Blue lungwort is a clumping perennial that is often planted in groups to form a ground cover. This species has solid green leaves, whereas other species have spotted foliage.
Size and method of spreading:
Blue lungwort grows 8 to 12 inches high and 18 to 24 inches wide. Although it is not typically thought of as a ground cover, it can be planted closely together to provide ground cover visual effect.
Native geographic location and habitat:
It is native to Europe.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:
This plant has both basal and stems leaves, with the stems leaves being alternate. This species of Pulmonaria has leaves up to 6 inches long. The leaves are lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate and are somewhat bristly in appearance. This Pulmonaria species has solid green leaves, while some species have spotted leaves.
Flower arrangement, shape, and size:
The small blue flowers are funnel-shaped and borne in nodding clusters in early spring.
Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:
The small, dry fruits are not ornamentally important.
Plant care:
Shady conditions and moist soils are best for growth. Plants grown in dry conditions often don’t look as good.
List of pests and diseases:
Slugs can be a problem with blue lungwort. If it is in a wet site, leaf spots and crown rot can occur. It is resistant to deer and tolerant of black walnut toxicity.
Azure blue lungwort (Pulmonaria angustifolia ‘Azurea’):
It has sky blue flowers.
Blaues Meer blue lungwort (Pulmonaria angustifolia ‘Blaues Meer’):
This cultivar has large, vivid blue flowers.
Related species
Red lungwort (Pulmonaria rubra):
This species is similar to other lungworts, but has solid green foliage and red flowers. The leaves are covered with long, soft hairs. It is hardy in zones 4 to 7. Cultivars include ‘David Ward‘ (green leaves edged in white) and ‘Redstart‘ (coral colored flowers).
