Bethlehem sage Pulmonaria saccharata 'Dora Bielefeld'
ABOUT
Pulmonaria saccharata 'Dora Bielefeld', commonly known as Lungwort 'Dora Bielefeld', is a perennial plant known for its attractive foliage and flowers. The leaves of this cultivar are distinctive, featuring a green base with silver or white spots, a trait characteristic of many lungworts. These spots often create intricate patterns that contrast strikingly against the darker green background of the leaf. The flowers of 'Dora Bielefeld' lungwort are a beautiful and notable feature. They emerge in clusters on stems that rise above the foliage in the early spring. The flower's color can undergo a fascinating transition; initially, the blooms may start out as one color, such as pink, and then gradually change to another shade, such as blue, as they age. This results in a two-toned effect that can add considerable interest to the garden. The contrast between the spotted foliage and the delicate flowers of the Pulmonaria saccharata 'Dora Bielefeld' provides a captivating display. The plant's overall appearance can illuminate shady areas of the garden with its variegated leaves and charming flowers, making it a valued addition to woodland gardens, shaded borders, and underplantings around trees and shrubs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Bethlehem Sage, Lungwort
Common names
Pulmonaria saccharata 'Dora Bielefeld'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lungwort (Pulmonaria saccharata 'Dora Bielefeld') is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. However, it is always advisable to be cautious as individual reactions can vary, and ingesting any plant not typically used for food could potentially cause discomfort, such as digestive upset. There is no significant evidence of severe poisoning from ingesting lungwort in humans.
To pets
Lungwort is not known to be toxic to pets either. It does not appear on lists of poisonous plants for dogs or cats, and there are no widespread reports of pets being poisoned through ingestion of lungwort. However, as with all plants, it is best to prevent pets from ingesting it because individual animals may have sensitivities, and non-food plants can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Pulmonaria saccharata 'Dora Bielefeld', commonly known as Lungwort, has attractive foliage and flowers, which add beauty to garden landscapes.
- Shade Tolerance: Lungwort thrives in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, making it a great choice for woodland gardens or shady borders.
- Early Blossoms: It produces flowers early in the spring, providing color in the garden when few other plants are blooming.
- Low Maintenance: Lungwort is generally easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Lungwort is resistant to most pests and diseases, minimizing the need for chemical treatments.
- Ground Coverage: With its spreading habit, it provides good ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and reduce soil erosion.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, thereby supporting local biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: Lungwort offers visual interest throughout multiple seasons with its changing leaf patterns and flower colors.
- Companion Planting: Its tolerance for shade and early flowering make it an excellent companion for spring bulbs and other shade-loving perennials.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lungwort leaves can be used in a salad when they are young and tender, adding a slightly rough texture to the greens.
- The plant's flowers can be candied and used to decorate desserts, lending a unique appearance and subtle vegetal flavor.
- Lungwort can be used as natural dye for fabrics, with the leaves producing a range of greenish-brown colors depending on the mordant used.
- Pressed lungwort flowers can be incorporated into handmade paper, giving the paper an attractive, decorative quality.
- With its attractive foliage, lungwort can be used in floral arrangements as a filler to add texture and contrast to other blooms.
- The plant's distinctive spotted leaves have been used historically as a pattern inspiration in textile design and embroidery.
- Lungwort can be planted in outdoor fairy gardens, where it contributes to an enchanting, woodland aesthetic with its quaint, colorful flowers.
- When used in an educational setting, lungwort can serve as an example plant for biology lessons, particularly in topics such as plant adaptation and symbiosis due to its relationship with mycorrhizal fungi.
- The flowers are gently fragrant and can be placed in linen drawers or closets to provide a delicate natural scent.
- In photography, lungwort plants can make for a striking subject in macro photography due to their unique foliage and vibrant flowers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lungwort is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lungwort is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Restoration: Pulmonaria, commonly known as "lungwort", has historically been used in herbal medicine due to its lung-shaped leaves, symbolizing its use for treating respiratory conditions.
- Hope and Recovery: Lungwort's early spring bloom is often a sign of the new life and hope that comes with the end of winter, suggesting recovery and a fresh start.
- Perseverance and Resilience: As a plant that thrives in shady areas and is hardy in nature, lungwort symbolizes the ability to persevere and flourish, even in challenging conditions.
WaterThe Lungwort should be watered deeply but infrequently, ensuring the soil becomes moist but not waterlogged. It's best to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may be about once a week, depending on the climate and indoor conditions. During the growing season, roughly 1 gallon per week should suffice, but always adjust according to temperature and humidity. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant is dormant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to provide good drainage.
LightLungwort prefers shaded to partially shaded conditions, thriving under the dappled light of larger trees or on the north side of buildings where direct sunlight is limited. It can tolerate some morning sun but should be protected from harsh afternoon rays. The ideal spot is one where bright, indirect light is available, mimicking the plant’s natural woodland habitat.
TemperatureLungwort does best in temperatures between 50°F and 75°F, which are typical indoor conditions. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 30°F but should be protected from frost. The plant prefers cooler conditions and may struggle if temperatures consistently exceed 80°F. Avoid placing it near heat sources or in extreme cold drafts to maintain the ideal temperature range.
PruningPrune Lungwort in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged leaves and to encourage fresh growth. Trimming can be done after flowering to maintain shape and prevent self-seeding if desired. Pruning helps to rejuvenate the plant for the following season and reduces the risk of disease by improving air circulation. The best time for pruning is just before the new growth begins, typically in early spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLungwort (Pulmonaria saccharata 'Dora Bielefeld') thrives in well-draining, moist soil rich in organic matter with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. A good mix would be part leaf mold or compost, part loamy soil, and part perlite for drainage.
RepottingLungwort should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, ideally in the spring, to refresh the soil and accommodate the growth of the plant.
Humidity & MistingLungwort prefers high humidity but is quite adaptable and can thrive in average home humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial to full shade in moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cyclePulmonaria saccharata 'Dora Bielefeld', commonly known as Bethlehem Sage, begins its life as a seed, which upon germination in suitable conditions of moisture and temperature, sprouts into a seedling with a basic root system and leaves for photosynthesis. The seedling then grows into a vegetative plant, expanding its leaf surface area and root system, and eventually forms a basal rosette. As it matures, it enters the flowering stage, where it develops small clusters of pink or red buds that mature into funnel-shaped flowers, which are typically pink or blue and attract various pollinators. After pollination, these flowers produce seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. In the dormant stage, during fall or winter, the foliage may die back, especially in colder climates, but the root system remains alive underground. With the return of favorable spring conditions, Bethlehem Sage re-emerges from dormancy to restart the cycle with fresh growth of leaves, followed by flowering and seed production.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Propogation: Lungwort (Pulmonaria saccharata 'Dora Bielefeld') is commonly propagated through division. The ideal time for dividing lungwort is in the spring or early fall, when the plant is not in active bloom and temperatures are cool. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established plant and gently separate the root ball into smaller clumps, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the roots and several shoots. These divisions can then be immediately replanted in prepared soil, spaced about 12 to 18 inches (roughly 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to give them room to grow. Water the new divisions well to help establish them. This method of propagation helps to maintain the vigor of the plant and can rejuvenate older clumps that may have become less productive over time.
