Lungwort Companion Plants – 8 Best & 3 to Avoid

Gardening enthusiasts often seek the perfect companions for their plants to ensure a thriving garden. Lungwort, with its beautiful spring blooms and spotted foliage, is no exception. This article delves into the 8 best and 3 plants to avoid when planting alongside lungwort. Dive into the symbiotic relationships and learn how to create a harmonious garden space with lungwort companion plants.

1. Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are excellent companion plants for lungwort due to their ability to attract beneficial pollinators that lungwort thrives alongside. Characterized by their vibrant flowers and lily-pad-like leaves, nasturtiums are not only ornamental but functional.

Planting Instructions:

• Choose a location that receives partial shade to complement lungwort’s light requirements.
• Plant nasturtium seeds directly into the soil in early spring, around the base of lungwort.
• Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged to match lungwort’s watering needs.

Explore the world of nasturtium companion plants and their benefits here.

2. Purslane

Purslane, with its succulent leaves and yellow blossoms, makes for a ground-covering companion that conserves soil moisture, benefiting lungwort.

Planting Instructions:

• Sow purslane seeds in well-draining soil that is kept damp.
• Space purslane 6-8 inches apart from lungwort to prevent overcrowding.
• Monitor the soil moisture; purslane and lungwort enjoy similar conditions.

For a deeper insight into purslane and its companion planting, check out this comprehensive guide here.

3. Rutabaga

Rutabagas can be good companions for lungwort, as their below-ground growth doesn’t compete with lungwort’s shallow roots. They have large leaves and a substantial root vegetable.

Planting Instructions:

• Plant rutabaga seeds in the vicinity of lungwort but with enough space to avoid root competition.
• Ensure the soil is rich and well-drained, a condition both plants favor.
• Water adequately to keep the soil consistently moist for both plants’ needs.

For more information on rutabaga and its companions, visit here.

4. Viburnum

Viburnums serve as a backdrop to lungwort, offering height and structure with their lush foliage and berries.

Planting Instructions:

• Plant viburnum shrubs at least 3 feet away from lungwort to allow for mature growth.
• Mulch around the base to maintain soil moisture that benefits both plants.
• Prune as necessary to keep the viburnum’s shape and encourage airflow, which lungwort appreciates.

Read more about viburnum and its ideal planting partners here.

5. Quince Tree

The quince tree can be a striking companion for lungwort with its stunning blossoms and fruit, offering a vertical dimension to the garden.

Planting Instructions:

• Position quince trees so that lungwort sits under their dappled shade.
• Water the quince tree deeply, which will also provide adequate moisture for lungwort.
• Apply organic fertilizer in early spring to nourish both the tree and lungwort.

Find out all about quince tree companion planting here.

6. Japanese Forest Grass

Japanese forest grass adds texture and graceful movement as a companion to lungwort, enhancing visual interest.

Planting Instructions:

• Select a shady spot where lungwort and Japanese forest grass can coexist peacefully.
• Plant the grass in loose, fertile soil that stays cool and moist.
• Maintain even moisture and add mulch to conserve water, benefiting both plants.

Interested in learning more about Japanese forest grass companions? Click here.

7. Daffodil

Daffodils signal the arrival of spring and can protect lungwort from certain pests with their toxicity to rodents.

Planting Instructions:

• Plant daffodil bulbs in the fall around lungwort clusters.
• Ensure the site has good drainage and partial shade.
• Fertilize in early spring as new growth appears on both the daffodils and lungwort.

Find more about daffodil companion planting by visiting here.

8. Hellebores

Hellebores are wonderful companions for lungwort, with their early blooms and similar shade and moisture preferences.

Planting Instructions:

• Plant hellebores in the fall or early spring near lungwort.
• Keep the soil well-drained and enriched with organic matter to satisfy both plants.
• Water consistently to ensure the ground remains moist, particularly in dry periods.

Discover the benefits of hellebores in companion planting here.

Plants to Avoid Near Lungwort

1. Black Walnut – Its juglone can be toxic to lungwort.
2. Sunflowers – They can create too much shade and deplete soil nutrients.
3. Eucalyptus – Their allelopathic properties may inhibit lungwort growth.

Companion Planting Chart for Lungwort

Good Companions	Why Plant Together
Nasturtium	Attracts pollinators, offers ornamental value.
Purslane	Ground cover, conserves moisture.
Rutabaga	Non-competing root system.
Viburnum	Structural backdrop, offers height.
Quince Tree	Provides shade, vertical interest.
Japanese Forest Grass	Adds texture, thrives in shade.
Daffodil	Pest deterrent, early spring bloom.
Hellebores	Early blooms, similar care needs.