The Queen of Shade

Brunnera macrophylla, commonly known as Siberian bugloss, is a perennial plant that thrives in shady gardens. It is a favorite among gardeners for its attractive foliage and delicate blue flowers that resemble forget-me-nots. Brunnera is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively easy to grow, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. It prefers moist soils and tolerates drought, adding to its appeal. In this article, we will explore the unique features of Brunnera, its native habitat, landscaping design tips, and planting and care requirements.

What Makes Brunnera So Special? Brunnera is a versatile plant that offers several benefits for gardeners:

• Impressive Foliage: While the flowers are beautiful, the long-lasting and diverse foliage is what truly sets Brunnera apart. The heart-shaped leaves come in various shades of green, silver, and variegated patterns, adding texture and interest to the garden. Some cultivars, like 'Jack Frost' and 'Looking Glass', have almost entirely silver leaves that brighten up shady corners.
• Attractive Blooms: In spring, Brunnera produces clusters of small, bright blue flowers that resemble forget-me-nots. These delicate blooms add a touch of color to the shade garden and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Shade Tolerance: Brunnera thrives in full shade, unlike many other variegated plants, making it a valuable asset for shade gardens. It can tolerate some morning sun, but the foliage may scorch in harsh afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. This preference for shade likely stems from its origins in the woodlands of the Caucasus region.
• Low Maintenance: Brunnera is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established. It is generally pest and disease resistant, making it a hassle-free addition to the garden.
• Ground Cover Potential: With its spreading habit, Brunnera can create a lush ground cover in shady areas, suppressing weeds and preventing soil erosion.
• Deer and Rabbit Resistant: As a member of the borage family Brunnera has rough-textured leaves that deter deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens where these animals are common.

Description and Details Brunnera macrophylla is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial that typically grows in a clump to 1-2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. It has a slow growth rate and spreads through creeping rhizomes and seeding. The basal leaves form a mound of foliage that remains attractive throughout the growing season. The leaves are heart-shaped, long-stalked, and can reach up to 6 inches across. They have a rough, hairy texture and are often variegated with silver markings or frostings. The flowers are small, bright blue, and bloom in airy sprays above the foliage in early to mid-spring for up to 10 weeks. Brunnera is not toxic to humans or animals.

Common Names and Varieties Brunnera is also known by several other common names, including:

• False forget-me-not
• Large-leaf brunnera
• Siberian bugloss
• Heartleaf brunnera
• Bugloss

There are many different varieties of Brunnera available, each with its unique foliage color and patterns. Some popular cultivars include:

Native Habitat Brunnera macrophylla is native to the Caucasus region, which includes parts of northeastern Türkiye and the Caucasus. It typically grows in woodlands and forested mountain slopes, where it thrives in moist, shady conditions. Interestingly, Brunnera macrophylla may be reflective of the ancient flora of forests around the Black Sea. The plant prefers cool summers and does not perform well in the hot and humid conditions of the deep South.

Landscaping Design Tips Brunnera's versatility shines through in its adaptability to different garden settings. Here are some ideas:

• Ground Cover: Brunnera's shade tolerance and spreading habit make it an excellent ground cover for shady areas, suppressing weeds and preventing soil erosion. Plant it under trees or shrubs to create a carpet of lush foliage.
• Woodland Gardens: Brunnera is a natural fit in woodland gardens, blending seamlessly with ferns, hostas, and other shade-loving plants. Its delicate, sky-blue flowers and heart-shaped leaves evoke a sense of tranquility and enchantment.
• Container Planting: Brunnera's compact growth habit makes it well-suited for container gardens. Showcase its attractive foliage in pots on patios or balconies, adding a touch of elegance to these spaces.
• Borders and Edging: Define pathways and garden beds with Brunnera's distinctive foliage. Its silver leaves create a beautiful contrast against darker plants or those with solid green foliage.
• Waterside Planting: Brunnera thrives in moist soil, making it an ideal choice for planting near ponds or streams. Its lush foliage adds to the natural beauty of water features.

Companion Plants Brunnera pairs well with other shade-tolerant perennials. Here are some good choices:

• Ferns: Their delicate fronds add a textural contrast to Brunnera's bold leaves.
• Hostas: These shade-loving plants come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, and their bold foliage complements Brunnera's delicate leaves.
• Hellebores (Lenten Rose): Blooming in late winter to early spring, Hellebores can provide color when Brunnera is just starting to emerge.
• Pulmonaria (Lungwort): These plants also have a spring bloom time and can feature silver-speckled leaves that echo the color of Brunnera's foliage.
• Heuchera (Coral Bells): The variety of Heuchera's foliage color, from purples to lime green, can contrast beautifully with Brunnera's silvery leaves.
• Astilbe: With their feathery plumes and fern-like foliage, Astilbes can add color and texture contrast.
• Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra): Their unique, heart-shaped flowers and ferny leaves can provide added interest.

Planting and Care Brunnera is a relatively easy plant to grow if you follow some basic care guidelines:

• Location: Plant your Brunnera in a location with part shade to full shade. While it can tolerate some morning sun, the foliage can scorch in the harsh afternoon sun, particularly in hotter climates. Silver-leafed Brunnera handles heat and humidity better than other types.
• Soil: Brunnera prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-8.0. Improve your soil with compost or other organic matter to enhance its fertility and moisture-holding capacity.
• Watering: This plant prefers consistently moist soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogged conditions as this can lead to root rot.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around your plants to help retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool.
• Fertilizer: Brunnera needs little or no supplemental fertilizer. If desired, apply a slow-release all-purpose fertilizer in spring or spread a thin layer of compost around the base of plants.
• Spacing: Space plants 18 to 30 inches apart, depending on the variety.
• Dividing: Brunnera is a slowly spreading, clump-forming perennial. It can be divided in early spring or autumn if the clumps become too large or if you wish to propagate new plants.
• Pruning: Remove damaged leaves as they occur. Foliage will rejuvenate if cut back. Cut off spent flowers to keep a neat appearance. Remove dead leaves in early spring before new growth emerges.
• Overwintering Potted Plants: To overwinter potted Brunnera, sink the container in the ground or place it in a larger pot to create a planting silo. This helps insulate the roots from freezing temperatures.

Pests and Diseases Brunnera is generally pest and disease resistant. However, some pests and diseases can occasionally affect the plant:

• Pests:
• Nematodes: These microscopic worms can cause brown or black blotches on the leaves.
• Slugs and snails: These pests can chew holes in the leaves.
• Aphids: These small insects can suck sap from the plant, causing distorted growth.
• Diseases:
• Root rot: This fungal disease can occur if the soil is too wet.
• Bacterial leaf spot: This disease can cause brown spots on the leaves, especially during hot and humid conditions.

Brunnera macrophylla is a standout plant for shade gardens, offering a unique combination of beauty, versatility, and low-maintenance care. Its stunning foliage, with its variety of colors and patterns, provides long-lasting interest throughout the growing season. The delicate blue flowers add a touch of spring charm, while their adaptability to various garden settings makes it a valuable asset for any gardener. Whether used as a ground cover, in woodland gardens, or as a striking accent in containers, Brunnera is sure to enhance the beauty of any shade garden for years to come.