Also known as Bethlehem Lungwort · Flower Of Life · Jerusalem-Sage
Pulmonaria saccharata, or Bethlehem Lungwort, is a perennial with silver-spotted green foliage and early spring bell-shaped flowers that transition from pink to blue. It
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers partial to full shade.
100% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during growth.
100% intensity
Spring to Summer
Humus-rich, moist, well-drained.
50% intensity
Thrives in cool to moderate temperatures, tolerant of frost.
100% intensity
10-24 °C
Outdoor
50% intensity
Light feeding with compost or balanced fertilizer in early spring.
100% intensity
Early Spring
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Bethlehem Lungwort prefers consistently moist soil, especially during dry spells and its active growing season in spring. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Reduce watering slightly after flowering or if foliage begins to die back in summer heat, but do not allow the soil to completely dry out.
Prune Bethlehem Lungwort after flowering by removing spent flower stalks to encourage neatness and prevent self-seeding. In late summer or autumn, if foliage becomes tattered or affected by powdery mildew, cut it back to the ground to promote fresh, healthy growth the following spring.
Propagate Pulmonaria saccharata by division in early spring or autumn when the plant is not actively flowering.
Carefully dig up the entire clump, then gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each new division has a healthy root system and at least a few growing points.
Replant these divisions immediately at the same depth as the original plant and water thoroughly to help establish them.
Container-grown Bethlehem Lungwort benefits from repotting every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot slightly larger than the previous one and use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter.
This refreshes the soil and provides space for root expansion.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Bethlehem-Sage (Pulmonaria saccharata)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Magnoliopsida |
| order | Boraginales |
| family | Boraginaceae |
| genus | Pulmonaria |
| species | Pulmonaria saccharata |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
