Long-leaved lungwort is a clumping perennial that is often planted in groups to form a ground cover. This plant has spotted leaves that are attractive long after the spring flowers are gone.
Size and Method of spreading:
Long-leaved lungwort grows about 12 inches high and 18 to 24 inches wide. It is often used as a clump-forming ground cover. Clump-forming ground covers are plants that are not usually thought of as ground covers. They are perennials that can be planted closely together to provide the visual effect of a ground cover.
Native geographic location and habitat:
This plant is native to Europe.
Leaf description:
This plant has both basal and stems leaves, with the stems leaves being alternate. This species of Pulmonaria has longer leaves than other species, up to 9 to 12 inches long. The leaves are narrow and dark green with white spots, giving the plant ornamental appeal throughout the season.
Flower description:
The small blue flowers are borne in tight clusters in mid to late spring.
Fruit description:
The small, dry fruits are not ornamentally important.
Plant care:
Long-leaved lungwort needs shady conditions and moist soils for best growth. Plants grown in dry conditions often don’t look good.
List of pests, diseases, and tolerances:
Slugs can be a problem for this plant. Leaf spots and crown rot can occur if the plant is in a wet site, but it is resistant to deer and tolerant of black walnut toxicity.
Bertram Anderson long-leaved lungwort (Pulmonaria longifolia ‘Bertram Anderson’):
Flowers on this cultivar are a deeper blue and leaves are silver-spotted.
Diana Clare long-leaved lungwort (Pulmonaria longifolia ‘Diana Clare’):
Deep, violet-blue flowers bloom on this cultivar. Foliage starts out spotted but matures to almost completely silver.
