Gardening Flowers Perennials Heartleaf Brunnera By Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln Instagram Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on February 11, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Heartleaf Brunnera Overview Description Low-growing heartleaf brunnera boasts clouds of sky blue flowers from early to midspring that look just like forget-me-nots (hence the nickname false forget-me-not"). This plant is also grown for its striking heart-shape green foliage that when silvered is almost iridescent in the right light. As an added bonus, the foliage is so hairy that it's avoided by deer and rabbits. Genus Name Brunnera macrophylla Common Name Heartleaf Brunnera Plant Type Perennial Light Part Sun, Shade Height 1 to 3 feet Width 12 to 30 inches Flower Color Blue, White Foliage Color Blue/Green, Gray/Silver Season Features Spring Bloom Special Features Cut Flowers, Good for Containers, Low Maintenance Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Propagation Division Problem Solvers Deer Resistant, Groundcover Garden Plans For Heartleaf Brunnera Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke Colorful Combinations Heartleaf brunnera's blue blossoms and shapely, often variegated leaves make this plant a favorite in the shade garden. Choose a standard brunnera for its handsome solid green leaves that partner well with other more brightly hued plants. Or seek out a variety with variegated foliage to add color and pattern beneath the canopy of other taller plants, shrubs, or trees. The leaves of 'Dawson's White' are grayish green with creamy white borders. The leaves of 'Hadspen Cream' boast creamy yellow margins. 'Diane's Gold' features early leaves of gold that change to chartreuse. Since the introduction of 'Jack Frost' in the early 2000s, shimmering heavily silvered green leaves have become a popular option to explore. All of these leaf forms make stunning backdrops to brunnera's dainty blue or white blossoms in spring. See more of the best silver-leaf plants for your garden. Heartleaf Brunnera Care Must-Knows Heartleaf brunnera adds color and interest to the landscape with little effort—as long as you meet its needs in the beginning. Plant brunnera in a shady spot with organically rich, well-drained, evenly moist (but not soggy) soil. When grown in a cool, shady environment, brunnera can tolerate occasional droughts as long as it receives supplemental waterings during the extended ones. (Silver-leaf varieties handle heat and humidity better than specimens with leaves of other colors.) Promptly remove unsightly foliage and spent flower heads to maintain a plant's good looks. Cut back badly damaged plants to encourage regrowth and improve their health overall. In ideal soil conditions, heartleaf brunnera will spread very slowly via underground rhizomes to create large clumps of plants—in a similar fashion to hosta. Brunnera's tolerance to sun exposure varies depending on leaf type and color. Some varieties—such as the above-mentioned 'Dawson's White'—benefit from some morning sun that promotes colorful foliage and a greater number of flowers. Some silver and gold varieties lose a little luster in full shade, taking on more of a green appearance. In cooler climates some varieties (especially green ones) can thrive in full sun as long as they are well watered. Brunnera may struggle in regions with hot, humid summers. In other words, pay attention to the variety or cultivar, and site accordingly. Try our favorite spring-blooming woodland flowers in your landscaping. New Innovations Brunnera's popularity has taken off with the introduction of silvered varieties like 'Jack Frost' that gleam in the shade and resist scorching in sunny locations. Plants in the pipeline include new compact varieties that look great in containers. More Varieties Of Heartleaf Brunnera Plant Heartleaf Brunnera With: Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit