How To Grow Brunnera: Care Guide For Shade Gardens

Discover how to successfully grow Brunnera with its stunning blue flowers and decorative heart-shaped foliage

By Anjali Sayee

Aug 31, 2025

Discover how to successfully grow Brunnera with its stunning blue flowers and decorative heart-shaped foliage

Image: HearthJunction Design Team

Growing & Caring for Brunnera: The Elegant Shade Perennial

Brunnera, commonly known as Siberian Bugloss, is a charming woodland perennial that brings a touch of elegance to shady garden spots. With its heart-shaped foliage and delicate blue flowers that resemble forget-me-nots, Brunnera has become increasingly popular among gardeners looking to brighten shaded areas. This versatile perennial offers both stunning spring blooms and attractive foliage that persists throughout the growing season, making it a valuable addition to any garden landscape.

Brunnera Basics

Before diving into cultivation techniques, it’s helpful to understand the fundamental characteristics of this beautiful perennial. Brunnera macrophylla is a hardy herbaceous perennial that forms attractive clumps of foliage topped with sprays of tiny blue flowers in spring.

Botanical Information

Brunnera belongs to the Boraginaceae family and is native to woodland areas in Eastern Europe and Siberia. The botanical name is Brunnera macrophylla, with ‘macrophylla’ referring to its large leaves. This woodland plant spreads gradually through creeping rhizomes and self-seeding, creating beautiful patches of color and texture in shaded garden areas.

Growth Characteristics

Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial that spreads through creeping rhizomes and self-seeding
Hardiness Zones: 3-9, with plants performing best in cooler climates
Light Requirements: Partial to full shade; protection from hot afternoon sun is essential
Growth Habit: Clumping or spreading with a relatively slow growth rate
Size: 8 to 18 inches tall, with a spread of 18 to 30 inches wide

Ornamental Features

Brunnera is prized for two distinct ornamental features that appear at different times during the growing season:

Flowers

The airy clusters of tiny, vivid blue flowers are one of Brunnera’s most charming features. These delicate blooms strongly resemble forget-me-nots, creating a cloud of sky-blue color above the emerging foliage. Blooming for up to 10 weeks in mid to late spring, these flowers provide an early season highlight in the garden when many other perennials are just beginning to emerge.

Foliage

While the flowers are beautiful, many gardeners choose Brunnera primarily for its distinctive foliage. The large heart-shaped leaves measure 3 to 6 inches long or more and create a lush groundcover effect. The foliage reaches its full size once the flowers have faded, providing interest throughout the growing season.

Depending on the variety, leaves may be:

Solid green (in species plants)
Variegated with white or cream markings
Silver or frosted with green veining (in popular cultivars like ‘Jack Frost’)
Gold or yellow-green in certain varieties

The thick, fuzzy-textured leaves create an attractive groundcover that persists through the growing season. In colder regions, the foliage dies back in winter, but in warmer climates (zones 7-9), Brunnera may remain semi-evergreen or evergreen, providing year-round interest.

Safety Profile

Brunnera plants are not toxic to humans or animals, making them a safe choice for gardens where children and pets are present. This non-toxic nature adds to their appeal for family-friendly landscape designs.

Planting Brunnera

Successful establishment of Brunnera begins with proper planting techniques. Following these guidelines will help ensure your plants thrive from the beginning.

When to Plant

Timing can significantly impact the establishment success of Brunnera plants:

Optimal Planting Times: Spring or fall when temperatures are mild
Avoid: Planting during periods of extreme heat or cold
Container-Grown Plants: Can be planted throughout the growing season if properly acclimated and given extra care during establishment

Planting during milder seasons reduces transplant shock and allows plants to establish roots before facing temperature extremes. Spring planting gives plants time to establish before summer heat, while fall planting allows root development before winter dormancy.

Site Selection

Choosing the right location is crucial for Brunnera’s long-term success:

Light: Part shade to full shade is ideal. Morning sun with afternoon shade works well in most climates.
Protection: Shield plants from hot afternoon sun, which can cause leaf scorch, especially in warmer regions.
Location Ideas: Woodland gardens, north-facing slopes, under deciduous trees, on the east or north side of buildings, or in shaded border fronts.

Brunnera thrives when planted with other shade-loving spring plants. Consider companions like hellebores, vinca, and spring bulbs, or contrast with ferns and Ajuga reptans. The striking foliage of varieties like ‘Jack Frost’ creates a dramatic impact that helps illuminate shady borders.

Planting Process

Follow these steps for successful planting:

Prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of 8-12 inches.
Amend native soil with compost or other rich organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but of equal depth.
Remove the plant from its nursery container and gently tease out the roots if they appear pot-bound.
Place in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with amended soil, tamping down gently to eliminate air pockets.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Apply a light layer of mulch around the plant, keeping it away from the crown.

Space plants 18 to 30 inches apart, depending on the variety and intended growth habit. Closer spacing will create a more immediate effect, while wider spacing allows plants to develop their natural form over time.

Container Planting

Brunnera can also thrive in containers, adding texture and color to shaded patios or porches:

Choose a container with adequate drainage holes.
Use high-quality potting mix formulated for perennials.
Plant at the same level as the plant was growing in its nursery pot.
Firm soil gently around roots and water thoroughly.
Consider combining with taller flowering perennials for visual interest.
When the plant outgrows its container, it can be transplanted into the garden.

