How to Grow Brunnera Hadspen Cream

Brunnera Hadspen Cream

Brunnera macrophylla 'Hadspen Cream'

flower

Hadspen Cream is a variegated cultivar of Siberian bugloss featuring heart-shaped leaves with broad cream-colored margins and green centers. This shade-loving perennial produces delicate blue forget-me-not-like flowers in spring, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens and shaded borders. The foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, providing long-lasting ornamental interest.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to full shade, 2-4 hours of dappled sunlight; protect from intense afternoon sun and hot, dry conditions

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during growing season. Water deeply 2-3 times weekly in dry weather. Reduce watering in winter but maintain slight moisture.

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Spacing: 18 inches

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Days to maturity: Year 1 for flowering, reaches mature size in 2-3 years

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Planting depth: Plant crowns at soil level; space 18 inches apart

Soil

Type: Humus-rich, well-draining soil with organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss or coconut coir Leaf mold Aged manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in zones 4-7

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

Growth Stages

Establishment

4-6 weeks

Young plants develop a low rosette of variegated leaves with cream margins. Root system establishes in first weeks.

Keep soil consistently moist. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base. Protect from strong winds and direct sun. Avoid transplanting stress.

Vegetative Growth

Spring through early summer

Plant expands its mound of attractive variegated foliage. Leaves grow larger and more numerous as the plant strengthens.

Maintain consistent moisture and partial shade. Monitor for slug damage. Remove any reverted (all-green) growth immediately to maintain variegation.

Flowering

April-June

Tall, delicate flower stems (12-18 inches) emerge above the foliage, bearing small blue or light purple forget-me-not-like flowers in loose racemes.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming and prevent excessive self-seeding. Stake or support stems in windy locations if needed.

Post-Flowering

June-September

Flowers fade and seed heads develop. Foliage remains attractive and continues to provide ornamental value through summer and fall.

Cut back flower stems if desired, or leave for ornamental seedheads. Continue watering during dry spells. Foliage may decline in very hot summers.

Dormancy

October-March

Plant enters winter rest period. Foliage may persist or die back depending on climate; variegated coloring may become less vibrant.

Reduce watering significantly. Leave dead foliage for winter protection of crown, then cut back in early spring before new growth. Apply additional mulch in harsh climates.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hosta Hellebore Astilbe Heuchera Coral bells Epimedium Japanese anemone Liriope Ferns Pulmonaria

Avoid planting near:

Vigorous spreading perennials Drought-tolerant plants (like sedum) Plants requiring full sun and dry soil Aggressive ground covers

Common Pests

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Hand-pick, use copper barriers, diatomaceous earth, or beer traps. Remove hiding places like dense mulch near stems.
Remove affected leaves promptly. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is severe.
Improve air circulation, reduce humidity, ensure adequate spacing. Spray with sulfur or fungicide in severe cases; prevent by avoiding overhead watering.
Increase humidity by misting. Spray with water to dislodge or use insecticidal soap if severe.

Uses

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Shade Garden Focal Point

Ornamental

The striking cream-margined variegated foliage provides year-round visual interest in shaded borders, woodland gardens, and beneath trees. The delicate blue spring flowers add seasonal color and charm. [source]

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Edible Leaves

Culinary

Young leaves and flowers are edible with a mild, slightly tangy flavor. They can be used in salads, as garnish, or in herbal infusions, though this is not a primary use. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The delicate flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in spring, supporting local ecosystems and providing early-season nectar. [source]

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Cut Flowers and Arrangements

Craft

The airy flower stems and attractive variegated foliage make excellent additions to spring flower arrangements and bouquets, providing texture and color contrast. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

Brunnera has a history in traditional herbalism, though modern scientific evidence is limited. Historically used for respiratory support and as a mild tonic. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

This is an ornamental foliage plant, not harvested in the traditional sense. Cut flower stems for fresh arrangements in spring when flowers are fully open. Divide plants in spring or fall (every 3-4 years) to maintain vigor and propagate. Collect seed pods if desired for propagation, but expect variable variegation in seedlings.

Fun Facts

🌱 The variegation in 'Hadspen Cream' can be unstable; plants occasionally produce all-green shoots that should be removed immediately to maintain the striking cream-margined appearance.
🌱 Despite its delicate appearance, Brunnera is quite hardy and can naturalize in favorable woodland conditions, often self-seeding to create drifts of plants.
🌱 The common name 'bugloss' refers to the coarse, bristly texture of the leaves, with 'bug' derived from an old word for ox and 'loss' meaning tongue—supposedly resembling an ox's rough tongue.

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