Brunnera | Heijnen Plants

50cm

Brunnera macrophylla Siberian bugloss

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

3^80From

Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' Siberian bugloss

5^75From

Buy Brunnera

The Brunnera genus, with its delightful blue flowers, offers a captivating addition to any garden. These perennials, native to Eastern Europe, are celebrated for their vibrant spring blooms and attractive foliage. Thriving under a variety of conditions, Brunnera plants are excellent choices for border accents, group plantings, and underplanting beneath a canopy of taller species. With a clump-forming growth habit, these plants provide a lush, textured presence in any garden setting.

Key Features:

Brunnera plants are distinguished by their lovely heart-shaped leaves that exhibit a unique palette of green, grey, and silver hues, especially evident in the spring and summer months. The foliage often features striking silver variegation, adding a luminous quality to shaded garden areas. In April and May, the Brunnera's small, azure blue flowers emerge, resembling a cloud of forget-me-nots, and create a serene visual impact.

These hardy perennials are undemanding when it comes to soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained. They exhibit a preference for partial shade but will also tolerate full sun or shade, making them versatile for various garden locations. While Brunnera is deciduous and not evergreen, the plant's structure and leaf texture continue to provide interest even after the blooms have faded.

Tips:

When cultivating Brunnera, consider the following tips to ensure a thriving display:

Due to their average water needs, it is important to establish a consistent watering schedule, especially during dry spells. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool.
Propagation can be achieved through division or root cuttings. Division is best performed during the cooler months of spring or autumn to minimize stress on the plants, while root cuttings should be taken in late autumn or early winter.
While Brunnera does not require pruning, removing spent flower stalks can tidy the plant and occasionally encourage a second flush of blooms.
Since the Brunnera is not drought resistant, it is crucial to monitor water levels during extended periods without rain.
To showcase the striking foliage, consider pairing Brunnera with plants that have contrasting leaf shapes or colors, such as ferns or broad-leaved hostas.

Incorporating Brunnera into your garden not only brings a touch of Eastern European charm but also provides a beautiful and low-maintenance display that will enchant onlookers from spring to autumn.

Types

Embellish your garden with the enchanting foliage of Brunnera, a genus celebrated for its striking heart-shaped leaves and delicate sprays of azure flowers. Ideal for creating serene woodland settings or adding texture to shaded borders, these resilient perennials offer a tapestry of greenery that remains vibrant throughout the growing season. Choose from our exquisite varieties to introduce a tranquil yet robust presence in your outdoor sanctuary.

The Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost', commonly referred to as Siberian bugloss, is a distinguished perennial that brings a touch of woodland enchantment to any garden. Renowned for its striking foliage, which resembles a frosted landscape, and its delicate blue flowers that bloom in April and May, this plant provides a charming display in the cooler months of spring. The heart-shaped leaves are veined with a silvery white, creating a dazzling contrast that enhances the serene beauty of its flowering.
The Brunnera macrophylla, also known as Siberian bugloss or the great forget-me-not, is a cherished addition to any shade garden. Originating from Eastern Europe, this herbaceous perennial graces the spring months of April and May with clouds of tiny, sky-blue flowers that mirror the hue of forget-me-nots. It thrives under a canopy of trees, providing a lush undergrowth of heart-shaped leaves that offer a verdant backdrop for its azure blossoms.

Ideal placement of a Brunnera

For optimal growth, this species thrives in a variety of locations, from full sun to partial shade and even full shade, offering flexibility in garden design. To accommodate its average water needs, the chosen site should have well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging and ensure healthy development. Despite its adaptability to all soil types, the plant shows a particular fondness for moist, fertile ground. The silver and green variegated foliage creates a striking contrast in the garden throughout spring and summer, making it a versatile choice for borders, group plantings, or as a lush underplanting in larger garden schemes.

Planting a Brunnera

When planting this species, choose a location where it can thrive in sun, partial shade, or shade, accommodating its versatile nature. The optimal period for planting is during the cooler months of spring or autumn to reduce stress on the plant. Begin by digging a hole that is twice the width of the pot and of the same depth, ensuring that the root ball is level with the soil surface. Place the plant in the hole, backfill with the original soil mixed with some compost for improved soil structure, and firm down gently. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots and maintain consistent moisture levels, especially during dry periods.

Fertilising a Brunnera

To ensure vigorous growth and the vibrant display of blue flowers in the spring, fertilizing Brunnera appropriately is key. It is recommended to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once at the beginning of the growing season. This feeding will sustain the plant throughout its peak growing months of April and May.

Care should be taken to evenly distribute the fertilizer around the base of the clump, avoiding direct contact with the leaves to prevent any potential burn. The nutrient-rich formula will support the lush green, grey, and silver foliage, and fortify the plant as it thrives in both sunny and shaded garden spots. As a deciduous perennial with a clump-forming habit, Brunnera benefits from this nourishment, which promotes healthy root development and an abundance of its characteristic blue blossoms.

Pruning a Brunnera

Pruning of this species is minimal, focusing on the removal of spent flower stalks after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage new foliage growth. Beyond this, the plant's clump-forming habit means it naturally maintains its shape without the need for formative pruning. As the foliage is deciduous, any dead or damaged leaves that persist can be cleared away in late autumn or early winter to keep the area clean and deter any potential issues with rot in damp conditions.

Watering a Brunnera

To maintain its lush foliage and support its vibrant blue flowers, ensure Brunnera receives consistent moisture, particularly in the spring during the flowering period. In well-drained soil, water the plant thoroughly to encourage deep root development. In the summer, particularly if the weather is dry, check the soil regularly and water as needed to prevent stress. While it has average water needs, avoid over-saturation, as proper drainage is essential to prevent root rot. In partial shade to full shade, where Brunnera thrives, less frequent watering may be necessary due to reduced evaporation.

The characteristics of a Brunnera

One delightful aspect of the Brunnera is its ability to thrive in shaded areas where other plants may struggle, making it an excellent choice for adding vibrancy to darker garden spots. Its heart-shaped leaves create a lush undergrowth throughout the growing season, while the delicate sprays of blue flowers resemble a cloud of forget-me-nots in spring. This species is also known for its adaptability to different soil types, as long as the ground is kept moist.

Separating/dividing a Brunnera

To ensure continued health and vigor, division is recommended for maintaining the clump forming growth habit of this species. The ideal times for this task are during the cooler periods of spring or autumn. Carefully remove the plant from the soil, being mindful to keep the root ball intact. Then, gently divide the root clump into smaller sections, each with ample roots and shoots. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them appropriately to accommodate future growth. Through division, gardeners can rejuvenate their plants and propagate new ones to enhance their garden display.

The ideal variety for you Buy brunnera

Brunnera stands out with its heart-shaped leaves and frothy sprays of azure flowers, making it an enchanting addition to any shade garden. This robust perennial thrives with minimal fuss, offering a lush understorey of foliage that remains vibrant throughout the season. It truly embodies woodland charm and grace.

0203 455 22 48

Send an e-mail
[email protected]

Personal advice from
our specialists? We are happy to help you!