Lungwort is known for its medicinal properties. We will introduce you to the different types of spotted to lungwort and show you how to plant and care for them in the garden.
With its delicate growth and colorful flowers, the common or spotted lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is one of the plants that should not be missing in any garden. Not only because of its decorative appearance, the herb is also extremely popular with gardeners. Above all, the easy-care species and shade tolerance make the plant a valuable garden dweller. At the same time, lungwort is also said to have a healing effect. It has been used in folk medicine against all kinds of lung diseases since the 15th century. Here we will tell you what the healing properties of lungwort are and how you can grow the plant in your own garden.
Lungwort: flowering time, origin and properties
Lungwort is a real eye-catcher in every garden with its lovely appearance. The perennial belongs to the borage family (Boraginaceae) which also includes borage (Borago) or comfrey (Symphytum). In addition to the real lungwort, the genus of lungworts (Pulmonaria) includes other species, most of which are native to Europe. The creeping perennials only reach an average height of 20 to 30 centimeters and are therefore among the dwarfs in the bed. However, their small growth height does not make lungwort any less attractive: between March and May, the plants bear funnel-shaped flowers that shine in red, blue and violet tones (rarely also in white). Some types of lungwort even change their flower color within one flowering period. Their foliage is no less attractive either, because - depending on the variety - it has a green, white-spotted or silver-grey coloration. The stems and leaves of the plant are predominantly softly hairy.
The name of the lungwort is derived from the word "lung" (Latin "pulmo") in both German and Latin. reason forthis unusual naming is due to the leaves of the plant, which are said to be vaguely reminiscent of lungs in shape. The plant has therefore also been used to treat lung diseases since the Middle Ages, even if its use is controversial today.
Lung Herbs: The Different Types
A distinction is made between 14 to 20 different types of lung herbs, including both wild plants and various wild species. One of the best known is the real or spotted lungwort, which was traded as a medicinal plant for a long time. But other species are also attracting increasing attention in horticulture. We have summarized the most common types of lungwort and their characteristics here for you.
True Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis)
- 30 to 40 cm growth height
- Pink red to violet-blue flowers from March to May
- Ovate leaves with round, silvery-white spots
- Known as a medicinal plant against cough and inflammation
Red lungwort (Pulmonaria rubra)
- 20 - 30 cm growth height
- Matt red flowers from April to May
- Leaves lanceolate and green
Narrow-Leaf Lungwort (Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Azurea')
- 15 - 20 cm growth height
- Gentian blue flowers from March to April
- Lanceolate, unpatterned leaves
Largespotted Lungwort (Pulmonaria saccharata 'Mrs. Moon')
- 25 - 30 cm growth height
- Pink flowers that turn purple over time
- Silver-flecked lanceolate foliage
In addition to the lungwort species mentioned, there are also numerous wild forms such as the soft lungwort (Pulmonaria mollis) or the bulbous lungwort (Pulmonaria montana ), which are often endangered and are therefore under special protection. The native lung herbs should not be confused with the Indian lungwort (Justicia adhatoda) - this is not related to the native variants and belongs to the acanthus family (Acanthaceae).
Planting lungwort: Everything about location and time
The pretty lungwort is considered specialeasy to care for and robust. However, the plant can only show these properties if it is planted in a suitable location: a place under deciduous shrubs or trees has proven particularly useful. Here the lungwort gets enough light to sprout in spring, and at the same time it is perfect as an underplanting due to its small size. Many types of lungwort are also suitable for the shade, but here the flowers are often meager. Lungwort is also very frugal when it comes to soil. However, a location with nutrient-rich, humus-rich and sun-warmed soil is optimal. This should have a good water storage capacity, as lungwort is sensitive to drought. At the same time, waterlogging should definitely be avoided.
If you want to plant lungwort, there are two options: Plants that have been brought forward can be planted almost all year round, but planting in April or May is ideal. In order to create suitable site conditions for the plants, it is advisable to improve the soil with compost before planting. The individual plants are placed in the ground about 15 centimeters apart and watered well. If you prefer to sow the lungwort, March is ideal. Since lung herbs need light to germinate, the plant needs light to germinate. For this reason, the seeds should not be planted more than half a centimeter into the ground. After sowing lungwort, it is crucial to keep the soil sufficiently moist for the next two to four weeks.
Propagating lungwort
Propagation of the perennial is as easy to care for as lungwort is in the garden. Lungwort can be propagated particularly easily by dividing the perennial. The best time to do this is right after flowering in early summer. Choose a he althy, strong mother plant for dividing the lungwort. The plant can be divided into several parts with a spade or a clean, sharp knife directly in the bed or on a stable surface. Each section should have at least two shoots (ideally more) to develop into a new plant. The removed parts are then replanted at a distance of at least 15 centimeters from the neighbors.
Another possibility is to obtain and sow lungwort seeds. However, this method will notrecommended, as the lung herbs cross easily with each other and plants with the properties of the mother plant rarely arise.
Care for and cut lungwort
Even if the lung herbs are considered to be particularly easy to care for, they should get a little attention every now and then. The plant prefers a moderately moist soil, but does not tolerate waterlogging. Regular watering in dry summers is therefore recommended on well-drained, sandy soils. In addition, lung herbs look forward to fertilization once a year. This should be done in the spring before flowering with a primarily organic fertilizer such as our Plantura organic universal fertilizer. The forest plants are also very grateful for gifts of leaf humus, nettle manure and above all bark mulch.
Although pruning is not essential, it is recommended that lungwort be pruned annually. The plants are completely cut back after the flowering period, i.e. around May. This stimulates renewed budding, with the new leaves developing a particularly beautiful pattern. In addition, the hardy lungwort does not retreat so quickly after being cut in autumn. The plant should not be pruned unless seed formation is desired, for example to obtain new seeds.
Lungwort: use as a medicinal plant
For a long time, real or spotted lungwort was considered a proven home remedy for coughs and other lung diseases. Hildegard von Bingen already used a lungwort drink for shortness of breath, congestion in the lungs or pulmonary edema. Today, however, the healing power of the plant is seen rather critically: The spotted lungwort received a negative farewell from Commission E, a department of the former Federal He alth Office, because its effectiveness could not be confirmed. For this reason, lungwort is rarely found in conventional medicine and is rarely used as a secondary ingredient in teas.
In homeopathy and folk medicine, however, spotted lungwort is still used. Lungwort tea and tinctures are said to alleviate symptoms of the respiratory tract, as well as the gastrointestinal tract and the urinary tract. In particular, the high content of mucus polysaccharides and tannins is said to promote expectoration andhave an anti-irritant effect. The effect of lungwort tea has not been proven, but there are also no known side effects.
Would you like to know more about the he alth benefits of herbs? In our special article "11 herbs that strengthen the immune system" we present more herbs.