Lungwort, scientifically known as Pulmonaria, is a versatile plant that can thrive in various lighting conditions. While it is commonly associated with shade, lungwort can also adapt to full sun and full shade environments, although there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.
1. Lungwort’s preference for part shade: Lungwort plants typically perform best in part shade, where they receive a combination of sunlight and shade throughout the day. This means they are ideally placed in an area that receives some direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon, while being shaded from the intense midday sun. This balance of light allows lungwort to flourish and showcase its beautiful foliage and delicate flowers.
2. Shading from hot afternoon sun: Lungwort tends to struggle in areas that receive intense, direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, especially in regions with scorching summers. The hot afternoon sun can cause the plant’s leaves to wilt or scorch, leading to overall stress and reduced growth. Therefore, it is advisable to provide lungwort with some shade during the peak sun hours, either by placing it under the canopy of taller plants or providing artificial shade using garden structures like pergolas or shade cloths.
3. Full sun conditions: While lungwort prefers part shade, it can tolerate full sun if certain conditions are met. In cooler climates or areas with milder summers, lungwort can handle more sunlight without suffering adverse effects. However, in hotter regions, it is important to ensure adequate moisture and soil moisture retention. Providing a well-draining soil and regular watering can help lungwort cope with the increased heat and prevent the soil from drying out too quickly.
4. Full shade conditions: Lungwort can also adapt to full shade, although its growth may be affected. In deep shade, lungwort’s foliage may become less vibrant, and its flowering may be reduced. However, the plant can still survive and provide some interest with its unique spotted leaves. If growing lungwort in full shade, it is important to ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter and well-draining to prevent waterlogged conditions that can lead to root rot.
In my personal experience, I have grown lungwort in both part shade and full sun conditions. While the plants in part shade thrived and displayed their signature beauty, the ones in full sun required extra care and attention to ensure they didn’t suffer from heat stress. Providing regular watering, mulching the soil, and shading them during the hottest part of the day helped maintain their health and vigor.
While lungwort is often considered a shade plant, it can adapt to various lighting conditions. However, it performs best in part shade, receiving a balance of sunlight and shade throughout the day. If grown in full sun or full shade, extra care needs to be taken to ensure adequate moisture, soil quality, and shading from intense sunlight or heat.