How to grow brunnera

Looking for a low-maintenance plant? Brunnera is a brilliant choice for a shady spot.  Resistant to any major pests and diseases, it’s a perfect alternative to hostas if you are plagued by slugs and snails in your garden. There are three species, mostly derived from B. macrophylla (meaning ‘large-leaved’).

Known as the great forget-me-not or Siberian bugloss, it thrives in shady spots but can handle some dryness- just avoid full sun to prevent scorching. During April and May, blue or white flowers appear alongside heart-shaped leaves which come in beautiful forms, from silver to cream variegation and spotted patterns.

For a second flush of foliage and hopefully flowers in autumn, cut back when flowering has finished in late spring/early summer.

Wildlife credentials with Dr Chris Gibson

The flowers are visited by smaller bees and bee-flies that are happy to forage under shade. Steps should be taken to avoid the plants escaping from gardens, as their dense, ground-cover foliage can eliminate native species from natural habitats.

Goes well with:

• Digitalis
• Ferns
• Hosta
• Melica
• Pachysandra

Brunnera macrophylla- in spring, long sprays of tiny forget-me-not blue flowers are followed by robust clumps of basal leaves, each huge and heart-shaped, making good ground-cover in shade. It will tolerate sunnier positions, but with reduced size. Height and spread: 40cm x 60cm

Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring'- has sprays of pure white forget-me-not like flowers, larger than many other brunnera, which float above large matt-green leaves. Height and spread: 40cm x 50cm

Brunnera macrophylla 'Dawson's White'- heart shaped leaves boldly variegated, deep-green and creamy-white, some almost entirely white. Needs careful placing, protected from sun scorch or wind damage, in soil that never dries out. Height and spread: 30cm x 60cm

Brunnera macrophylla 'Hadspen Cream'- large, light green leaves are irregularly bordered with primrose which dissolves partially into the centre. Gentler colouring than Brunnera macrophylla 'Dawson's White' but needs partial shade and a retentive soil. Height and spread: 45cm x 60cm

Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexanders Great'- an impressive form of this perennial. Large basal clump of huge, silver marbled leaves. Airy, sky blue flowers. Height and spread: 40cm x 1m