I’ve read that cutting back Pulmonaria after it blooms will help it grow new leaves and keep its shape. But how do I really shear it? Do I cut off individual leaves, half the leaves, just the flower stems, or something else?
This is one of those things that is probably obvious to all but new gardeners like me! 0Sponsored
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Lungwort, also known as pulmonary or its botanical name Pulmonaria, is a spring-blooming perennial that thrives in shady flower beds and woodland gardens. Its attractive, silver-spotted foliage and blue, pink, or white bell-shaped flowers provide a burst of color in early spring before many other plants emerge.
While lungwort is low-maintenance overall, many gardeners wonder if the plants should be cut back or trimmed in the fall. The answer isn’t a simple yes or no – proper lungwort fall care depends on your climate and the plant’s growth habits.
In this article, we’ll go over when and how to cut back lungwort in autumn to keep it looking fresh. We’ll also discuss what to do with lungwort in winter for optimal health and performance.
Should You Deadhead Lungwort Flowers?
Lungwort begins blooming in early spring, sometimes as soon as late winter in warmer zones. The colorful flowers appear on short stalks above the foliage.
Once the blooms fade later in spring, the flower stalks can look unsightly and messy. Deadheading, or removing old spent flowers, improves lungwort’s appearance. It also prevents seed production which can sap the plant’s energy.
To deadhead lungwort simply pinch or snip off the drooping dried flower stems back to the point where they meet the leaves. Do this throughout the blooming season to keep plants looking tidy.
Deadheading is mainly for aesthetic purposes and isn’t mandatory But doing so can help lungwort store energy for lush growth rather than seed production,
When to Trim Back Foliage in Fall
Lungwort leaves remain attractive all season long into fall in most climates. The foliage may decline by late summer in hot southern regions, but in most areas, the leaves look vibrant until frost.
You can trim off any spotted leaves that yellow or die back in summer to maintain a tidy appearance. But major cutting back isn’t necessary until late fall after the plants go dormant.
Here are guidelines for when to cut back lungwort in fall by growing zone:
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Zones 3-4: After several hard frosts, trim back foliage to the ground in late fall.
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Zones 5-6: Cut back foliage in mid to late fall before extreme cold sets in.
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Zones 7+: Trim lungwort lightly in early fall, leaving some foliage to remain evergreen in warm winters.
The timing depends on your first freeze date and the plant’s winter hardiness. Trimming too early can shock plants, while leaving cleanup too late risks damage to new emerging growth.
How to Cut Back Lungwort for Winter
When trimming back lungwort in fall, use clean, sharp gardening shears or scissors for clean cuts. Cut all the plant’s growth back to ground level or 1-2 inches above the soil.
Dispose of the trimmed foliage – do not compost it since lungwort is prone to foliar diseases like leaf spot. Removing old foliage helps prevent disease issues.
Cut back lungwort planted among other perennials at the same time. Carefully trim around any plants you want to leave for winter interest like ornamental grasses.
In warmer zones like 7 and up, you can leave some lungwort foliage to remain evergreen over winter. Just trim back any damaged or diseased growth.
What to Do in Winter After Cutting Back
After cutting back lungwort for winter, you can leave the beds and plants as is until spring. Here are a few tips for caring for lungwort in winter:
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Add a layer of shredded bark mulch over the soil to insulate roots and prevent frost heaving.
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Water occasionally during warm, dry spells if rainfall is lacking.
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Remove any matted fallen leaves around the crowns to prevent moisture buildup.
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Cut back any new growth if plants push fresh leaves in late winter to keep growth compact.
Let the soil rest dormant until the plants emerge again in early spring. Fertilize lightly if needed once new growth appears.
Encourage Lush Re-Growth in Spring
Once lungwort awakens again in spring, the plants will send up new foliage from the crowns as well as flower stalks.
To encourage vigorous regrowth:
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Apply organic compost or slow-release fertilizer when growth resumes.
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Keep the soil moist if spring is dry since lungwort has shallow roots.
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Divide congested plants every 2-3 years in early spring.
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Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote more flowering.
With proper fall and winter care, your lungwort will return in spring as vibrant as ever, ready to provide a welcome pop of color!
Garden Tip: Prune Back Pulmonaria (Lungwort) For Fresh, New Blooms In Fall
FAQ
How do you prepare lungwort for winter?
How to prune a lungwort?
Will lungwort spread?
When should you cut back lungwort?
At the end of fall, you should prune back your lungwort plants as the foliage starts to fade and turn brown. In warmer climates, lungwort stays semi-evergreen and can be cut back in early spring before new growth begins. Remove flower stalks as the flowers finish blooming throughout the growing season. This will encourage new healthy growth.
When do lungwort plants wilt?
Lungwort plants thrive in mild temperatures and tend to struggle in hot climates. They start growing as soon as the danger of frost has passed in the spring. Hot summer weather might cause them to wilt; however, they should perk up again once the cooler temperatures of fall arrive.
How do you care for lungwort?
Caring for lungwort is fairly straightforward. Plant it in partial sun, as lungwort enjoys shade. Water regularly and keep soil moist. Protect lungwort from extreme temperatures, and fertilize it annually. Transplant lungwort in late summer or early fall so that it has all winter to establish itself before emerging in spring.
How do you plant lungwort?
Transplant lungwort in late summer or early fall so that it has all winter to establish itself before emerging in spring. Choose a location in partial sun or fall shade, avoiding full sun. Dig a hole larger than the rootball of the plant, place the plant in it, and backfill with soil. Water well.
How long do lungwort plants last?
Lungwort plants are often fairly short-lived, declining after four or five years, but you can extend the lifespan by dividing the roots every three to five years. Lungwort plant (Pulmonaria spp.) is an attractive foliage plant that begins blooming early in the spring. Learn how to grow this shade lover.
Can lungwort survive winter?
Lungwort is low maintenance and is able to survive a harsh winter. Lungwort grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3 and 4. For best results, these plants should be mulched before winter in order to insulate the root system and crown. With a two-inch layer of mulch, the roots will experience less stress from frost heaves.