How to Grow Variegated Siberian Bugloss
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Variegated Siberian Bugloss
Brunnera macrophylla 'Variegata'
flowerBrunnera 'Variegata' is a perennial shade plant prized for its heart-shaped leaves with cream and white variegation and delicate blue forget-me-not-like flowers. It adds bright, airy color to shaded garden areas and woodland settings. This cultivar is more ornamental than the green species due to its striking foliage.
When should you plant Variegated Siberian Bugloss in your zone?
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Example Variegated Siberian Bugloss timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Variegated Siberian Bugloss
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 Variegated Siberian Bugloss blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Variegated Siberian Bugloss dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in cooler zones 3-6
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Get my Variegated Siberian Bugloss timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Transplant Establishment
4-6 weeksSmall plant with emerging variegated leaves, typically 4-6 inches tall
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide shade from afternoon sun. Mulch around base to retain moisture. Avoid transplanting shock by establishing in cool season.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through early summer, 8-12 weeksFoliage expands to full heart-shaped leaves with cream variegation. Plant grows 12-18 inches tall
Maintain consistent moisture. Apply 2-inch organic mulch. Divide older plants in spring if desired. Provide dappled shade to prevent leaf scorch.
Flowering
Mid-spring to early summer, 4-6 weeksDelicate blue forget-me-not-like flowers appear on thin stems above the foliage, 18-24 inches tall overall
Continue regular watering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage blooming. Support stems if planted in windy areas.
Seed Development & Maturation
Late spring to early summer, 3-4 weeksFlowers fade and seeds develop in small rounded seed heads
Allow some flowers to remain on plant for self-seeding if desired. Cut back spent flower stems to tidy appearance.
Dormancy
Late fall through early spring, 4-5 monthsFoliage may die back partially or fully in very cold zones; plant goes dormant in late fall/winter
Cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring. Maintain mulch layer for winter protection. In warmer zones, some evergreen foliage may persist.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove by hand, use beer traps, apply diatomaceous earth, or use copper tape barriers around plants
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Ensure good air circulation, avoid wetting foliage, spray with sulfur or fungicide if severe
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Remove affected leaves, improve drainage, avoid overhead watering, apply fungicide if necessary
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Install deer fencing or use deer repellent sprays; Brunnera is often avoided by deer
Uses
Edible Flowers for Garnish
CulinaryThe delicate blue flowers are edible and can be used as decorative garnishes for salads and desserts, adding a subtle floral aesthetic to culinary presentations. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdThe long stems with clusters of blue flowers and attractive variegated foliage make excellent additions to fresh flower arrangements and bouquets, lasting 5-7 days in water. [source]
Dried Flower Crafts
CraftFlower stems can be dried for use in dried flower arrangements, pressed flowers, and botanical craft projects. The delicate flowers hold their color reasonably well when dried. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant small blue flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making Brunnera an excellent plant for supporting wildlife in shade gardens. [source]
Shade Garden Ornamental
HouseholdThe cream and white variegated foliage brightens shady areas year-round, providing visual interest when many other shade plants lack colorful foliage. Creates stunning contrast with darker-leaved companions. [source]
Harvest Tips
Brunnera is grown ornamentally, not harvested. Cut flower stems for fresh arrangements when flowers are fully open. Cut back foliage in late fall/early spring to encourage new growth. Divide plants in spring every 4-5 years to rejuvenate.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Brunnera 'Variegata' was discovered as a sport (genetic variation) on the species and propagates only through division, never from seed, making each plant truly unique
- 🌱 The common name 'Siberian Bugloss' is misleading—despite its appearance, Brunnera is not a true bugloss (Anchusa) but belongs to the Boraginaceae family and has no relation to Siberia in most cultivars
- 🌱 The variegation in 'Variegata' can be unstable; occasionally shoots may revert to solid green, and these should be pruned out to maintain the variegated appearance
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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