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Description
Pulmonaria longifolia, commonly known as lungwort, is a beautiful herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe and Asia. This plant belongs to the Boraginaceae family and is popularly cultivated for its unique foliage and stunning flowers. Pulmonaria longifolia is a clump-forming plant that grows up to 12-18 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide. The leaves of this plant vary in shape from oblong to lanceolate, and are hairy, green, and silver-spotted.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Pulmonaria |
Appearance
The flowers of pulmonaria longifolia are pink, blue, or purple, and bloom in early spring. The petals are fused together to form a funnel-shaped corolla, and the stamens are exserted. The plant prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Pulmonaria longifolia is an excellent choice for woodland gardens, borders, and containers.
Care Guide
Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Pulmonaria longifolia prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and fall. This plant prefers partial to full shade and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°F. Pulmonaria longifolia is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pulmonaria longifolia is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, rust, and slugs. To prevent these diseases, avoid overwatering the plant and keep the foliage dry. Slugs can be controlled by handpicking or by using slug baits.
Habitat
Pulmonaria longifolia is native to Europe and Asia, where it grows in woodlands, meadows, and rocky areas. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is pulmonaria longifolia a good plant for shady areas?
A: Yes, pulmonaria longifolia prefers partial to full shade and is an excellent choice for shady areas.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for pulmonaria longifolia?
A: Pulmonaria longifolia is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.
Q: How often should I fertilize pulmonaria longifolia?
A: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and fall.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases of pulmonaria longifolia?
A: Pulmonaria longifolia is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, rust, and slugs.
Related Plants
- Pulmonaria saccharata
- Pulmonaria angustifolia
- Pulmonaria officinalis
- Pulmonaria rubra
References
- “Pulmonaria longifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=256245
- “Pulmonaria longifolia.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/55728/Pulmonaria-longifolia/Details
- “Lungwort.” The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/lungwort-plant-profile-4847042
