How to Grow Brunnera (Siberian Bugloss)
Brunnera (Siberian Bugloss)
Brunnera macrophylla
flowerBrunnera is a hardy perennial native to Siberia and the Caucasus, prized for its delicate forget-me-not-like blue flowers and attractive heart-shaped foliage. It thrives in shaded woodland gardens and brings fresh color and texture to difficult growing areas. The plant is low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and often self-seeds readily.
Looking for a specific variety?
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8; prefers cooler climates and afternoon shade in warmer zones
Sign up to see your zone highlighted.
Growth Stages
Seedling
2-4 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with first true leaves; very small and delicate
Keep soil moist but not soggy; provide bright indirect light; thin seedlings to prevent damping off; avoid overhead watering
Establishment
6-12 monthsYoung plants develop basal rosettes of heart-shaped leaves; slow growth in first year is normal
Water regularly during dry spells; apply 1-2 inches of mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature; do not fertilize heavily; allow plant to establish deep roots
Vegetative Growth
Spring to early summerMature foliage clumps expand with large heart-shaped leaves; variegated varieties show distinctive leaf patterns
Divide every 3-4 years if desired; deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming; remove any damaged or diseased leaves at base
Flowering
4-8 weeks (April-June in most zones)Delicate sprays of tiny blue or white forget-me-not-like flowers rise above foliage on thin wiry stems
Deadhead spent flower clusters to extend bloom period and prevent excessive self-seeding; stake tall varieties in windy locations; flowers typically last 4-6 weeks
Seed Set & Dormancy
June through OctoberFlowers fade and form small round seeds; foliage may decline in summer heat; plant goes dormant in late fall
Collect seeds if desired for next year; allow some flowers to remain for natural self-seeding; cut back old foliage in fall after first frost; apply winter mulch in zones 3-4
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur or neem oil if severe; thin overcrowded plantings
-
and
Remove hiding spots; use slug traps or copper barriers; hand-pick; encourage ground beetles and other natural predators
-
Spray forcefully with water; use insecticidal soap if needed; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings
Uses
Traditional Medicinal Beverage
CulinaryHistorically used in Russian and Caucasian traditional medicine, Brunnera leaves were steeped into teas and herbal preparations to support respiratory and digestive health. Modern herbalists occasionally use it in gentle herbal blends. [source]
Fresh and Dried Cut Flowers
HouseholdThe delicate blue flower sprays are prized for fresh arrangements and add an airy, woodland feel to floral designs. Flowers dry well and retain their form and color, making them valuable for dried arrangements and crafts. [source]
Early Nectar Source for Pollinators
WildlifeBrunnera flowers bloom early in spring when few other plants are flowering, providing essential nectar and pollen for emerging bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. A valuable plant for pollinator gardens. [source]
Pressed Flowers & Botanical Art
CraftThe delicate flowers and attractive leaves press beautifully and are popular in pressed flower crafts, bookmarks, and botanical watercolor studies due to their intricate form and soft blue color. [source]
Foliage for Variegated Shade Gardens
HouseholdVariegated cultivars like 'Jack Frost' and 'Silver Heart' provide striking silvery-white leaf markings that brighten dark shade areas, serving as both textural and color elements in garden design. [source]
Harvest Tips
Brunnera is grown for ornamental flowers and foliage rather than harvest in the culinary sense. Cut flowers for fresh arrangements just as they open, removing lower leaves. For seed saving, allow some flower clusters to dry on the plant in late spring/early summer, then collect dried seed heads and store in cool, dry conditions. Self-seeding is prolific—allow seedlings to grow or remove to prevent overcrowding.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Brunnera self-seeds so readily and reliably that gardeners often describe it as 'self-sowing freely'—some gardeners remove seedlings to prevent overcrowding, while others welcome the free plants for naturalizing in woodland areas.
- 🌱 The variegated cultivar 'Jack Frost' was named to evoke the delicate silvery patterns on its leaves that resemble frost crystals, and it has won the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.
- 🌱 Brunnera flowers resemble forget-me-nots (Myosotis) so closely that it was once classified in the same genus and is still sometimes called 'false forget-me-not'; however, it is much more robust and shade-tolerant than true forget-me-nots.
Want personalized planting timelines?
Sign up to get frost dates, task lists, and more for your zone.
Get started free