Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis 'White Wings')

Overview

Pulmonaria officinalis ‘White Wings’ is a highly valued herbaceous perennial, commonly known as Lungwort, appreciated for its reliable, low-growing habit ideal for shaded landscapes. This cultivar, Pulmonaria officinalis ‘White Wings’, distinguishes itself by featuring beautiful white flowers, offering a bright contrast against woodland backdrops. It establishes itself as an excellent ground cover, slowly spreading to create dense mats of foliage in areas where many other plants fail to thrive, particularly under the dappled light of mature trees.

This specific Lungwort variety offers significant aesthetic return for very little effort. While bloom time occurs in mid-spring, the spotted foliage provides interest throughout the growing season. Gardeners rely on Pulmonaria officinalis ‘White Wings’ for solutions in deeply shaded borders or as an interesting, textured substitute for hostas in moist, humus-rich soils.

The plant requires consistent moisture and performs poorly if subjected to hot, dry conditions or harsh midday sun. With its low growth, minimal pruning needs, and tolerance for difficult spots, Pulmonaria officinalis ‘White Wings’ remains a resilient and rewarding choice for cultivating deep shade interest.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Boraginaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.75-1 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: April to May
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting Lungwort is best accomplished in cool, humusy, organically rich, and consistently moist, but well-drained soils. The ideal location receives part shade; while it tolerates deep shade, too much sun will cause the leaves to scorch or wilt, especially if soils dry out. Ensure the site avoids areas where drainage is poor, as Pulmonaria officinalis ‘White Wings’ is intolerant of wet feet, which can lead to root rot.

During the growing season, maintain medium water needs by ensuring the soil never fully dries out. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the soil is organically rich to begin with. Care is generally low maintenance; however, if the clump becomes too crowded, division should be performed in the fall to maintain vigor.

In warmer areas within its range (Zones 7 and 8), the foliage of Lungwort may remain semi-evergreen, offering winter structure. In contrast, avoid locating this plant in hot, exposed spots entirely, as stressed plants are more susceptible to foliar issues. The slow, creeping root system allows Pulmonaria officinalis ‘White Wings’ to spread gently without becoming aggressive.

Landscape Uses

Lungwort forms a low-spreading ground cover, making it a premier choice for woodland gardens or deeply shaded borders. It is highly effective when grown in groups or massed plantings, which maximizes the impact of its foliage and the bright white blooms of Pulmonaria officinalis ‘White Wings’ in spring. Its ability to thrive where turf or traditional perennials falter makes it invaluable for filling difficult, dark spots under mature trees.

Consider using this Lungwort near shaded pathways where its texture can be appreciated up close, or as an edging element where its mounding habit provides a soft transition. It serves as an excellent, low-profile substitute for Hosta, particularly because of its superior shade tolerance and resistance to browsing herbivores, as noted in its tolerances. Massing Pulmonaria officinalis ‘White Wings’ creates a unified, bright carpet beneath deciduous canopy trees.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Pulmonaria officinalis, commonly known as Jerusalem-sage, Jerusalem cowslip or blue lungwort, is a bristly, clumping, slowly spreading, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial of the borage family. It is a rough-hairy perennial that grows to 12” tall spreading to 18” wide. It is native to forested areas in Europe. Petioled, ovate-cordate basal leaves (3-5” long) are spotted or blotched with white. Sessile, broad ovate, auriculate-cordate stem leaves are shorter. Funnel-shaped, five-petaled flowers (3/4”long) bloom in forked clusters in mid-spring atop sparsely-leaved flowering stems rising above the foliage. Flowers open pink but age to rose-violet before finally maturing to blue. Different colored flowers may be seen on the plant at the same time.Genus name comes from the Latin pulmo meaning lung. In accordance with the Doctrine of Signatures, lungwort was once believed by Medieval herbalists to be an effective remedy for treating lung diseases because the spotted plant leaves purportedly resembled diseased lungs. However, it is well established today that this is not a valid method in determining a plant’s medicinal properties.Specific epithet means sold in shops. Applied to plants of real or supposed medicinal properties.Common name of lungwort remains today as a description of the resemblance of the spotted plant leaves to a diseased lung.‘White Wings’ features white flowers.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Heavy Shade
• Black Walnut

Potential Problems

Pulmonaria officinalis ‘White Wings’ generally exhibits a clean bill of health, being free from serious insect or disease outbreaks under proper care. The most common issues involve slugs and occasional powdery mildew, particularly if air circulation is poor, which is common in dense shade. To manage these, ensure adequate spacing and remove heavily infected foliage promptly.

Leaves can deteriorate visually, becoming scorched or wilted if the plant is exposed to excessive heat or prolonged periods of direct sun. This wilting is often compounded if the soil is allowed to dry out completely. Conversely, plants situated in poorly drained areas are highly susceptible to root rot, highlighting the importance of that well-drained soil requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Lungwort suitable for?

This Lungwort is adaptable to a wide range, thriving in USDA Zones 3 through 8.

How large does Pulmonaria officinalis ‘White Wings’ grow?

This perennial typically reaches a mature height between 0.75 and 1 foot tall, with a spread ranging from 1 to 1.5 feet wide.

When does Lungwort bloom?

Pulmonaria officinalis ‘White Wings’ produces its attractive bloom display from April into May, featuring white flowers.

What sun exposure does Lungwort need?

The preferred location for Lungwort is part shade to full shade; intense, hot sun should always be avoided.

Conclusion

Pulmonaria officinalis ‘White Wings’ stands out as a reliable, low-input perennial that decisively solves common landscaping challenges in deep shade. Offering both speckled foliage and bright white spring blooms, this Lungwort provides texture and light where few other plants can compete. Before planting, ensure your site offers consistent moisture and protection from afternoon scorch, confirming compatibility with your local USDA hardiness zone.

Companion Planting

Selecting companions for Lungwort should focus on plants that share its affinity for consistent moisture and deep or part shade. Good neighbors include other shade-loving woodland plants that offer varying foliage textures, such as Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra), various ferns, or Hellebores. Combining Pulmonaria officinalis ‘White Wings’ with hostas that have contrasting solid green or blue leaves can enhance the visual interest of the speckled foliage.

Avoid pairing this perennial with drought-tolerant plants, as differing water needs will inevitably lead to stress for one or the other species. Since Lungwort spreads very slowly and is not invasive, it works well tucked under larger shrubs or beneath the high canopy of established deciduous trees that provide the necessary sun-dappled environment.

Propagation Tips

Propagation of Pulmonaria officinalis ‘White Wings’ is straightforward, primarily achieved through division, which is best performed in the fall. Carefully dig up the clump and gently separate the rhizomatous root sections, ensuring each division retains adequate roots and a few growth points. Planting these divisions immediately into prepared, moist soil encourages successful establishment before winter dormancy sets in.

While seeds can be collected from the spent flower heads, cultivating true-to-type features, especially the white flower color, can be variable. For gardeners seeking reliable replication, division of the mature clumps remains the most practical and effective method for increasing your stock of this excellent ground cover.