Lungwort vs Brunnera: Which Plant Reigns Supreme in Your Garden?
What To Know
- While the blue flowers are a delightful spectacle, the foliage of both lungwort and brunnera adds a captivating dimension to your garden throughout the year.
- If you’re looking for a compact plant with a slower growth habit and earlier blooms, lungwort is an excellent choice.
- If you need a plant that spreads quickly to fill a larger area and prefer the delicate forget-me-not-like flowers, brunnera is the perfect choice.
Are you looking for a stunning groundcover to add a splash of color to your shady garden? If so, you’ve likely come across two popular contenders: lungwort vs brunnera. Both offer enchanting blue blossoms and attractive foliage, making it hard to choose between them.
This post will delve into the world of these captivating plants, comparing their characteristics, growth habits, and care requirements. By the end, you’ll be equipped to decide which one is the perfect fit for your garden.
A Tale of Two Blue Flowers: Unveiling the Differences
Lungwort (Pulmonaria) and brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla) are often mistaken for each other, thanks to their striking blue flowers and similar foliage. However, closer inspection reveals distinct differences, each contributing to their unique appeal.
Lungwort:
- Blooming Season: Lungwort typically blooms earlier in the spring, often starting in March or April, depending on your climate.
- Flower Shape: The flowers are trumpet-shaped, often with a delicate, speckled appearance.
- Foliage: Lungwort boasts striking foliage that varies in color depending on the variety. Some feature silver spots or blotches, while others boast a vibrant green. The leaves are typically rough to the touch.
- Height: Lungwort grows relatively low, reaching heights of 6-12 inches.
- Growth Habit: Lungwort forms attractive clumps that spread slowly, making it ideal for smaller gardens.
Brunnera:
- Blooming Season: Brunnera blooms slightly later than lungwort, usually in April or May.
- Flower Shape: The flowers resemble forget-me-nots, with delicate, five-petaled blooms.
- Foliage: Brunnera boasts large, heart-shaped leaves that are typically a vibrant green. Some varieties feature silver variegation or veins. The leaves are smooth and soft to the touch.
- Height: Brunnera grows taller than lungwort, reaching heights of 12-18 inches.
- Growth Habit: Brunnera spreads more rapidly than lungwort, forming attractive groundcover that can quickly fill a space.
A Symphony of Color: Exploring the Diverse Varieties
Both lungwort and brunnera offer a range of varieties, each showcasing unique colors and textures. Here’s a glimpse at some of the most popular cultivars:
Lungwort:
- ‘Sissinghurst White’: This variety features pure white flowers, a welcome addition to any shady garden.
- ‘Raspberry Splash’: This striking lungwort boasts vibrant pink flowers and leaves with white spots.
- ‘Redstart’: This captivating variety features deep red flowers and leaves with silver spots.
Brunnera:
- ‘Jack Frost’: This popular cultivar is prized for its silvery-white leaves with a delicate green veining.
- ‘Silver Wings’: This variety features large, heart-shaped leaves with silver margins, creating a stunning contrast.
- ‘Looking Glass’: This brunnera features deep blue flowers and dark, glossy green leaves.
Cultivating a Thriving Garden: Caring for Lungwort and Brunnera
Whether you choose lungwort or brunnera, both plants require similar care to thrive:
- Light: Both plants prefer partial shade to full shade. Avoid planting them in direct sunlight, as this can scorch their leaves.
- Soil: Well-drained, moist soil is essential for both lungwort and brunnera. Amend the soil with compost to improve drainage and fertility.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. However, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer in spring, and again in mid-summer if needed.
Beyond the Blooms: The Beauty of Their Foliage
While the blue flowers are a delightful spectacle, the foliage of both lungwort and brunnera adds a captivating dimension to your garden throughout the year.
Lungwort: Lungwort’s foliage can be a real showstopper, especially in the winter months when the flowers have faded. The silver spots and blotches on the leaves create a stunning contrast against the dark background.
Brunnera: The large, heart-shaped leaves of brunnera provide a beautiful backdrop for the delicate blue flowers. The silver variegation of some varieties adds a touch of elegance to the garden.
A Final Note on Choosing the Right Plant
Ultimately, the choice between lungwort and brunnera comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your garden.
Lungwort: If you’re looking for a compact plant with a slower growth habit and earlier blooms, lungwort is an excellent choice. Its striking foliage adds a captivating dimension to your garden even after the flowers fade.
Brunnera: If you need a plant that spreads quickly to fill a larger area and prefer the delicate forget-me-not-like flowers, brunnera is the perfect choice. Its large, heart-shaped leaves provide a beautiful backdrop for the blooms.
Beyond the Garden: The Medicinal Properties of Lungwort
Lungwort has a rich history of medicinal use, earning its name from its resemblance to human lungs. While modern medicine has largely replaced traditional remedies, lungwort is still valued for its soothing properties. The plant is thought to have anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects, making it a potential remedy for respiratory ailments like coughs and bronchitis.
However, it’s important to note that lungwort should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatment. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies.
A Final Thought: Embrace the Beauty of Spring
Whether you choose lungwort or brunnera, both plants offer a delightful way to welcome spring into your garden. Their captivating blue flowers and attractive foliage add a splash of color and texture to shady areas, creating a vibrant and welcoming space. So, go ahead and choose the one that best suits your needs and enjoy the beauty of these enchanting spring bloomers!
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Are lungwort and brunnera deer resistant?
A: Both lungwort and brunnera are generally deer resistant, but they may be nibbled on occasionally. If deer are a problem in your area, consider planting them in a location where they are less accessible, or use deer repellent.
Q: How do I propagate lungwort and brunnera?
A: Both plants can be easily propagated by dividing the clumps in early spring or late summer. You can also start new plants from seed, but this method is often less reliable.
Q: When should I prune lungwort and brunnera?
A: You can prune lungwort and brunnera after they have finished flowering to encourage fresh growth. Deadheading the spent flowers will also help to prevent self-seeding.
Q: Are lungwort and brunnera suitable for containers?
A: Yes, both lungwort and brunnera can be grown successfully in containers. Choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots and ensure good drainage.
Q: What are some other plants that I can combine with lungwort and brunnera?
A: Lungwort and brunnera pair well with other shade-loving plants, such as hostas, ferns, and hellebores. They can also be used as groundcover under trees and shrubs.