Brunnera macrophylla (28/09/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Dappled shade to shade
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 45cm
Eventual Spread: 60cm
Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Boraginaceae
Brunnera macrophylla is a semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial with a clump forming, creeping habit. Its mid to dark green leaves are cordate with entire margins, up to 15cm long and 10cm broad. Its blue flowers are up to 1cm across and appear as terminal sprays on fine stalks above its leaves. Its roots are rhizomes which aids its slow spread.
Brunnera macrophylla Flower (28/09/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Brunnera macrophylla, commonly known as Siberian Bugloss, Great Forget-me-not or Heartleaf, is native to the Caucasus region of east Europe. In its native habitat it grows in forests and mountain slopes up to the sub alpine zone.
The etymological root of the binomial name Brunnera. Macrophylla is derived from the Latin macro meaning ‘large’ and phyllus meaning ‘leaf’.
The landscape architect may find Brunnera macrophylla useful as an effective ground cover perennial suitable for shady locations.
Ecologically, Brunnera macrophylla flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given the varieties Brunnera macrophylla ‘Hadspen Cream’, Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ and Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit.
Brunnera macrophylla Leaf (28/09/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Brunnera macrophylla prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It dislikes dry soils.
Brunnera macrophylla requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in early autumn.
