Brunnera Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 20th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Brunnera plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Brunnera is known for its heart-shaped leaves and small, bright blue flowers resembling those of the forget-me-not. Its striking foliage, often variegated, adds interest to the garden even when its not in bloom.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: They thrive in partial to full shade locationa, and are appreciative of cooler, moist, well-draining soils. Though they can adapt to various soil types they do best in an organic-rich soil.
- General Care: Regular watering will help to keep plants vibrant, especially in drier conditions. Prune spent flower stalks to maintain a tidy appearance.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Brunnera is relatively low-maintenance, making it a good choice for beginners. They are generally pest-resistant, but keep an eye out for slugs nibbling on the leaves.
Siberian Bugloss, and Heartleaf: Cultivation & Garden Use
Members of the Brunnera genus are hardy perennials reaching an height of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm). They come into bloom in the late spring with forget-me-not like flowers of blue or white. They have green heart shaped leaves.
They are commonly referred to as Siberian Bugloss, and because of their flowers as Siberian forget-me-not and forget-me-not anchusa; their leaves give them the other common name of Heartleaf.
They make ideal contrasting plants for shady parts of the garden.
Visit this page for information on how to grow Brunnera macrophylla.
Brunnera Photograph by Brewbooks.
How to Grow Brunnera species such as Siberian Bugloss
If planning to grow Brunnera outdoors from the off it is best to sow out the seed in the early autumn, simply cover the seeds.
When growing Siberian Bugloss like species indoors first before transplanting seedlings then seeds should be prepared by placing the seeds (within soil) in a black bag, then placing in the fridge for four weeks.
Brunnera seeds should then be sown out at a temperature of 55 to 59°F (13 to 15°C). They normally take between one and three months to germinate.
Seedlings should be transplanted following the last frost of spring or in the autumn.
For there final location, the seedlings should be planted with a spacing of about 14 inches (35 cm) into a sunny or partially shaded part of the garden. This should have a moist soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.
The plants do not live long and should be divided when they are beginning to show signs that their life is coming to an end.
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Brunnera Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Siberian bugloss, Forget me not anchusa, Siberian forget-me-notLife Cycle: Hardy perennial.
Height: 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).
Native: Eurasia.
Growing Region: Zones 3 to 8.
Flowers: Late spring through to early summer.
Flower Details: Blue, white. Forget-me-not-like.
Fruit: Small red berries. Summer through autumn.
Foliage: Often grown for it’s attractive foliage. Heart-shaped. Variegated. Green.
Sow Outside: Cover seed. Late summer or early autumn. Spacing 10 to 20 inches (20 to 40 cm).
Sow Inside: Mix seeds in a moist growing medium, place in a freezer bag, then stratify by refrigeration for four weeks. Germination time: one to three months. Temperature 60°F (16°C). Sow out stratified Brunnera seeds ten weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last frost or in autumn.
Requirements: Full sunlight or partial shade. Grows in most soils; for best results: Soil pH 5.5 to 7.0, rich soil, moist soil. Regular watering to ensure soil is moist. Regular watering during dry periods. As Brunnera are short lived perennials it is necessary to divide plants in autumn in cool areas, or at the start of spring in warm areas. Propagate: by division (as described above).
Common Questions
How many members does the Brunnera genus have?
The Brunnera genus includes approximately 3 species.
Do members of Brunnera make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Brunnera plants, particularly Brunnera macrophylla, are great for gardens due to their attractive, heart-shaped foliage and blue flowers.
Which Brunnera species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Brunnera macrophylla (Siberian Bugloss) is the species most commonly grown in gardens.
Are members of the Brunnera plant genus fragrant?
No, Brunnera plants are not known for fragrance, but they are loved for their foliage and flowers.
What is the perfect location to grow Brunnera?
Brunnera performs best in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soils.
Is Brunnera invasive in the USA?
Currently, Brunnera is not considered invasive in the USA.
How do I remove Brunnera plants from my garden?
To remove Brunnera, dig out the plant ensuring you remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth.
Summary
Brunnera is a small genus within the Boraginaceae family, native to Eastern Europe and North West Asia. Also known as Siberian bugloss, this shade-loving plant is prized for its attractive foliage and clusters of small, blue, forget-me-not-like flowers.
For successful growth, plant Brunnera in early spring or fall in moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. They prefer cooler climates and benefit from a layer of mulch to keep roots cool and moist. Although resilient, they require consistent watering, particularly in drier climates or during hot spells.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Brunnera. You may also enjoy this following species specic growing guide: Brunnera macrophylla, and these related plants Onosma, Echium, and Heliotropium plants.
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