Pulmonaria saccharata
Bethlehem sage
A clump-forming to spreading herbacious perennial, bearing bluish flowers from late winter to late spring. Considered one of the best pulmonarias for its foliage, the mid-green leaves are variegated and hairy to touch.
Other common names
Joseph and Marysoldier and his wife
see moreblue and pink ladies
Jerusalem sage
lady's tears
soldiers and sailors
Synonyms
Pulmonaria saccharata 'Picta'
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Neutral, Acid, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Pink | Green Grey Silver Variegated | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver Variegated | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver Variegated | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Pulmonaria can be herbaceous or semi-evergreen rhizomatous perennials with terminal clusters of funnel-shaped flowers in late winter or early spring, and often strikingly patterned leaves developing in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
For best results grow in moist but well-drained soil, in partial shade.
Propagation
Propagate by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
Remove any old faded leaves after flowering if required.
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.