foliage. The leaves scorch and collapse in hot dry spells, so shear the whole clump to the ground after flowering and it will refurnish with clean new growth.

Uses & Benefits:

Coral-red flowers in March and April, earlier than almost anything else in a shade border.

Forms a weed-suppressing ground cover in shade, and tolerates black walnut and heavy shade.

Very early flowers give emerging queen bumblebees a nectar source when little else is open.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

10 inches

Width

19 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Mountains of southeastern Europe

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in autumn or early spring in part to full shade.
Choose cool, humus-rich soil that stays evenly moist.
Set the crown level with the surrounding soil.
Water in dry spells; the leaves suffer quickly when dry.
Shear the whole clump back after flowering.
Mulch with leaf mould once cut back.

Pro Tip

Shearing the clump to the ground after flowering is not drastic; it refurnishes within weeks and looks better for the rest of the season.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow it in part to full shade 🌳
Keep the soil cool and evenly moist 💧
Shear the clump back after flowering ✂️
Mulch with leaf mould in spring 🍂

Don't

Plant it in full sun ❌
Let the soil dry out in summer ❌
Leave scorched foliage in place all season ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cut Back
Water

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Ground cover for shaded bordersWoodland garden and shaded rock gardenEdging along a shady path

Companion Plants

Hellebore Snowdrop Epimedium HostaFoamflower

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lungwort questions

What zones can Lungwort grow in?

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 Lungwort deer resistant?

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

When does Lungwort bloom?

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 Lungwort need full sun?

Lungwort does best in part shade.