Photo: Daniel CahenCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Lungwort Plant Care
Pulmonaria saccharata Mill.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's silver-spotted leaves are its most striking visual feature, creating a unique contrast in the garden. Originating from Europe and Western Asia, Pulmonaria saccharata is a sought-after plant for collectors due to its early blooming pink and blue flowers that attract pollinators.
Partial to full shade
At a glance
How do you care for Lungwort?
Lungwort grows best in partial to full shade.
What Is the Lungwort?
Lungwort (Pulmonaria saccharata) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Pulmonaria genus. Lungwort is native to France and Italy. Lungwort is also known as Bethlehem Sage, Spotted Lungwort, Sugar Lungwort.
Lungwort displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Lungwort produces tubular flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white that change color as they mature.
What Light Does the Lungwort Need?
Lungwort thrives in partial to full shade. Avoid placing Lungwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lungwort?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Lungwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Lungwort?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Lungwort?
Lungwort can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Lungwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Lungwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Lungwort?
Lungwort is susceptible to slugs, snails, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Lungwort Need?
Lungwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Lungwort is native to France and Italy.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Lungwort is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Pulmonaria genus — compare its care with other Pulmonaria species on PlantoScan.
Pulmonaria is part of the Boraginaceae plant family — browse all Boraginaceae genera and species.
Lungwort copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pulmonaria saccharata Mill., family Boraginaceae (first published in Gard. Dict. ed. 8 : n.º 3 (1768)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Lungwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Daniel Cahen, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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