Beautiful blue flowers and easy care? Discover how to grow Brunnera in your shade garden with this complete guide.

Imagine a plant that brings the tranquility of a woodland stream to your garden. With its sprays of delicate blue flowers that resemble forget-me-nots and large, heart-shaped leaves, Brunnera, also known as Siberian Bugloss, does just that. This charming perennial thrives in shady spots, adding a touch of cool elegance to any landscape.

While I’ve been gardening for over 25 years, I’ve only been brunnera for the last few years. We had so much sun in my former garden, I rarely grew shade tolerant plants. When we moved here, I learned quickly how beautiful these perennial plants are and added several varieties to more of the beds.

If you aren’t growing this one yet, I hope you decide to plant some after reading this post.

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A lush garden scene featuring clusters of delicate blue flowers in the foreground, surrounded by green foliage. Further in the background are pink flowers, a white picket fence, and various trees, creating a serene and vibrant landscape. Growing brunnera in a serene shade garden.

About Brunnera

Brunnera macrophylla, commonly called Siberian Bugloss, is a rhizomatous perennial that typically grows in a dense, mounded form. Its most striking feature is the profusion of small, sky-blue flowers that bloom in airy sprays above the foliage. These blossoms appear in mid-spring, creating a captivating display for several weeks. Adding to its allure, Brunnera boasts large, heart-shaped leaves, often with interesting variegation. The leaves provide textural interest and a beautiful backdrop for the flowers.

  • Hardiness Zone: Brunnera is well-suited for a variety of climates, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. This makes it a versatile choice for gardeners across a wide range of regions.
  • Height and Width: At maturity, Brunnera typically reaches a height of 12 to 18 inches and spreads to a similar width. Its compact growth habit makes it an excellent choice for borders, woodland gardens, and even containers.
  • Bloom Time: The delightful blue flowers of Brunnera generally emerge in mid-spring, usually around April or May. The bloom period can last for several weeks, providing a long-lasting show of color in the shade garden.
  • Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Gardeners facing challenges with hungry wildlife will be pleased to know that Brunnera is generally resistant to deer and rabbits. This makes it a valuable addition to gardens where these animals are a concern.

Why Grow Brunnera Macrophylla?

Brunnera offers a wealth of benefits for gardeners, making it a truly rewarding addition to any landscape. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider growing this captivating perennial.

  • Unmatched Beauty in Shade: Brunnera thrives where many other plants struggle – in the shade. Its delicate blue flowers and attractive foliage bring life and color to those often-neglected areas of the garden.
  • Long-Lasting Blooms: The charming blue flowers of Brunnera appear in mid-spring and persist for several weeks, providing an extended period of beauty.
  • Versatile and Adaptable: Whether used as a groundcover, border plant, or in containers, Brunnera’s compact growth habit makes it a versatile choice for various garden settings.
  • Low Maintenance: Once established, Brunnera requires minimal care. It’s relatively drought-tolerant and rarely bothered by pests or diseases, making it a perfect choice for busy gardeners.
  • Deer and Rabbit Resistant: If you’re battling wildlife in your garden, Brunnera offers a welcome solution. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant, allowing you to enjoy its beauty without worry.
  • Attracts Pollinators: The beautiful blue flowers of Brunnera are a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem.
  • Variety of Cultivars: With a range of cultivars available, you can find Brunnera with unique foliage colors and patterns, adding even more interest to your garden.
close up of brunnera flowers with variegated foliage
Brunnera

Light Requirements

Brunnera is a shade-loving plant that thrives in conditions that mimic its woodland origins. Ideally, it should be planted in a location that receives partial to full shade. While it can tolerate some morning sun, it’s essential to protect it from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. Dappled shade under deciduous trees is often an ideal setting.

Soil Needs for Siberian Bugloss

Well-drained soil is crucial for Brunnera’s health and vigor. It prefers soil that is rich in organic matter, which helps to retain moisture while preventing the roots from becoming waterlogged. Amending the soil with compost or leaf mold before planting can improve drainage and provide essential nutrients.

Planting Brunnera Macrophylla

When planting Brunnera, it’s important to space the plants adequately to allow for their mature size. A spacing of 18 to 24 inches between plants is generally recommended. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball and amend the soil with compost if needed. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting.

brunnera close up
Brunnera

Watering Brunnera

Consistent moisture is essential for Brunnera, especially during the first growing season and in hot, dry periods. From experience, they don’t love to completely dry out in the heat of summer! Water deeply and regularly, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Mulching around the plants can help to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilizing Brunnera

Brunnera does not need to be fertilized if you focus on providing the plant with good-quality soil. Amend the soil with compost, and leaf mold, then top it off with fresh mulch. Over-fertilization can lead to leggy growth, fewer blooms, and invite pest and disease problems. The only time I fertilize my perennials is when they are planted in pots.

