The Beauty of the Brunnera

Brunnera is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Boraginaceae. The most common species is Brunnera macrophylla, also known as Siberian bugloss or heartleaf brunnera. These are low-growing perennials native to the woodlands of Eastern Europe and North West Asia. They are valued for their attractive foliage and forget-me-not-like flowers that bloom in spring.

Brunnera 'Alexander's Great'

There are many reasons why Brunnera macrophylla, or Siberian bugloss, might be a great choice for your garden! Here are some of the top benefits:

• Thrives in Shade: If you have a shady area in your garden that feels a little bare, Brunnera is your perfect solution. It does not require full sun and actually performs best in dappled sunlight or partial shade.
• Low Maintenance: Brunnera is a low-maintenance plant that doesn't require a lot of fuss. Once established, it gets most of the moisture it needs from rainfall and doesn't need frequent fertilizing. Just a yearly mulch application in spring can do wonders!
• Beautiful Foliage: Even when not in bloom, Brunnera offers stunning foliage. The heart-shaped leaves come in a variety of colors, from green to chartreuse and even deep purple, depending on the cultivar. Some varieties even have interesting variegation patterns.
• Lovely Flowers: The charming forget-me-not-like flowers of Brunnera come in shades of blue or white and bloom in spring or early summer. They add a delightful touch to your shady areas and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Unlike some other plants, Brunnera is not a favorite food source for deer and rabbits. This can be a big advantage if you have these critters visiting your garden.
• Versatile Plant: Brunnera can be used in various ways in your garden design. It works well as a ground cover, in borders, or even planted in containers for patios or balconies.

Overall, Brunnera is a low-maintenance, shade-loving perennial that offers beautiful foliage and flowers. It's a versatile plant that can add a touch of elegance and charm to any garden. There are numerous cultivars of Brunnera available, with variations in flower colour (typically blue or white) and leaf variegation. They are popular choices for shade gardens as they thrive in cool, moist locations and have a long bloom time.