Brunnera macrophylla

Common Names

Siberian Bugloss, False Forget-Me-Not, Great Forget-Me-Not, Heartleaf Brunnera, Large-Leaf Brunnera, Sea Heart

Summary

Siberian bugloss is a rhizomatous, clumping perennial native to the Caucasus and parts of Eastern Europe and Asia. It is a shade-loving ground cover with large heart-shaped leaves that may be green or variegated, and it bears airy sprays of blue flowers with white centers in spring, rising above the foliage to form a lush mound about 12–18 inches tall and 15–24 inches wide.

It prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade and should be kept evenly moist; mulching helps maintain moisture and soil temperature. Space plants about 18–30 inches apart; it can be propagated by division and may self-seed but is not invasive. Hardy to USDA zones 3–8, it is deer resistant and suitable for woodland borders, shady borders, underplanting with hostas or ferns, mass plantings, containers, and naturalized shade gardens; watch for slugs in moist shade.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-18 inches

Spread

1.5-2.5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade, tolerates full sun to partial shade and partial shade to full shade.

Soil Type

Humus-rich, loamy, well-drained, moist soil

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-8.0

Bloom Color

Blue

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green, often with silver/white markings.

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow growth; slow at first, then steady growth; full size may take a couple of years.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and other pollinators