Brunnera spp.
Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Siberia
Overview
Brunnera spp. is a genus of three rhizomatous perennials in the borage family (Boraginaceae), native to woodland and streamside habitats from Eastern Europe through the Caucasus to Siberia. Plants form mounded clumps 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide from a short branching rhizome. The basal leaves are heart-shaped, 3-8 inches (8-20 cm) across, with a rough-textured surface and long petioles; they expand fully after flowering and persist until frost. In mid- to late spring, branched sprays of small five-lobed flowers 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) wide open in clear blue with a white eye, closely resembling forget-me-nots. The cultivated species B. macrophylla has given rise to silver-marked and variegated selections, while B. sibirica spreads more freely by rhizome. The genus grows in partial to full shade on consistently moist, humus-rich soil and declines where soil dries out in summer. Foliage can scorch at the margins in direct afternoon sun or under drought stress. Plants are long-lived in suitable shade and slowly form broad colonies, though they re-establish slowly after division or root disturbance.
Native Range
Native to deciduous woodland, shaded slopes, and streambanks of Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Asia Minor, and Siberia.Suggested Uses
Used as a shade groundcover and as edging along woodland paths, shaded borders, and pond margins. The blue spring flowers combine with hostas, ferns, and early bulbs. Variegated and silver-leaved selections are grown for foliage contrast in low-light beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowers from April to May, with sprays held above the emerging foliage. Bloom lasts about 4 weeks. Scattered later flowers may appear into early summer in cool, moist conditions.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
blue with a white eyeFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in partial to full shade on moist, humus-rich soil with a pH near 6.0-7.5. Consistent moisture is needed through summer; the foliage scorches at the margins if the soil dries or the plant sits in direct afternoon sun. Loam and clay soils with added organic matter suit it, provided water does not stand around the crown. Plants need little feeding beyond an annual mulch of leaf mold or compost. Clumps can be divided in early spring or after flowering, though they re-establish slowly. Slugs may graze the young foliage in wet springs.Pruning
Spent flowering stems are removed at the base after bloom to keep the clump tidy. Tattered or scorched leaves can be cut away in midsummer, prompting a flush of fresh foliage. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons