Overview
Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring' is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Brunnera, part of the Boraginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, banks and slopes, ground cover and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It is native to Caucasus.
About
Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring' (Siberian bugloss) is a bushy, herbaceous perennial in the Boraginaceae family. It is a deciduous plant that grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade with a sheltered aspect, including north, west, or east-facing positions. It prefers moist but well-drained soils of various types and pH levels, and is particularly attractive in spring.
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
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Banks and slopes, Ground cover, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Native to
- Caucasus
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade; avoid dry conditions; mulch in winter to protect roots.
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
- Propagation
- Division in early spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade; avoid dry conditions; mulch in winter to protect roots.
Where is the best place to plant Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring'?
Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring' need?
Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring'?
Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
How big does Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring' grow?
Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring' hardy in the UK?
Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring'?
Division in early 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
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