Product Description
Brunnera macrophylla 'Emerald Mist' PP20460 (20)ct Flat
Common Name: Heartleaf Brunnera, Siberian Bugloss.
This variety produces the same tiny, baby blue, forget-me-not type flowers and had the same mounding habit as 'Langtrees'.
A number of excellent new forms of Brunnera have been introduced in recent years, and 'Emerald Mist' is no exception. An obvious improvement over 'Langtrees', this new sport of 'Jack Frost' has more silver barring with the bars connecting to form a silver collar around the perimeter of the leaf. In addition, there is a very light dusting of silver over the entire leaf surface.
Brunneras are classic perennials that are treasured for their shade tolerance and lovely blooms. They make a fantastic groundcover, though the variegated forms may be slower to spread than the species. Try growing them in containers too so they will be close at hand when you want to snip a few blooms for a spring bouquet.
Brunnera is a woodland plant that should be grown in full shade and consistently moist soil in southern regions. In the north, morning sun is acceptable as long as the soil remains moist. They will grow the fastest and strongest in rich soil.
Little care is needed once Brunnera is established. Cut back the old foliage in the spring rather than in the fall; it will help to protect the crown during the winter. A winter mulch is also recommended.
Zones 3 to 8.
Part Shade to Full Shade.
Plants reach 12 to 18 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide;
Herbaceous perennial with clumping habit that form thick ground covers.
Growth rate: Medium
Flower Color: Blue shades
Foliage Color: Variegated
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Mid Spring - Late Spring
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Mass Planting, Specimen, Focal Point
Brunnera macrophylla 'Emerald Mist' is a captivating perennial that has garnered favor among gardening enthusiasts for its remarkable silvery-green foliage and charming blue flowers. This variety, which originated from 'Jack Frost', boasts even more pronounced silver markings, creating a striking contrast with the green center of each heart-shaped leaf . The leaves are further adorned with tiny hairs, adding a delightful textural element to their appearance . In the springtime, sprays of small, sky-blue flowers, reminiscent of forget-me-nots, emerge above the foliage, lending a touch of whimsy to any garden setting.
'Emerald Mist' thrives in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained . It prefers a cool location with partial shade, as excessive sun exposure can scorch its delicate leaves . While morning sun is beneficial in cooler climates, warmer regions necessitate full shade to prevent leaf burn . This resilient plant flourishes in USDA hardiness zones 3-8, tolerating a wide range of temperatures and demonstrating resistance to deer . Reaching a mature height and spread of 12-15 inches, 'Emerald Mist' exhibits a fast growth rate, quickly establishing itself in the garden.
- Planting To plant 'Emerald Mist', prepare a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equally deep. Position the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down to eliminate air pockets. Space individual plants approximately 18 to 30 inches apart to accommodate their mature spread . Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent soil moisture until new growth emerges.
- Watering 'Emerald Mist' thrives in consistently moist soil, mirroring its natural habitat alongside streams and ponds . While not drought-tolerant, it can tolerate slightly drier soil once established . Regular watering, particularly during hot weather, is essential to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
- Soil Well-draining soil is crucial for 'Emerald Mist', as it prefers moist conditions but cannot tolerate excessive waterlogging . Amending the soil with compost during planting enhances drainage and provides essential nutrients . This adaptable plant is not sensitive to soil pH and can thrive in acidic, neutral, or alkaline conditions . Notably, 'Emerald Mist' exhibits tolerance for soggy soils, making it a suitable choice for areas with poor drainage.
- Fertilizing 'Emerald Mist' is a light feeder and generally does not require fertilizer during its first growing season . In subsequent years, a light application of all-purpose fertilizer in spring is sufficient to support its growth . If the soil quality is poor, a light scattering of garden fertilizer in spring may be beneficial.
- Maintenance and Pruning 'Emerald Mist' requires minimal pruning. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage prolonged blooming. In early spring, remove old foliage to make way for new growth . It is important to cut back the old foliage in the spring rather than in the fall, as it helps protect the crown during the winter months . Dividing the plant every few years helps maintain its vigor and prevent overcrowding . Interestingly, 'Emerald Mist' sometimes self-seeds generously, but the resulting seedlings typically have plain green leaves. Gardeners who wish to preserve the plant's distinctive variegation should remove any green seedlings that appear.
- Pests and Diseases 'Emerald Mist' is generally pest-free and disease-free . Its deer resistance further adds to its low-maintenance appeal.
Uses in the Garden 'Emerald Mist' is a versatile plant that can be incorporated into various garden settings:
- Groundcover: Its spreading habit makes it an excellent groundcover for shady areas, creating a lush carpet of foliage that effectively suppresses weeds.
- Flower borders and beds: The attractive foliage and delicate blue flowers of 'Emerald Mist' add visual interest to borders and beds, providing a beautiful contrast to other flowering plants.
- Underplanting: 'Emerald Mist' can be planted under roses and shrubs, where it thrives in the dappled shade and provides a living mulch that helps retain soil moisture.
- Containers: Its compact size makes 'Emerald Mist' well-suited for container gardening, allowing it to grace patios, balconies, and other small spaces.
- Woodland gardens: 'Emerald Mist' flourishes in woodland settings, where its silvery foliage and blue flowers complement the natural beauty of ferns, hostas, and other shade-loving plants.
- Cut Flowers: The delicate blue flowers of 'Emerald Mist' can be used in cut flower arrangements, adding a touch of spring charm to indoor spaces.
Companion Plants 'Emerald Mist' harmonizes beautifully with a variety of shade-loving companions. Some suitable choices include:
- Astilbe 'Maggie Daley': This astilbe variety boasts vibrant pink plumes that create a stunning contrast with the silvery foliage of 'Emerald Mist'.
- Athyrium 'Ghost': This fern has silvery-green fronds that complement the foliage of 'Emerald Mist'.
- Dicentra spectabilis: Commonly known as bleeding heart, this plant has arching stems with heart-shaped pink or white flowers that provide a contrasting form and color.
- Heuchera 'Wild Rose': This coral bells variety has rosy-pink foliage that adds a pop of color to the shade garden.
- Pulmonaria 'Pretty in Pink': This lungwort has pink flowers and spotted foliage that blend well with 'Emerald Mist'.
- Tiarella 'Cutting Edge': This foamflower has deeply cut leaves with dark markings that provide textural contrast.
- Hostas: These shade-loving perennials come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, offering numerous options for creating interesting combinations with 'Emerald Mist'.
- Ferns: The delicate fronds of ferns complement the heart-shaped leaves of 'Emerald Mist', adding a lush and textural element to the garden.
- Hellebores: These early-blooming perennials provide a welcome burst of color in the shade garden and pair well with the later-blooming 'Emerald Mist'.
Brunnera macrophylla 'Emerald Mist' is a truly captivating perennial that brings beauty and interest to any shade garden. Its unique silvery-green foliage, adorned with delicate blue flowers, creates a stunning visual display. As a low-maintenance plant that is both pest and disease-free, 'Emerald Mist' offers an effortless way to enhance the garden. Its versatility shines through its various uses, from groundcover and border plantings to container gardening and woodland settings. Moreover, its ability to attract pollinators makes it a valuable addition to any garden that supports biodiversity. With its captivating beauty and ease of care, 'Emerald Mist' is sure to become a cherished favorite in your garden.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
