Herb Garden Plants

Pulmonaria officinalis (Boraginaceae)

Appearance
The legacy of countless healers to posterity, the flowers of these herb garden plants change colour according to their stage of development. Originally showing itself in a pink shade, the flowers turn blue after pollination takes place. Depending on the development stage of the flower, it may be pink, lilac or blue, making an interesting and attractive showing as the flowers proceed in their journey of life. These are early flowering herb garden plants which are also used in pots for culinary convenience. The hair-covered bearing stems are crowned with speckled broad leaves and grow to about 300mm. (12in.)

History
Popular as both a healing herb and for its attractive showing, these herb garden plants have been cultivated all over Europe since the dark ages. Although the upsurge of modern transport has spread these far more widely – they were certainly used by pioneers headed for the New World – the plants prefer conditions close to those of the original wild plants. Denizens of shaded woodlands, they enjoy shade and slight damp. Several mentions are made in various tomes of a family link to the American cowslip of the Midwest. No definitive relationship is obvious and I would be glad to hear from someone who can suggest a reference resource or tell me more about this and whether it is true. Perhaps I am looking in the wrong place.

Usage
With a name like lungwort, one can reasonably expect that this is where its medicinal virtue lies. And one would be correct.
Lungwort strengthens the respiratory functions by treating congestion, sore throats and coughing. It is also used to break a fever in cases of influenza and bad colds as it seems to assist in the process of ’sweating it out’ which frequently precedes a cure.

Cultivation
Chalky, damp but well-draines soil approximates the natural conditions in which lungwort thrives. Duplicate these conditions for best results from these herb garden plants. Sow early in Spring and thin out seedlings in late Summer. Alternately, divide roots in the autumn (fall) and replant.