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Brunnera macrophylla
perennial forget-me-not
Caucasus region — northern Turkey, Georgia, and Russia; moist mountain forests and subalpine meadowsLearn more
Overview
Brunnera macrophylla is perennial forget-me-not (Siberian bugloss), a spreading deciduous perennial growing 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. Bright blue flowers 0.3 inch (8 mm) with white eye in loose airy cymes above the foliage in April-May (7 weeks). Resembles true forget-me-not (Myosotis) but is perennial and larger-leaved. Dark green heart-shaped rough-hairy leaves 3-6 inches (7-15 cm). The cultivar 'Jack Frost' has silver-frosted foliage with green veins — the most widely planted form. In Boraginaceae. Macrophylla = large-leaved. Native to the Caucasus. Not drought-tolerant — leaf scorch in dry conditions or hot afternoon sun. This moisture and shade requirement is the primary limitation. The silver-leaved cultivars ('Jack Frost', 'Looking Glass') must be propagated by division — their seedlings revert to green. Remove self-sown green seedlings near silver cultivars. The foliage provides season-long interest after the spring bloom ends. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 3-8. Part shade to full shade. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to the Caucasus region — northern Turkey, Georgia, and Russia. Found in moist mountain forests and subalpine meadows.Suggested Uses
Grown as a shade ground cover, in woodland gardens, and in containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L), spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm). Silver cultivars ('Jack Frost') for foliage interest. Morning sun with afternoon shade. Non-toxic. Zones 3-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Mid to late spring (April-May). Bright blue flowers 0.3 inch (8 mm) with white eye in loose airy cymes. 7 weeks. Resembles Myosotis. Bee-visited. Self-sows (species type).Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright blue with white eye, 0.3 inch (8 mm), in loose airy cymes above the foliage; resembles true forget-me-not (Myosotis)Foliage Description
Dark green, simple, heart-shaped, 3-6 inches (7-15 cm) across, rough-hairy with deeply impressed veins; the cultivar 'Jack Frost' has silver-frosted foliage with green veins — the most widely planted formGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-4 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
Part shade to full shade (1-4 hours — morning sun with afternoon shade). Moist humus-rich soil pH 5.5-7.0. Not drought-tolerant — leaf scorch in dry or sunny conditions. Silver cultivars revert to green from seed — propagate by division. Remove green seedlings. Cut back in late fall or early spring. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 3-8.Pruning
Cut spent flower stems to the base after bloom. Remove tattered foliage in midsummer if scorch occurs — new foliage follows. Cut all foliage to ground in late fall (October) or early spring (March). Divide every 3-4 years.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early springfall
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons