Overview
Brunnera macrophylla is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Brunnera, part of the Boraginaceae family, with heart-shaped, often variegated foliage. It typically grows around 0.3–0.46 metres tall. Brunnera macrophylla grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include ground cover and underplanting. It is native to North Caucasus, Transcaucasus and Türkiye.
About
Brunnera macrophylla, the Siberian bugloss, great forget-me-not, largeleaf brunnera or heartleaf, is a species of flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae, native to the Caucasus. It is a hardy, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial, that can reach from 12 to 18 inches in height, and carries basal, simple cordate leaves on slender stems.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Brunnera macrophylla
About the genus
Brunnera is a genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae. They are rhizomatous perennials, native to the woodlands of Eastern Europe and North West Asia. They have hairy leaves and sprays of blue flowers in spring.
Wikipedia contributors, "Brunnera", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Brunnera
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Brunnera
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist
- Aspect
- North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Brunnera macrophylla size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Heart-shaped, often variegated
- Height
- 0.3–0.46 metres
- Suggested uses
- Ground cover, underplanting
- Native to
- North Caucasus, Transcaucasus, Türkiye
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Brunnera macrophylla
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade; mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring; cut back flower stems after blooming to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Brunnera macrophylla?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade; mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Brunnera macrophylla?
Brunnera macrophylla prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Brunnera macrophylla need?
Brunnera macrophylla grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Brunnera macrophylla?
Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring; cut back flower stems after blooming to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Brunnera macrophylla grow?
Brunnera macrophylla reaches a height of 0.3–0.46 metres.
Is Brunnera macrophylla hardy in the UK?
Brunnera macrophylla has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Brunnera macrophylla?
Division.
More in the Brunnera genus
- Brunnera 'Hadspen Cream'Hadspen Cream Siberian Bugloss
- Brunnera 'Variegata'Variegated Siberian Bugloss
- Brunnera mac. 'Betty Bowring'Siberian Bugloss
- Brunnera mac. 'Jack Frost'Siberian Bugloss
- Brunnera mac. 'Sea Heart'Siberian Bugloss
- Brunnera 'Langtrees'Siberian Bugloss