Overview
Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Brunnera, part of the Boraginaceae family, with deciduous, heart-shaped, often silver-variegated foliage. Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass' 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, west
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous, heart-shaped, often silver-variegated
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, shade garden, woodland garden, borders
- Native to
- Caucasus
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade. Avoid direct hot sun to prevent leaf scorch. Mulch to retain moisture.
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring. Cut back after flowering to maintain tidy appearance.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but less common.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass'?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade. Avoid direct hot sun to prevent leaf scorch. Mulch to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass'?
Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass' prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass' need?
Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass' 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 'Looking Glass'?
Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring. Cut back after flowering to maintain tidy appearance.
Is Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass' hardy in the UK?
Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass' 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 'Looking Glass'?
Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but less common.
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