How to Grow Brunnera King's Ransom
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Brunnera King's Ransom
Brunnera macrophylla 'King's Ransom'
flowerKing's Ransom is a stunning variegated cultivar of Siberian bugloss featuring large heart-shaped leaves with cream and yellow margins and dark green centers. It produces delicate, forget-me-not-like blue flowers in spring on tall airy stems. This shade-loving perennial is prized for its dramatic foliage that brightens woodland gardens even when not in bloom.
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Example Brunnera King's Ransom timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Brunnera King's Ransom
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Brunnera King's Ransom blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, tolerating cold winters and preferring cooler climates with afternoon shade in warmer zones
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Get my Brunnera King's Ransom timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 3-4 monthsYoung plant focuses on root development with modest leaf growth. Variegated foliage begins to show but may be less pronounced
Keep soil consistently moist. Protect from direct afternoon sun. Mulch with 2-3 inches of compost. Do not expect significant leaf display in first year
Vegetative Growth
Spring through early summerPlant develops large heart-shaped leaves with increasingly prominent cream and yellow variegation. Clump expands as basal leaves emerge throughout spring and early summer
Maintain consistent moisture. Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring. Remove any dead foliage. Variegation is most vivid with appropriate light levels
Flowering
April-May (4-6 weeks)Airy stems emerge from foliage, bearing delicate forget-me-not-like flowers in soft blue. Flowers appear in loose panicles above the decorative foliage
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage longer bloom period, though flowers are not the main ornamental feature. Keep well-watered during flowering. Stake if needed in windy locations
Post-Bloom
June through fallFoliage remains the primary ornamental feature as flowers fade. Plant maintains full vigor and leaf color throughout summer if moisture is adequate
Remove flower stems if desired. Continue consistent watering. Monitor for heat stress in zones 7-8; increase shade and mulch. Cut back dead foliage in late fall
Dormancy
November through FebruaryPlant dies back completely to ground in fall and winter. Crown remains protected by mulch beneath soil surface
Cut back all dead foliage in late fall or early winter. Apply 2-3 inches of compost or leaf mold mulch. Protect in zone 3 with extra mulch if exposed to harsh winds
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Pick off affected leaves; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap in early morning or late evening. Remove heavily infested foliage
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid wetting foliage when watering. Spray with sulfur dust or baking soda solution (1 tbsp per gallon water) if severe. Remove affected leaves
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Remove by hand in early morning or evening. Use copper tape barriers around planting area. Beer traps or diatomaceous earth may help. Encourage predators like ground beetles
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Handpick adults at night. Apply nematodes (Steinernema) to soil in spring and fall to control larvae. Remove plant debris where adults hide
Uses
Woodland Garden Shade Accent
HouseholdKing's Ransom's variegated foliage brightens dark shaded areas where few plants thrive, making it an excellent choice for understory plantings beneath trees, along north-facing borders, or in woodland gardens. The cream and yellow variegation creates visual depth and interest without requiring colorful flowers. [source]
Floral and Foliage Arrangements
CraftBoth the delicate spring flowers and the attractive variegated leaves work beautifully in fresh or dried floral arrangements. The foliage is particularly valued for adding texture and variegated color to spring bouquets and mixed arrangements. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators early in the season when food sources are scarce. The nectar-rich blooms support beneficial insects that help establish populations for the entire growing season. [source]
Ground Cover Alternative
HouseholdDense clumps of Brunnera work as a semi-covering ground cover in shade gardens, suppressing weeds and creating a lush, layered aesthetic. Multiple plants create visual unity while their large leaves maintain structure through the season. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalBrunnera (Siberian bugloss) has been used in traditional European herbalism for respiratory support and as a mild expectorant. While not commonly used today, the plant has historical medicinal applications, though modern medicinal use is limited. [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 for crops. Cut flower stems for fresh arrangements in spring if desired—flowers last 1-2 weeks in a vase. Foliage remains attractive all season and can be enjoyed in the garden or cut for floral arrangements, though it is primarily grown for landscape display
Fun Facts
- 🌱 King's Ransom is a relatively recent cultivar, developed to amplify the ornamental variegation of species Brunnera macrophylla, making it one of the most dramatically marked selections available
- 🌱 Despite the common name 'Siberian bugloss,' Brunnera is not a true bugloss (Anchusa) but rather belongs to the Boraginaceae family and is native to Siberia, Turkey, and the Caucasus region
- 🌱 The variegated foliage of King's Ransom can revert to solid green if the plant receives too much shade or if reverted shoots are not promptly removed—maintaining the variegation requires consistent but not excessive light
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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