Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Spanish Lungwort Plant Care
Pulmonaria longifolia Bast. ex Boreau
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pulmonaria longifolia, commonly known as Lungwort, is a striking perennial plant known for its unique silver-spotted leaves and early spring blooms that transition from pink to blue. Native to woodlands in Europe and Western Asia, this plant is highly valued for its ability to thrive in shady areas.
Every 7–10 days
Partial to full shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Spanish Lungwort?
Water Spanish Lungwort every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Spanish Lungwort Native To?
What Is the Spanish Lungwort?
Spanish Lungwort (Pulmonaria longifolia) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Pulmonaria genus. Spanish Lungwort is native to western Europe, including Britain, France, Spain, Portugal. Spanish Lungwort is also known as Longleaf Lungwort.
Spanish Lungwort displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Spanish Lungwort produces tubular flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white that change color as they mature.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spanish Lungwort?
Pulmonaria longifolia requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Spanish Lungwort Need?
Spanish Lungwort thrives in partial to full shade. Avoid placing Spanish Lungwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Spanish Lungwort Prefer?
Pulmonaria longifolia grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Spanish Lungwort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spanish Lungwort?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Spanish Lungwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spanish Lungwort?
Feed Spanish Lungwort every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Spanish Lungwort?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Spanish Lungwort?
Spanish Lungwort can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lungwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Spanish Lungwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spanish Lungwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Spanish Lungwort?
Spanish Lungwort is susceptible to slugs, snails, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Spanish Lungwort Need?
Spanish Lungwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Spanish Lungwort is native to western Europe, including Britain, France, Spain, Portugal.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Spanish Lungwort is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Pulmonaria genus — compare its care with other Pulmonaria species on PlantoScan.
Pulmonaria is part of the Boraginaceae plant family — browse all Boraginaceae genera and species.
Spanish Lungwort copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pulmonaria longifolia Bast. ex Boreau, family Boraginaceae (first published in Fl. Centre France , ed. 3, 2: 460 (1857)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spanish Lungwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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