Troubleshooting
Lungwort Pulmonaria problems — and how to fix them
Lungwort Pulmonaria (Pulmonaria officinalis) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Powdery mildew
Very common in dry shade after flowering, coating leaves white. Keep soil moist, cut back tired foliage to force fresh growth, and improve airflow.
Wilting and leaf scorch
Signals soil too dry or light too bright. Water, mulch, and relocate to deeper shade with moisture-retentive soil if recurring.
Tired post-flowering foliage
Leaves often look ragged after bloom. Shear the whole clump back; a flush of clean, well-marked new leaves follows.
Slug and snail damage
Soft new spring growth can be grazed. Use barriers or wildlife-safe controls around emerging crowns in damp shade.
Prevent lungwort pulmonaria problems before they start
Most lungwort pulmonaria issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common lungwort problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Lungwort Pulmonaria watering schedule
- Lungwort Pulmonaria light requirements
- Best soil mix for lungwort pulmonaria
- Lungwort Pulmonaria temperature & humidity
- Full lungwort pulmonaria care guide
Looking for lungwort pulmonaria in general rather than its problems? Read the full lungwort pulmonaria care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Lungwort Pulmonaria problems — FAQ
Why is my lungwort pulmonaria powdery mildew?
Very common in dry shade after flowering, coating leaves white. Keep soil moist, cut back tired foliage to force fresh growth, and improve airflow.
Why is my lungwort pulmonaria wilting and leaf scorch?
Signals soil too dry or light too bright. Water, mulch, and relocate to deeper shade with moisture-retentive soil if recurring.
Why is my lungwort pulmonaria tired post-flowering foliage?
Leaves often look ragged after bloom. Shear the whole clump back; a flush of clean, well-marked new leaves follows.
Why is my lungwort pulmonaria slug and snail damage?
Soft new spring growth can be grazed. Use barriers or wildlife-safe controls around emerging crowns in damp shade.