If you choose to fertilize, it can benefit from a light application of fertilizer in spring. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can provide the necessary nutrients to support healthy growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Dividing Brunnera

Dividing your brunnera plant every few years helps to maintain its vigor and prevent overcrowding. This is best done in early spring or fall. Carefully dig up the plant and divide it into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a healthy portion of roots and shoots. Replant the divisions at the same depth as the original plant and water thoroughly. To learn more about how and when to divide brunnera, read this post that shares information about the process.

Common Pests and Diseases for Siberian Bugloss

Brunnera is generally a trouble-free plant, but it can occasionally be affected by pests such as slugs and snails, which are attracted to its lush foliage. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of damage, such as chewed leaves or silvery trails. If you notice an infestation, consider using organic control methods, such as hand-picking the pests or applying diatomaceous earth around the plants.

Although I’ve been growing siberian bugloss for about 4 years now, I’ve noticed no problems with my plants. They truly are easy plants for shade!

A garden with blue flowers.

Growing Brunnera in Pots: A Touch of the Woodland on Your Patio

While Brunnera flourishes in garden beds, it can also bring its captivating charm to patios, balconies, and decks when grown in containers. This allows gardeners with limited space or those wanting a touch of woodland beauty in a specific area to enjoy this lovely perennial.

Choosing the Right Pot

Select a pot that is large enough to accommodate Brunnera’s mature size. A container that is at least 12 inches in diameter and depth is a good starting point. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the roots.

Potting Mix

Use a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. A blend of peat moss, compost, and perlite or vermiculite can provide the ideal balance of moisture retention and drainage.

Planting

Place a layer of gravel or broken pottery at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage. Fill the pot with the prepared potting mix, leaving enough space for the root ball. Plant the your siberian bugloss at the same depth it was growing in its original container. Water thoroughly after planting.

Care for Potted Brunnera

  • Watering: Potted Brunnera requires more frequent watering than those planted in the ground, as the soil tends to dry out more quickly. Monitor the moisture level regularly and water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
  • Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for container plants. Apply the fertilizer according to the package instructions.
  • Placement: Position the pot in a location that receives partial to full shade, similar to its preferred conditions in the garden. Protect it from harsh afternoon sun.
  • Winter Care: To overwinter brunnera in pots, make sure it is zoned two zones higher than your growing zone. To give it greater protection, you can move the pot to a sheltered location or wrap it with burlap to insulate the roots from freezing temperatures.

Brunnera Varieties: A Tapestry of Textures and Colors

While the classic Brunnera macrophylla with its green leaves and blue flowers is undeniably beautiful, exploring different cultivars can add a whole new dimension to your shade garden. Here are a few standout varieties:

  • ‘Jack Frost’: This award-winning cultivar is a true showstopper. Its heart-shaped leaves are heavily frosted with silver, creating a stunning contrast with the dark green veins and the delicate blue flowers. ‘Jack Frost’ brightens up shady corners and adds a touch of magic to the landscape.
  • ‘Queen of Hearts’: With even larger and more dramatically silvered leaves than ‘Jack Frost’, this cultivar truly lives up to its regal name. The heart-shaped leaves are almost entirely silver, with narrow green veins outlining their shape. ‘Queen of Hearts’ makes a bold statement in the shade garden.
  • ‘Looking Glass’: This cultivar takes the silvery effect to the extreme. Its leaves are almost entirely silver, resembling a shimmering pool of mercury. The blue flowers seem to float above this reflective foliage, creating an ethereal effect.
  • ‘Hadspen Cream’: For a softer look, ‘Hadspen Cream’ offers variegated leaves with creamy-white margins. This cultivar brightens up shady areas and blends beautifully with other shade-loving plants.
  • ‘Diane’s Gold’: This unique cultivar emerges with chartreuse-gold foliage in spring, adding a vibrant pop of color to the shade garden. The leaves gradually transition to a lime green as the season progresses, providing long-lasting interest.

Final Thoughts: My Brunnera Obsession

I have to admit, I’m a bit obsessed with Brunnera. It’s only been a few years since I truly embraced this plant, as my previous garden lacked the shade it craves. But now, in my current space with ample shady nooks, I’m making up for lost time! My collection has expanded to include a variety of cultivars, with ‘Jack Frost’ and ‘Queen of Hearts’ stealing the show with their incredible silvery foliage.

What truly captivates me about Brunnera is its effortless beauty and how easily it blends with other shade-loving companions. In my garden, it creates a breathtaking tapestry when paired with hellebores, Virginia bluebells, lungwort, and bleeding hearts. Their blooms emerge in a symphony of blues, pinks, and purples, transforming those once-dim corners into vibrant displays.

If you’re looking for a plant that thrives in the shade, requires minimal fuss, and offers long-lasting beauty, Brunnera is the answer. It’s a true garden gem that will reward you with its captivating charm year after year.

For more information about growing brunnera in your shade garden, please read this post from North Carolina State Cooperative Extension.

To drill down on more beginner gardening techniques and tips, please read these posts:

Thank you for visiting the blog today!

Enjoy your day! xo

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