Heart-leaf brunnera

In spring, a cloud of tiny blue flowers hovers above brunnera's mound of fuzzy heart-shape leaves. The plant prefers partial shade but can grow in full sun in cool climates provided it receives adequate moisture. Variegated forms need more shade; in full sun they're likely to scorch. It is sometimes called Siberian bugloss.

Light:

Part Sun,Shade

Zones:

3-8

Plant Type:

Perennial

Plant Height:

12-18 inches tall

Plant Width:

18-24 inches wide

Landscape Uses:

Containers,Beds & Borders,Groundcover

Special Features:

Cut Flowers,Deer Resistant,Easy to Grow

Top Varieties

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'Jack Frost' brunnera

Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' offers 3- to 5-inch-wide silver leaves with narrow green edges and veins. It is more heat tolerant than other heart-leaf brunneras. Zones 3-8
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'Looking Glass' brunnera

Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass' is silver all over with leaves that cup downward. The silver foliage makes its blue flowers stand out. Zones 3-8
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Variegated brunnera

Brunnera macrophylla 'Variegata' develops bold splashes of white edging on its leaves, which make its forget-me-not blue flowers appear to float on clouds. Zones 3-8
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Garden Plans

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Beginner Garden for Shade
Blue-Theme Garden Plan

Plant It With

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Bleeding heart

Old-fashioned bleeding heart blooms at the same time as heart-leaf brunnera. The shape of its flowers makes an obvious connection to the leaf shape of brunnera.

Primrose

Primroses appreciate partial shade and moist soil, just like brunnera. Choose bright yellow or orange varieties to make the blue of brunnera flowers pop. Or for a more subtle effect, team pink or lavender primroses with silver variegated brunnera.

Propagation

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Division