Brunnera macrophylla 'SILVER SPEAR' brunnera, Siberian bugloss

Silver Spear is another gem from the Siberian bugloss family. Not only does it boast impressively large leaves, but its forget-me-not-like flowers are stunning, especially in mass plantings. They appear in spring (April) atop slender stems that reach about 30–40 cm in height and are crowned with delicate, terminal clusters composed of sky-blue flowers. They bloom for a long time, often for 6–8 weeks, and after flowering, it’s recommended to cut back the flowering stems to the ground because they show signs of exhaustion as they wither and make seeds and do spoil the lush appearance of the entire clump.

It’s during this period that the plant begins to develop large and strikingly coloured leaves, one of its key features. During the flowering season, the stems have small, inconspicuous leaves, while the showy leaves start emerging from the ground only after flowering. They are broadly heart-shaped, measuring 12–15 cm in diameter, somewhat hairy to slightly rough to the touch, and deciduous. The dark green base color is barely visible, as the leaves are flooded with bright silver-gray marbling, leaving only the margins green.

This perennial looks best when mass planted. It is not invasive, does not self-seed, and its rhizomes do not spread throughout the garden. It stays in its place and slowly grows into a larger, more appealing clump. As it spreads slowly on its own, for a dense ground cover plant several specimens closer together right from the start, at least 5 or 6 plants per square meter. The leaves will soon cover the surface, but the roots and flowering stems will grow more slowly.

Siberian bugloss is a tuberous perennial that thrives in lightly shaded to fully shaded locations, where it can fully showcase its attractive foliage. It requires well-drained, but moist, and cool soil. It is not susceptible to diseases or pests. Regular fertilizing will enhance growth and produce denser tufts, but it is not needed. Still, if you decide to feed the plant, do so every two weeks from the time the flowers appear until midsummer. Fully hardy to approx. -40 °C (USDA zone 3) and suitable for outdoor containers, too.

Last update 23-04-2025