Photo: Onderwijsgek, CC BY-SA 2.5 nl · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Lungwort: when and how to prune
Pulmonaria officinalis
Lungwort is best pruned in May–June.
| Pruning months | May–June |
|---|---|
| Flowering | March–May |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Lungwort: when to prune it?
After flowering, in late May or June, cut off the flower stems and the old leaves.
Lungwort: how to prune it?
- Cut the spent flower stems off at the base.
- Also cut off the old leaves, which are often affected by powdery mildew; leave the young leaves in the centre.
- Then water and add some leaf mould: within a few weeks there is a fresh clump of spotted leaves.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: May–June.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Lungwort flowers in March–May, when it attracts bees.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Do not cut the leaves off in winter or early spring: by then the flower buds are already sitting in the heart of the plant.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.