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Description
Pulmonaria Obscura, commonly known as Lungwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to Europe and western Asia and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in North America. The plant’s leaves are the highlight of its appearance, as they are covered in striking silver spots that resemble lungs, thus giving it the name Lungwort. The leaves are also hairy, lance-shaped, and about 10-15 cm long. The plant produces delicate flowers in early spring that are pink at first and then turn blue-purple as they mature.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Pulmonaria |
Appearance
The Pulmonaria Obscura plant grows up to 30 cm tall and 60 cm wide. The leaves are hairy, lance-shaped, and have silver spots that give them a unique appearance. The plant produces delicate flowers in early spring that are pink at first and then turn blue-purple as they mature. The flowers are about 1 cm wide and grow in clusters on stalks above the foliage. The plant’s foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, making it a popular choice in gardens.
Care Guide
Pulmonaria Obscura is an easy-to-care-for plant that thrives in partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Here are some care tips for this plant:- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week during dry spells.- Fertilization: Fertilize once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Plant in moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Plant in partial shade or filtered sunlight.- Hardiness Zones: Pulmonaria Obscura is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pulmonaria Obscura is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can occasionally be affected by powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide. Slugs and snails may also feed on the foliage of the plant, which can be controlled with slug pellets or by handpicking.
Habitat
Pulmonaria Obscura is native to Europe and western Asia and can be found growing in woodlands, meadows, and along stream banks. It prefers moist, shaded areas with well-draining soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Pulmonaria Obscura grow in full sun?
A: No, this plant prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight.
Q: Does Pulmonaria Obscura attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant’s delicate flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Q: How often should I fertilize Pulmonaria Obscura?
A: Fertilize once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is Pulmonaria Obscura deer-resistant?
A: No, this plant is not deer-resistant and may be eaten by deer.
Related Plants
– Pulmonaria saccharata (Bethlehem Sage)- Pulmonaria longifolia (Long-leaved Lungwort)- Pulmonaria officinalis (Common Lungwort)- Brunnera macrophylla (Siberian Bugloss)
References
– “Pulmonaria Obscura.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed May 10, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=p100.- “Lungwort.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed May 10, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/10650/Pulmonaria/Details.
