Pulmonaria
Care guide
Perennial shade bed plant. Primary risk in Draper conditions is stagnant air combined with dry-root stress (more than sun exposure).
In the shaded retaining wall bed: fully shaded (good for foliage), wind-protected (reduces leaf stress but can reduce airflow).
Northern Utah mildew pattern: Powdery mildew often spikes late spring and again early fall. Large day/night temperature swings increase fungal pressure. Dry soil combined with humid evenings can trigger outbreaks. Canopy management: Thin crowded [[Heuchera]]/[[Hostas]] annually. Remove older pulmonaria leaves mid-season if canopy thickens.
Maintain consistent soil moisture (not soggy). Avoid letting soil dry fully between cycles. Prefer drip irrigation over overhead spray. In hot spells: consider slightly shorter but more frequent watering cycles to avoid dry-root stress. Avoid overhead watering that keeps foliage damp.
Organic mulch recommended. Compost top-dress after a reset cutback (see Pruning).
Reset cutback: After flowering, if mildew appears, cut foliage to ~2-3" above soil. This encourages fresh, clean foliage regrowth. Follow cutback with a light compost top-dress.
[[Powdery Mildew]] — see dedicated playbook.
Prevention: Partial to full shade, good airflow, water at base (morning watering preferred) Consistent moisture, mulch, proper spacing and annual thinning Resistant cultivars: 'Raspberry Splash', 'Trevi Fountain'
Treatment hierarchy: 1. Cultural corrections (airflow, watering, spacing) 2. Remove affected leaves (dispose in trash, do not compost) 3. Milk spray (1:2 milk:water, applied weekly) 4. Baking soda spray (1 tsp + few drops dish soap per quart water) 5. Neem oil 6. Sulfur fungicide (last resort)
Early detection: Weekly inspections late spring and early fall Inspect inner leaves near crown Look for faint white dusting or dulling of silver patterns Remove first affected leaves immediately
Late spring & early fall: Weekly mildew scouting. Manage airflow and moisture. Post-bloom: If mildew appears, reset cutback to 2-3" above soil + compost top-dress. Growing season: Drip/base watering only. Avoid overhead wet foliage. Maintain mulch.