How to Grow Brunnera 'Mr. Morse'
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Brunnera 'Mr. Morse'
Brunnera macrophylla 'Mr. Morse'
flowerBrunnera 'Mr. Morse' is a shade-loving perennial featuring heart-shaped leaves with striking silver variegation and delicate forget-me-not-like blue flowers. This cultivar is prized for its ornamental foliage that brightens shaded garden areas throughout the growing season. It's a low-maintenance, clump-forming plant that spreads gradually to create attractive groundcover.
When should you plant Brunnera 'Mr. Morse' in your zone?
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Example Brunnera 'Mr. Morse' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Brunnera 'Mr. Morse'
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 'Mr. Morse' blooms
Around Apr 18≈ 1 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Brunnera 'Mr. Morse' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in cooler climates
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Get my Brunnera 'Mr. Morse' timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
Spring through fall of first yearYoung plant develops root system and produces first few heart-shaped leaves with silver markings
Keep consistently moist, apply 2-3 inches of mulch, avoid transplanting stress during first season
Vegetative Growth
Late spring through early summerPlant expands with increasingly large variegated foliage, forming a widening mound of heart-shaped leaves
Maintain consistent moisture, deadhead faded flowers to encourage growth, remove any fully green revertant leaves
Flowering
4-6 weeks in springDelicate racemes of small blue forget-me-not-like flowers emerge on tall stems above the variegated foliage
Flowers typically appear in April-May; stake if needed in windy locations; deadhead spent flowers for tidiness
Post-Flowering
Summer through fallFoliage remains the main ornamental feature as flowers fade; plant continues to expand clump
Remove spent flower stems, maintain moisture, monitor for pests, continue weeding around plant
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove by hand at night, create copper barriers, apply organic slug bait, encourage ground beetles
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Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, spray with neem oil or sulfur if needed, remove affected leaves
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Spray with strong water stream, apply insecticidal soap, encourage beneficial insects
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Increase humidity, spray with water, use neem oil, ensure consistent moisture
Uses
Shade garden ornamental
HouseholdThe silver-variegated foliage brightens dark garden corners and creates visual interest year-round. Its low-growing habit makes it excellent for borders, woodland gardens, and shaded foundation plantings. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe delicate blue flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and other spring pollinators, making it valuable for supporting early-season beneficial insects in shade gardens. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
CraftThe airy flower sprays and attractive variegated foliage work well in spring bouquets and provide greenery for floral arrangements without harvesting too much foliage. [source]
Groundcover and slope stabilization
HouseholdIts spreading clump-forming habit and dense roots help stabilize soil on shaded slopes and prevent erosion while requiring minimal maintenance. [source]
Low-maintenance perennial garden
HouseholdOnce established, 'Mr. Morse' requires minimal care beyond occasional watering and dividing, making it ideal for sustainable, low-input shade gardens. [source]
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental foliage plant, not harvested for food. Cuttings of stems can be taken in spring for propagation. Divide clumps in spring or fall every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and create new plants.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The variegation in 'Mr. Morse' is often referred to as 'silver heart' due to the silvery-white markings that radiate from the center of each leaf
- 🌱 Brunnera is sometimes called 'Siberian bugloss' and is native to Siberia, Russia, and the Caucasus, making it exceptionally hardy to cold winters
- 🌱 Unlike many variegated plants, 'Mr. Morse' is relatively stable and rarely reverts to solid green, though any fully green shoots should be removed promptly
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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