Pulmonaria (genus, lungwort)

Japanese name: プルモナリア
Scientific name: Pulmonaria

[Overview]
A hairy perennial, usually growing about 30 cm tall.
Many are evergreen.
The leaves are of two kinds, basal leaves and leaves arranged alternately on the stem; the basal leaves have petioles, are ovate to oblong, and have entire margins.
The leaves are often marked with white to silvery patches.
Scorpioid cymes or dichasial cymes are produced, with bracts on the inflorescence.
The corolla is funnel-shaped and 5-lobed, and the flower color is blue, purple, pink, white and so on.
The calyx is 5-lobed and enlarges in the fruiting stage, enclosing the fruit.
The fruit is a small nutlet (mericarp), brown and smooth.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by division.
It prefers fertile soil that is well ventilated, well drained and moisture-retentive.
It dislikes strong direct sunlight, heat and dryness in summer.
Potted plants are best placed, from autumn to spring, in sun to bright partial shade, in a place protected from strong direct sun and afternoon sun from the west.
Plants in the ground are best planted under deciduous trees.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; for established plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient unless sunny weather continues and the soil dries out.
Apply slow-release chemical fertilizer placed on the soil in spring and autumn, and make sure no fertilizer remains in midsummer.
Pests and diseases include powdery mildew, slugs, aphids and root-knot nematodes.

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