Lungwort in November: monthly care

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.