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Planting Instructions (Container Plants or Divisions):
Ongoing Care:
Enjoying Your Brunnera:
Pro-Tip: Consistent moisture and shade are the keys to happy and thriving Brunnera plants! Mulching generously and choosing a shady location that mimics their woodland environment will ensure your Brunnera shines in your garden. Do not let the soil dry out, especially during hot weather.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully plant and enjoy the luminous beauty of Brunnera in your shade garden for many years to come!
Brunnera is a woodland plant that is easily grown in average, well-drained soil. Intolerant of dry soils, it prefers consistently moist, organically rich soil. In northern zones, morning sun is tolerable as long as the soil remains moist, and it needs to be grown in full shade with consistently moist soil in southern regions. Zones 3-8.
Once established little care is needed. Cut back the old foliage in the spring rather than in the fall; it will help to protect the crown during the winter. Winter mulch is also recommended.
Brunnera (Siberian Bugloss): Shade Garden Star
Discover the quintessential perennial for the shade garden: Brunnera macrophylla. Commonly known as Siberian Bugloss or False Forget-me-not, this plant is celebrated for its dazzling combination of airy, sky-blue spring flowers and stunning, heart-shaped foliage. Brunnera is a true workhorse, forming a lush, weed-suppressing mound that illuminates the darkest corners of a garden with elegance and grace. If you are looking for a reliable, low-maintenance, and utterly beautiful solution for your shady spots, Brunnera is the perfect choice.
The name "False Forget-me-not" comes from its sprays of tiny, vibrant blue flowers that closely resemble those of the true Forget-me-not (Myosotis). The genus Brunnera is named in honor of the Swiss botanist Samuel Brunner.
Brunnera Cultivars
While the green-leaved species is lovely, the variegated cultivars are true showstoppers.
Growing Conditions
Pest, Disease & Animal Resistance
Garden Maintenance
Propagation Information
Landscape Design & Companion Plants
Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Asterids Order: Boraginales Family: Boraginaceae Genus: 1 Brunnera Species: Brunnera macrophylla
Common names for this plant include Siberian bugloss, great forget-me-not, largeleaf brunnera, and heartleaf. It is native to the Caucasus region but is a popular ornamental plant in gardens worldwide.
Brunnera macrophylla is a herbaceous perennial with a distinctive appearance. Here is a breakdown of its morphology:
Overall Form:
Leaves:
Flowers:
Stems:
Roots:
Fruit:
This combination of features - the heart-shaped leaves, delicate blue flowers, and clumping habit - makes Brunnera macrophylla a desirable and easily recognizable garden plant.
Brunnera macrophylla, with its charming blue flowers and attractive foliage, is thankfully quite easy to cultivate. Here is a guide to help you grow thriving Brunnera:
Ideal Conditions:
Planting:
Care:
Cultivars:
There are many beautiful cultivars of Brunnera macrophylla available, offering variations in leaf color and pattern. Some popular ones include:
With proper care, Brunnera macrophylla will reward you with its lovely foliage and delicate blooms for many years.
Here is a comprehensive calendar of care for Brunnera macrophylla, covering the key tasks for each season:
Spring:
Summer:
Fall:
Winter:
Additional Tips:
By following this calendar of care, you can ensure that your Brunnera macrophylla thrives and provides a beautiful display of color and texture in your garden.
The nuances within Brunnera macrophylla, there is a delightful array of varieties and cultivars that have emerged, mostly focused on variations in leaf color and pattern. Here is a breakdown:
Species:
Groups (informal):
While not official taxonomic groups, gardeners often categorize Brunnera macrophylla cultivars based on their foliage:
Varieties:
Cultivars (a selection of popular ones):
This is just a glimpse into the diverse world of Brunnera macrophylla cultivars. Breeders continue to develop new and exciting variations, offering a wide range of options for gardeners to add this beautiful plant to their shady landscapes.
Brunnera macrophylla is a fantastic choice for mass planting in shady areas! Its clumping habit, attractive foliage, and delicate blue flowers create a stunning carpet of color and texture. Here is why it works so well and how to do it effectively:
Why Brunnera excels in mass plantings:
Tips for successful mass planting:
Design ideas:
With a little planning and care, a mass planting of Brunnera macrophylla can transform a shady area into a breathtaking tapestry of foliage and flowers.
