Brunnera macrophylla is a tough plant that originates from the Caucus Mountains, hence the common name of Siberian Bugloss. It is clump forming perennial but it also self seeds easily and, if left alone, will carpet a shady area. The coarse foliage is dark green and heart shaped. The sprays of light blue flowers have yellow centers and look like Forget-Me-Nots. The foliage on this plant does not break down like Forget-Me-Nots and looks good throughout the summer. This plant is tolerant of dry shade once established and is easy to use massed as a ground cover or in woodland gardens.
- Height: 30 - 46 cm (12 - 18 in)
- Spread: 46 - 61 cm (18 - 24 in)
- Cold Hardiness: Zone 3
- Sun or Shade: partial to filtered shade
- Bloom Time: spring
- Leaf Colour: dark green
- Bloom Colour: light blue
- Critter Resistance: deer and rabbits
Growing and Maintenance Tips
Brunnera is an easy care, undemanding perennial that thrives in rich well drained garden soil in partial shade. It is not a fan of hot dry conditions but will take morning or late afternoon sun as long as the soil stays evenly moist. This variety is the easiest of the Brunneras to grow and tolerates dryness better than the silver leaved varieties. To keep the plant looking attractive shear the spent flower heads after flowering. This plant will naturalize so leave the seed heads if you want it to spread.
