Common lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis)

Common lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is a perennial plant that can grow 10cm – 50cm tall and 10cm – 50cm wide.

This plant has several common names including: common lungwort, Jerusalem sage, Adam and Eve, Bedlam cowslip, beggar’s basket, bugloss cowslip, Jerusalem cowslip, lady’s cowslip, lady’s milk, Mary’s honeysuckle, Mary’s tears, sage of Bethlehem, soldiers and sailors, spotted dog or Virgin Mary’s honeysuckle.

This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.

Plant profile

Common name: common lungwort, Jerusalem sage, Adam and Eve, Bedlam cowslip, beggar’s basket, bugloss cowslip, Jerusalem cowslip, lady’s cowslip, lady’s milk, Mary’s honeysuckle, Mary’s tears, sage of Bethlehem, soldiers and sailors, spotted dog, Virgin Mary’s honeysuckle
Scientific name: Pulmonaria officinalis
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Bushy
Height: 10cm – 50cm
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full shade, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Clay, Loam
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: City & Courtyard Gardens, Coastal, Informal Garden, Wildlife Gardens
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Ground Cover
Other characteristics: Plants for pollinators

Seasonal colors

How to plant Common lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) – Christian Berg, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cultivation profiles – Growing Common lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) – Michel Langeveld, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons