Brunnera macrophylla

Description

Brunnera macrophylla – Siberian bugloss

Botanical name: Brunnera macrophylla
Common names: Brunnera, Siberian bugloss
Family: Boraginaceae
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mound-forming
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 40–45cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Large, heart-shaped, plain green leaves forming a bold mound; deciduous
Flowers: Airy sprays of tiny, bright blue forget-me-not flowers in spring (April–May)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Partial to full shade; tolerates some morning sun in moist soil
Soil: Moist but well-drained, fertile, humus-rich; dislikes drying out; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H7 (very hardy, below −20°C); USDA zones 3–8
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Garden form; the species is native to eastern Europe and western Asia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Brunnera macrophylla, Siberian bugloss, is a tough shade perennial with bold heart-shaped green leaves and airy sprays of bright blue forget-me-not flowers in spring. Superb groundcover for moist shade.

GardenAdvice notes

A charming perennial for shade, brunnera (Siberian bugloss) is grown for its handsome, heart-shaped leaves, which make excellent groundcover, and its airy spring sprays of tiny, bright blue forget-me-not flowers that seem to float above the foliage. It is one of the best plants for a moist, shady border or woodland garden, thriving in the cool, damp conditions beneath trees and shrubs.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, fertile, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade. Work in leaf mould, and space about 40cm apart. Keep moist, especially while establishing.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance in moist shade. Keep the soil from drying out, as drought scorches the foliage. Remove tatty or damaged leaves, and cut back the flower stems after flowering. An annual leaf-mould mulch keeps it happy. Divide congested clumps in spring.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide clumps in spring, or detach rooted pieces.
• Seed: The plain species self-seeds gently and can be raised from seed.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free in moist shade. Powdery mildew can occur if it dries out, scorching the leaves; slugs may graze new growth. Kept cool and moist, it is easy and reliable.

Uses in the garden

Superb as groundcover in moist, shady and woodland borders, under trees and shrubs, and on shady banks, where its heart-shaped foliage and its blue spring flowers bring early colour to difficult shady spots.

Wildlife value

The spring flowers are an early source of nectar for bees and other pollinators.

Toxicity & safety

Brunnera is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

The plain green species is the toughest and easiest brunnera, forming bold mounds of heart-shaped leaves topped in spring by a haze of true-blue forget-me-not flowers — one of the loveliest sights in a spring woodland border. It makes excellent, weed-suppressing groundcover in moist shade, and self-seeds gently to spread itself around.

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