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How to Grow Brunnera 'King's Ransom'

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Brunnera 'King's Ransom'

Brunnera macrophylla 'King's Ransom'

flower

A variegated perennial shade plant prized for its large, heart-shaped leaves with striking cream and gold margins and a dark green center. It produces delicate, forget-me-not-like blue flowers on airy stems in spring. This cultivar is a notable improvement over the species for its bold foliage display throughout the growing season.

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Example Brunnera 'King's Ransom' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Brunnera 'King's Ransom'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Brunnera 'King's Ransom' blooms

    Mid-to-late summer

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Brunnera 'King's Ransom' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial to full shade; requires 2-4 hours of indirect light daily. Variegation is best preserved in shade; too much sun can fade leaf color and scorch foliage.
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Water: Consistent moisture is essential; keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply during dry spells, especially during establishment and hot summers. Mulch to help retain soil moisture.
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Spacing: 18 inches
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Days to maturity: Not applicable (perennial); reaches full size in 2-3 years
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Planting depth: Plant crowns at soil level; do not bury. Space 18-24 inches apart.

Soil

Type: Rich, well-draining loamy soil with good organic matter content
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost or aged leaf mold Peat moss or coconut coir Perlite or coarse sand for drainage

Growing Zones

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Zones 3-8; prefers cooler climates with consistent moisture

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

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Growth Stages

1

Emergence

2-3 weeks

Spring shoots emerge from the crown with tightly rolled leaves beginning to unfurl.

Remove mulch gradually as new growth appears. Ensure soil moisture is adequate as plants wake from dormancy.

2

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Leaves expand to full size, displaying the characteristic variegation with cream-gold margins. Plant develops a dense mound of foliage.

Maintain consistent moisture and apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Monitor for slugs and snails.

3

Flowering

4-6 weeks (spring)

Delicate airy sprays of small, pale blue forget-me-not-like flowers appear on tall, slender stems above the foliage.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and a neater appearance. Flowers typically last 4-6 weeks.

4

Post-Bloom

Summer to fall

Flowers fade and foliage remains the main ornamental feature. Seed heads may develop if flowers are not deadheaded.

Cut back flower stems after bloom. Continue watering regularly. Foliage remains attractive through summer and fall.

5

Dormancy

Winter

Foliage may decline in late fall or early winter, especially in cold zones. Plant goes dormant underground.

Cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch to protect crown over winter in zones 3-5.

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Hellebores Hosta Coral bells (Heuchera) Bleeding heart (Dicentra) Astilbe Ferns Epimedium Tiarella Liriope Solomon's seal (Polygonatum)

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive spreading plants like goutweed (Aegopodium) or morning glory Plants competing for very moist soil that may cause crown rot

Common Pests

  • and

    Hand-pick in early morning or evening; apply beer traps, copper barriers, or diatomaceous earth. Use slug baits cautiously around pets.

  • Remove affected leaves; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil if populations are severe.

  • Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if necessary; sulfur or baking soda spray can help.

Uses

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Shade Garden Specimen

Ornamental

King's Ransom is primarily valued as an ornamental foliage plant for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and containers. Its variegated leaves provide year-round interest and brighten dark corners. [source]

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Cut Flowers & Arrangements

Household

The delicate blue flower sprays are charming in fresh spring arrangements, and the attractive leaves can be incorporated into mixed bouquets for texture and variegation. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The small blue flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting early spring insect populations when food sources are scarce. [source]

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Herbal Heritage

Medicinal

Brunnera macrophylla has been used traditionally in herbal medicine in Russia and Eastern Europe for kidney and urinary support, though modern scientific evidence 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

Not typically harvested. Brunnera is grown for ornamental foliage and flowers. Leaves can be enjoyed in floral arrangements; cut flower stems in spring when blooms are open.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Brunnera macrophylla is native to the Caucasus and eastern Siberia and is sometimes called 'Siberian bugloss' due to its resemblance to borage family plants.
  • 🌱 'King's Ransom' is a sport (mutation) of 'Variegata' and was selected specifically for its more prominent and stable variegation, making it more striking in shaded gardens.
  • 🌱 The plant is deer-resistant and slug-resistant when young leaves have toughened; it's a reliable choice for difficult shady spots where many other shade perennials struggle.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Crown Cultivar Deadhead Mulch Perennial Runner
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