Common Names: Brunnera, False Forget-Me Not, Siberian Bugloss
Botanical Name: Brunnera macrophylla
Brunnera macrophylla, commonly known as Siberian bugloss, is a charming perennial that thrives in shady gardens. Its heart-shaped leaves and clusters of delicate blue flowers bring a touch of elegance and color to areas where many other plants struggle.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Landscaping Uses
Cultivars to Consider
Brunnera macrophylla is a versatile and beautiful perennial that adds charm and elegance to any shady garden. Its low-maintenance nature and deer resistance make it a practical and rewarding choice for gardeners of all levels.
This exceptional cultivar of Siberian bugloss, also known as False Forget-Me-Not or Heartleaf Brunnera, captivates with its shimmering foliage that illuminates any shady corner of the landscape. While primarily grown for its foliage, the delicate blue flowers also offer a delightful charm.
A Hardy and Versatile Perennial
Hardy in zones 3 to 8, 'Jack Frost' forms a graceful, rounded mound reaching 1½ feet in height and width. Its clumps gradually spread through creeping rhizomes, eventually creating a dense ground cover. The heart-shaped leaves, rough-textured and slightly hairy, boast a unique frosted, silvery-white overlay contrasting beautifully with the dark green veins and margins. This striking pattern remains vibrant throughout the growing season, provided the plant receives adequate moisture.
Springtime Blooms and Design Possibilities
In mid-spring, 'Jack Frost' delights with hundreds of tiny, light blue flowers with yellow centers, reminiscent of forget-me-nots. These blooms, borne in airy sprays above the foliage, last for 3-4 weeks, adding a touch of ethereal beauty to the landscape.
This versatile perennial shines in various settings, from woodland gardens to formal beds, injecting dramatic texture into shady spots. It pairs beautifully with the fern Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Silver Falls' or other Japanese painted ferns, creating a captivating contrast of texture and leaf shape. It also harmonizes with astilbes, bleeding heart, Heucheras, and thrives near ponds or streams. Combining 'Jack Frost' with late-spring bulbs like daffodils results in a breathtaking spring spectacle. Its potential extends to ground covers, edging shady paths, or gracing borders.
Thriving in Shade and Ease of Care
'Jack Frost' flourishes in part shade, ideally with morning sun and afternoon shade, planted in moist, well-drained soil. While it prefers organic-rich soils, it also performs well in clay. Notably, it tolerates more sun than many other variegated cultivars.
This low-maintenance perennial requires minimal care beyond supplemental watering during dry spells. Mulching helps maintain soil moisture and may even eliminate the need for additional watering. 'Jack Frost' exhibits greater heat tolerance compared to other Brunnera varieties. Although not necessary, removing spent flower stalks enhances its appearance.
Maintenance and Propagation
Individual older leaves can be trimmed during the growing season to maintain the clump's visual appeal. It is best to remove old foliage in spring when new leaves emerge, rather than in the fall, as the leaves offer winter protection. Winter mulch is recommended but often unnecessary.
As a patented cultivar, unlicensed propagation for sale is prohibited. However, the fibrous-rooted plants can be divided in spring or fall. It is important to note that 'Jack Frost' will not grow true from seed.
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' is a truly exceptional perennial, deserving of its recognition as the Perennial Plant of the Year. Its captivating foliage, delicate blooms, and adaptability to shade make it a must-have for any garden seeking year-round beauty and effortless elegance.
Brunnera is a genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae. They are rhizomatous perennials, native to the woodlands of Eastern Europe and Northwest Asia. They have hairy leaves and sprays of blue flowers in spring. Numerous cultivars are available, which are valued as groundcover in dappled shade. The best-known species is Brunnera macrophylla, known as Siberian bugloss.
Brunneras are shade-loving plants that prefer moist, well-drained soil. They are relatively low-maintenance and deer-resistant. They can be propagated by division or seed.
Here are some of the different types of Brunnera:
Planting Brunnera is a fairly straightforward process, but there are a few key things to keep in mind for success:
Choosing the right spot:
Planting steps:
Additional tips:
By following these simple steps, you can successfully plant Brunnera and enjoy its beautiful foliage and charming blooms for years to come.
Brunnera, particularly Brunnera macrophylla, boasts a delightful variety of cultivars, each offering unique characteristics in terms of foliage color, size, and even flower hue. Here is a glimpse into some popular varieties:
Leaf Color Variations:
Leaf Pattern Variations:
Flower Color Variations:
Remember, these are just a few examples, and the world of Brunnera cultivars is vast and ever-expanding. When choosing yours, consider the desired leaf color, pattern, size, and even flower hue to find the perfect fit for your garden's aesthetic and your personal preferences.
