Silver Lungwort
pulmonaria saccharata
Also known as: ["Shining Lungwort","Bethlehem Sage"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with spotted leaves and pink-to-blue flowers, native to Europe.
Benefits & Perks
["early spring flowering","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Boraginales |
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Genus: | Pulmonaria |
| Botanical Name: | Pulmonaria saccharata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shady garden beds or woodland settings
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to moist; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, fertile, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter; loamy soil is ideal.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged foliage.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing old flower stems and thinning dense growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 3–4 hours of morning sunlight or dappled light is ideal; avoid intense afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to brighter light if moving from shade; protect from direct sun to prevent leaf burn; ideal for woodland or shaded garden beds.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Morning sun is best; avoid hot afternoon sun; dappled light is ideal.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting roots sit in water; adjust based on season and weather.
Soil
moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Keep soil consistently moist; enrich with organic matter; ensure good drainage.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures; ideal range 50–70°F (10–21°C); prefers cooler summers and mild winters.
Keep cool in summer; protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
monthly during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize once in spring; use a balanced formula; water before and after fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Division or stem cuttings; division is the most reliable method.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with roots and foliage.
- Replant immediately.
- Water thoroughly.
- For cuttings, take 3–4 inch stems, remove lower leaves, plant in medium, keep moist.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
Moderate humidity; partial shade; consistent moisture; warm but not hot temperatures.
Medium
Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter; can use a mix of potting soil and perlite.
Hormone
Not typically necessary for division; rooting hormone can help with stem cuttings.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 4–6 weeks, full establishment in 3–4 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp, clean knife or shears, trowel, rooting hormone (optional), pots or trays.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; take cuttings in early growth phase; keep cuttings consistently moist.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim back leggy or overcrowded stems; cut just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; thin out crowded stems to improve air circulation; maintain compact growth habit.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, clean scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Remove dead flowers; thin crowded stems; sanitize tools between cuts; dispose of pruned material.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or extreme weather.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes; avoid excessive pot size increase.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead or circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor and health.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for weather changes.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the base of the plant until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture distribution; water early in the day to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter; increase during hot, dry periods.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure consistent moisture retention.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or leaf drop in extreme heat; stunted growth or browning edges in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may become brittle or discolored; growth slows or halts; risk of root damage in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost; move potted plants indoors if temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C).
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow; increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water before and after; avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength if needed; avoid over-fertilizing.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPulmonaria saccharata is not toxic to cats. The plant lacks compounds that are known to be harmful to felines when ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPulmonaria saccharata is not toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain known substances that would cause adverse effects in canines upon ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicPulmonaria saccharata is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic compounds or physiological effects associated with ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do the flowers change color?
A: Pulmonaria flowers often start pink and mature to blue due to soil pH levels.
Q: Is Pulmonaria saccharata deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant.
Q: How should I care for Pulmonaria in winter?
A: Mulch lightly in autumn to protect roots from frost.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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