Overview
Brunnera 'Variegata' is a perennial in the genus Brunnera, part of the Boraginaceae family. Brunnera 'Variegata' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include groundcover, shade garden and woodland garden. It is native to Caucasus region.
About
Brunnera 'Variegata' is a perennial in the Boraginaceae with distinctive variegated leaves that brighten shaded beds. It prefers partial shade to full shade and consistently moist, well-drained soil. In April to May it produces sprays of blue flowers above the foliage. Originating from the Caucasus region, it is rated H5 (hardy) for UK gardens.
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
In the garden
Brunnera 'Variegata' is a variegated form of the Siberian bugloss group within the Boraginaceae, native to the woodlands of the Caucasus region. Its variegated leaves make it useful where light levels are low, providing foliar interest when many other perennials are simply green. Expect the spring flowering display in April to May, when clear blue sprays rise over the foliage. Select a position in partial shade or shade and a soil that remains moist but drains freely; consistently damp, compacted ground is not suitable. The plant is classified H5, meaning it withstands typical UK winter conditions and can be planted with confidence in most gardens where frost occurs. Keep soil moisture even through the growing season to maintain leaf colour and vigour. Use Brunnera 'Variegata' as a ground cover beneath trees, within a shade border or to enliven a woodland garden; it works well where other shade perennials are grouped. Its combination of variegated leaves and early blue flowers provides useful contrast in spring, especially under deciduous trees before the canopy fills in.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Brunnera
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained
- Soil moisture
- moist
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Brunnera 'Variegata' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, shade garden, woodland garden
- Native to
- Caucasus region
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Brunnera 'Variegata'
- Cultivation
- Prefers humus-rich, moist soil in partial to full shade; avoid dry conditions.
- Pruning
- Remove dead leaves and flower stems after flowering to maintain appearance.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation is possible but less common.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Brunnera 'Variegata'?
Prefers humus-rich, moist soil in partial to full shade; avoid dry conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Brunnera 'Variegata'?
Brunnera 'Variegata' prefers partial shade and shade.
What soil does Brunnera 'Variegata' need?
Brunnera 'Variegata' grows best in moist and well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Brunnera 'Variegata'?
Remove dead leaves and flower stems after flowering to maintain appearance.
Is Brunnera 'Variegata' hardy in the UK?
Brunnera 'Variegata' 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 'Variegata'?
Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation is possible but less common.
More in the Brunnera genus
- Brunnera 'Hadspen Cream'Hadspen Cream Siberian Bugloss
- Brunnera mac. 'Betty Bowring'Siberian Bugloss
- Brunnera mac. 'Jack Frost'Siberian Bugloss
- Brunnera mac. 'Sea Heart'Siberian Bugloss
- Brunnera 'Langtrees'Siberian Bugloss