Caring for Brunnera

Once established, Brunnera is relatively low-maintenance, but proper care will ensure the best growth and appearance.

Watering Requirements

Brunnera prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil. Establishing a proper watering routine is essential for healthy plants:

Newly Planted: Water regularly until established, keeping soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Established Plants: Provide supplemental water during dry periods, particularly in warmer climates.
Signs of Drought Stress: Wilting and leaf margin browning indicate insufficient moisture.
Winter Watering: In milder climates where plants remain evergreen, occasional winter watering during dry spells benefits foliage quality.

A 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch helps maintain consistent soil moisture and suppresses competing weeds. Keep mulch pulled back slightly from the crown of the plant to prevent rot.

Soil and Fertility

Soil quality significantly impacts Brunnera’s performance:

Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-drained soil is ideal
pH Range: 5.5-8.0, with 6.0-7.0 being optimal
Amendments: Incorporate compost or other organic matter before planting
Fertilization: A light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is usually sufficient

Avoid excessive fertilization, which can lead to floppy growth and reduced flowering. In naturally fertile soils, additional fertilizer may not be necessary.

Pruning and Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps Brunnera looking its best:

Deadheading: Remove spent flower stalks to prevent self-seeding if spreading is a concern
Foliage Care: Trim away any damaged or browned leaves throughout the growing season
End-of-Season: In colder regions, cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring
Division: Lift and divide plants every 2-3 years in spring or fall to maintain vigor

Climate Considerations

While Brunnera is adaptable across USDA zones 3-9, climate affects care requirements:

Cold Climates (Zones 3-5): Plants are fully dormant in winter; apply mulch after ground freezes for additional protection
Moderate Climates (Zones 6-7): Foliage may persist in milder winters; remove damaged leaves in early spring
Warmer Climates (Zones 8-9): Choose heat-tolerant varieties with silver foliage; provide afternoon shade and consistent moisture

Varieties and Cultivars

While the species form of Brunnera macrophylla has green leaves and blue flowers, numerous cultivars offer enhanced ornamental features:

Popular Cultivars

Cultivar	Foliage Description	Special Features
‘Jack Frost’	Silver leaves with green veining	Heat-tolerant, dramatic foliage effect
‘Looking Glass’	Almost entirely silver leaves	Brightest silver of all cultivars
‘Sea Heart’	Thick, silver leaves with green veining	More heat and humidity resistant
‘Silver Heart’	Silver leaves with narrow green edge	Compact habit, heat resistant
‘Variegata’	Green with white margins	Classic variegated form
‘Alexander’s Great’	Large silver leaves with green edges	Larger and more vigorous than other cultivars

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While Brunnera is generally problem-free, a few issues may occur:

Pests and Diseases

Slugs and Snails: Can damage foliage, especially in wet conditions. Control with appropriate baits or traps.
Powdery Mildew: May appear in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Improve spacing and avoid overhead watering.
Crown Rot: Can occur in poorly drained soils. Ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering.

Environmental Issues

Leaf Scorch: Brown, crispy leaf margins indicate too much sun or insufficient water.
Foliage Dieback: Normal in hot summer conditions, especially for green-leaved varieties. Provide afternoon shade and consistent moisture.
Poor Flowering: May result from excessive shade or nitrogen-heavy fertilizer. Adjust light conditions or reduce fertilization.

Landscape Uses

Brunnera’s versatility makes it valuable in various garden settings:

Woodland Gardens: Naturalistic planting under deciduous trees
Shade Borders: Front-of-border placement where heart-shaped foliage can be appreciated
Mass Plantings: Creating drift effects in larger landscapes
Container Gardens: Adding texture and color to shaded patios or entries
Rain Gardens: Thrives in consistently moist areas with adequate drainage

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will Brunnera spread aggressively in my garden?

A: Brunnera spreads slowly through rhizomes and self-seeding but is not considered aggressive in most gardens. Division every 2-3 years helps control its spread. Remove spent flowers before seed formation if you’re concerned about self-seeding.

Q: Can Brunnera tolerate full sun?

A: While Brunnera can handle morning sun, it generally performs poorly in full sun locations, especially in warmer climates. Silver-leaved varieties have slightly better sun tolerance but still prefer protection from hot afternoon sun. In cooler northern climates, more sun may be tolerated if soil moisture remains consistent.

Q: Why are the leaves on my Brunnera turning brown at the edges?

A: Brown leaf margins typically indicate either heat stress, insufficient moisture, or a combination of both. Ensure plants receive afternoon shade and consistent watering during dry periods. Silver-leaved varieties generally have better heat resistance than green-leaved types.

Q: When is the best time to divide Brunnera plants?

A: Early spring or early fall are ideal times for dividing Brunnera. Division every 2-3 years helps maintain plant vigor and control spread. Water newly divided plants consistently until they become reestablished.

Q: Which Brunnera varieties perform best in warmer climates?

A: Silver-leaved cultivars like ‘Jack Frost,’ ‘Sea Heart,’ and ‘Silver Heart’ have better heat tolerance than green-leaved varieties. Even with these cultivars, providing afternoon shade and consistent moisture is essential in warmer regions.

With its enchanting blue flowers and distinctive foliage, Brunnera brings woodland charm to shaded garden spaces. By following these growing and care guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty of this versatile perennial for many years to come.

References

Author

Anjali Sayee

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

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