Caring for Brunnera in your garden is quite easy, as they are generally low-maintenance plants. Here is a quick guide to keep your Brunnera thriving:
Lighting:
Brunnera prefers shady or partially shaded areas. Avoid planting in full sun, especially hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.
Watering:
Water your Brunnera regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting and during dry spells. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering.
As the plant matures, it becomes more drought-tolerant and may not require frequent watering except during extended dry periods.
Soil:
They prefer moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
Mulching:
Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plant helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic mulch like shredded bark or compost.
Feeding:
Brunnera generally does not require heavy feeding. However, you can provide a light feeding of balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth.
Deadheading:
Deadhead spent flower stalks to encourage more blooms and prevent unwanted self-seeding. Simply snip off the faded flowers with sharp pruners.
Pruning:
Cut back any brown or damaged leaves throughout the season to maintain the plant's appearance.
In late fall or early spring, you can also cut back the entire plant to ground level. This will encourage new growth in the spring.
Dividing:
You can divide established Brunnera clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall to rejuvenate the plants and create more. Simply dig up the clump, carefully separate the divisions, and replant them in new locations.
Pests and Diseases:
Brunnera is generally resistant to most pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to slugs and snails, especially in damp conditions. You can handpick these pests or use organic control methods like beer traps or diatomaceous earth.
By following these simple care tips, you can ensure your Brunnera thrives and adds its unique charm to your garden for many years to come.
Brunnera plants do attract pollinators! They offer several features that make them appealing to various pollinators, including:
Colorful flowers: Brunnera typically produces clusters of small, blue flowers in spring or early summer. While the individual blooms might be small, their clustered nature creates a visually attractive display that catches the attention of pollinators.
Nectar and pollen: The flowers of Brunnera contain nectar and pollen, which are valuable food sources for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The readily available nectar provides them with energy, while the pollen serves as a source of protein and fat for their young.
Open flower structure: The trumpet-shaped or bell-shaped flowers of Brunnera have an open structure, making it easy for pollinators to access the nectar and pollen inside. This accessibility further enhances their attractiveness to these beneficial insects.
Bloom time: Brunnera blooms in spring or early summer, coinciding with the peak activity period of many pollinators. This timing ensures there is a readily available food source when pollinators are most active and searching for sustenance.
Plant fragrance: While not as strongly scented as some other pollinator-attracting plants, some Brunnera cultivars, like 'Jack Frost', emit a subtle, sweet fragrance that can further entice pollinators.
Habitat for beneficial insects: The foliage of Brunnera provides shelter and habitat for beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control pest populations in your garden. These beneficial insects often become prey for pollinators, creating an additional food source and further strengthening the connection between Brunnera and pollinator populations.
Therefore, including Brunnera in your garden can not only add beautiful foliage and blooms, but also contribute to a healthy and vibrant ecosystem by attracting and supporting valuable pollinators.
Brunnera are generally pretty trouble-free plants, but there are a few pests and diseases that can occasionally cause problems.
By following these tips, you can help keep your Brunnera plants healthy and pest-free.
Yes, you absolutely can use Brunnera in floral arrangements! In fact, it is a popular choice for florists and home gardeners alike. Here is why:
Here are some tips for using Brunnera in floral arrangements:
With its beautiful foliage and long-lasting flowers, Brunnera is a great addition to any floral arrangement.
Brunnera's invasiveness depends on several factors, including the specific variety, your local climate, and your gardening practices. While not generally considered highly invasive, it is essential to be aware of its potential to spread under certain conditions.
Why Brunnera might be considered invasive:
Why Brunnera is often seen as non-invasive:
Factors to consider:
In conclusion:
By understanding these factors and taking appropriate measures, you can enjoy the beauty of Brunnera in your garden without worrying about it becoming a problem.
The best time to divide Brunnera plants depends on your climate and personal preference, but there are two main options:
Early Spring (before new growth emerges):
Early Fall (after flowering and before the ground freezes):
Ultimately, the best time for you depends on your specific situation:
Here are some additional tips for dividing Brunnera:
By following these tips, you can successfully divide your Brunnera plants and enjoy their beautiful foliage and flowers for many years to come.