Overview
Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Brunnera, part of the Boraginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include groundcover, shade garden, woodland garden and borders. It is native to Caucasus.
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, shade
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained, humus-rich
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- north, east
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, shade garden, woodland garden, borders
- Native to
- Caucasus
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great'
- Cultivation
- Prefers partial to full shade and moist, humus-rich soil. Avoid direct hot sun to prevent leaf scorch. Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained.
- Pruning
- Remove old or damaged leaves in spring to encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great'?
Prefers partial to full shade and moist, humus-rich soil. Avoid direct hot sun to prevent leaf scorch. Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained.
Where is the best place to plant Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great'?
Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great' prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great' need?
Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, well-drained and humus-rich. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great'?
Remove old or damaged leaves in spring to encourage fresh growth.
Is Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great' hardy in the UK?
Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great'?
Division in spring or autumn.
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