Pulmonaria officinalis aka Lungwort

Taxonomy

Pulmonaria officinalis, also known as common lungwort, Mary's tears, or Our Lady's milk drops, is an herbaceous rhizomatous evergreen perennial plant from the family Boraginaceae. Its leaves are lung-shaped, which gave it its name. It was once used medicinally to treat lung ailments but is now primarily known as a perennial landscape flower that blooms in early spring before most other flowers. This low-growing woodland plant prefers a shady, moist location and has oval, pointed leaves that can be solid green or variegated with spots or splashes of white, giving them a bleached appearance. The flower stalks can reach 18 inches and are loved by bees. Common lungwort is a rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering in direct light within one foot of a window. It prefers soil that retains moisture and does not require additional fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. Pulmonaria officinalis is native to Europe.

Common names

Lungwort, Jerusalem Cowslip, Jerusalem Sage

How to care for Lungwort

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Lungwort is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Lungwort should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Lungwort is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Jerusalem Cowslip is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Jerusalem Cowslip with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Lungwort with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Lungwort to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Lungwort grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

The Lungwort is characterized by clumping growth, with new shoots emerging from the soil around the primary plant.

Region of origin

Lungwort’s native range is Europe. Naturalized in Britain.


More info:
Wikipedia