Brunnera macrophylla brunnera, Siberian bugloss

Brunnera is an attractive perrenial with showy foliage, suitable especially for garden enthusiasts looking for the beauty of leaves rather than flowers. This rhizomatous perennial produces large, soft hairy, ovate to heart-shaped, sharp-pointed, deep green leaves.

In mid spring, commonly late April in zone 6, appear small, sky blue, forget-me-not-like flowers on thin stems 20-30 cm tall, in thin, cyme-like panicles for almost two months. It looks best in mass plantings and as it is quite slow forming a groundcover on its own we suggest planting in densely, e.g. 5-6 plants per square meter. It is not invasive nor travels around the garden with shoots or seeds itself off.

Brunnera does best in semi-shade or full shade with sufficient moisture. It needs cool, humus-rich, well-drained, moist soil. Fully hardy to -40°C (USDA zone 3).

Last update 20-10-2016