The Brunnera or Siberian Bugloss, a clump forming shade groundcover

About The Perennial Brunnera

Try planting the Brunnera as a shade groundcover perennial in a flowerbed design and discover the spring Forget-Me-Not like blooms. Even though this groundcover is meant for shade, mine grows on my sun peninsula garden. Actually, I didn't even plant it. When we dug out the large pond the surrounding garden soil went to build up my peninsula flower garden.

I thought I had transplanted the few remaining perennials, but I guess I missed one. This plant, buried deep into the soil, made its way to the top, grew through the landscape fabric and presented me with beautiful foliage and blooms. The image above was taken on June 13, 2009. An amazing will to live...

Did you know that the Brunnera is sometimes called Siberian Bugloss? And in Greek Bugloss means Ox tongue? By the shape of the leaves, the name fits. Did you also know that it is a cousin to the Forget-Me-Not perennial?

How To Grow The Brunnera

Spreading via rhizomes, this clump forming perennial blooms Forget-Me-Not-like flowers in a delicate powder blue with yellow centers. The stems rise 18" above the large heart shaped foliage and even after the blooming period, the foliage remains attractive.

Towards the end of the growing season I found myself lifting up the leaves and thinning out the undergrowth leaves that had turned brown. This helps tidy the plant. Also, I found that deadheading the spent blooms can help with further buds being produced.

I am very thrilled to see that this perennial re-seeds itself as I have many more little seedlings popping up (through the landscape fabric) on the peninsula.

Hidden from the sun partly by a Peony shrub and Marguerite Garden Daisies, the Brunnera survives its sun location with added moisture.

Because of the striking foliage, this perennial does well in alpine and rock gardens. Container planting works as well as for a border or edging perennial.

Deer and rabbits do not nibble on this perennial. Thank goodness!

If planting in the shade, great companion plants: Hostas, Astilbes, Ligularia Othello or the Ligularia Rocket.

Check out my Site Index Page for a listing of additional annuals and perennials to plant in your flower garden design.

Brunnera Features

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