Longkruid

Pulmonaria officinalis

Engels: Lungwort

perennialBoraginaceae🇳🇱 Inheems

Longkruid (Pulmonaria officinalis) is a native to the Netherlands perennial from the Boraginaceae family that grows up to 30cm tall. This plant thrives in partial shade to shade and requires low maintenance. Blooms in early spring and spring with blue, pink flowers and attracts bees.

Hoogte

20–30 cm

Breedte

30–50 cm

Zonligging

partial shade, full shade

Waterbehoefte

moderate

Grondsoort

loam, clay soil, peat soil

Onderhoud

low maintenance

Bloeitijd

early spring, spring

Bloemkleuren

blue, pink

Ecologische waarde

Trekt bijen aan

Verzorgingskalender

Taak	Jan	Feb	Mrt	Apr	Mei	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Okt	Nov	Dec
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Care tips

Planting

Lungwort thrives in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shady borders, or beneath deciduous trees. It tolerates a range of moisture-retentive soils including loam, clay, and peat-based soils, but dislikes dry conditions. Before planting, work in plenty of organic matter—compost or well-rotted manure—to improve soil structure and moisture retention, especially if your soil is heavy clay or prone to drying out. Plant lungwort in March, April, May, September, or October. Spring planting allows plants to establish before summer, while autumn planting takes advantage of moist soil and cooler temperatures. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its pot. Space plants 38 cm apart to allow for their mature spread of 30–50 cm; they will gradually form attractive ground-covering clumps. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. Apply a 5 cm layer of organic mulch such as leaf mould, composted bark, or garden compost around the base of each plant, keeping it clear of the crown to prevent rot. This mulch helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and mimics the leaf-litter conditions lungwort enjoys in its native woodland habitat. Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season while roots establish. Lungwort is fully hardy (zone 3a–8b) and requires no special protection once established, even in the coldest winters typical of temperate Europe.

Pruning

Lungwort does not require traditional pruning in the way shrubs do, but it benefits from targeted tidying to keep plants healthy and attractive. The main task is removing old foliage, which is best done in March or November. Many gardeners prefer March, just as new growth begins to emerge, because you can clearly see which leaves are tatty or mildewed and which fresh shoots are appearing. After flowering finishes in late spring, the attractive spotted leaves continue to provide ground cover through summer. However, by late summer or autumn, older leaves often develop powdery mildew—white or greyish patches on the foliage. This is largely cosmetic and rarely harms the plant, but it looks unsightly. In November, once the plant begins to go dormant, you can cut back all the old foliage to ground level using secateurs or garden shears. This removes diseased leaves, reduces overwintering sites for pests, and makes way for fresh spring growth. Alternatively, wait until March and cut back any remaining tatty foliage before the new leaves fully unfurl. At this time, also remove any dead flower stems if you didn't deadhead earlier. While deadheading spent blooms in late spring isn't essential, it does tidy the plant and may encourage a few extra flowers. Simply snip off faded flower stalks at the base. The key is not to be too hasty in spring—wait until you can distinguish old from new growth to avoid accidentally removing emerging leaves or flower buds.

Maintenance

Lungwort is a low-maintenance perennial once established, but consistent moisture is key to success. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in spring and summer, to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Plants in full shade or heavy clay soil need less frequent watering than those in brighter spots or free-draining loam. Reduce watering in autumn and winter when the plant is dormant and rainfall is typically adequate. Feed lungwort in March or April as new growth emerges. A light application of general-purpose granular fertiliser (such as blood, fish and bone) or a mulch of well-rotted compost or leaf mould provides sufficient nutrients for the season. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which promote soft, lush foliage more susceptible to mildew. Top up mulch annually in spring to suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and add organic matter as it breaks down. Powdery mildew is the most common problem, particularly in dry conditions or where air circulation is poor. It appears as white powdery patches on leaves from mid-summer onwards. Improve moisture levels and thin congested clumps every few years to increase airflow. Slugs and snails may nibble young leaves in spring; use organic pellets, barriers, or hand-picking if damage is severe. Lungwort is fully hardy and needs no winter protection. Clumps can be divided every three to four years in early spring or autumn if they become congested or to propagate new plants. Simply lift, tease apart, and replant divisions immediately, watering well.