Siberian bugloss
Brunnera macrophylla · Boraginaceae
📷 Didier Descouens · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant siberian bugloss: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Brunnera macrophylla
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Plant type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- April to May
- Mature height
- 60 to 80 cm
- Exposure
- Shade to partial shade
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (zone 3 to 9)
- Origin
- Caucasus and Siberia
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Brunnera tolerates dense shade and moisture, a rare combination. Plant it under deciduous trees for beautiful spring coverage.
The common mistake
Exposing it to dry full sun damages the foliage from June onwards and reduces the plant population.
The pro's trick
After flowering, cut back the flower stems: the basal leaves create a stable, more attractive carpet.
Care
Light Exposure
Siberian bugloss prefers shade or partial shade, where it thrives beautifully. In very sunny areas, it tolerates heat as long as the soil remains cool. Avoid intense direct afternoon sun in hot climates.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist during the growing season and flowering period. Reduce watering in winter without letting the soil dry out completely. Mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Soil
Siberian bugloss appreciates rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Enrich the substrate with compost or organic matter at planting time to promote moisture retention and soil fertility.
Pruning and Maintenance
Remove spent flower stems to extend blooming and encourage a second flush of flowers. In autumn, let the plant wither naturally or cut it back to ground level. Light cleanup of dead foliage in spring is sufficient.
Fertilizer
An application of compost or balanced fertilizer in spring is generally sufficient. In poor soil, add organic fertilizer every two months to boost vigor and flowering.
Diseases and Pests
Siberian bugloss is generally very robust. Watch for powdery mildew in overly dry conditions or excessive moisture, which can encourage rot. Good drainage and adequate air circulation prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Brunnera macrophylla is nicknamed 'Siberian bugloss' although it actually comes mainly from the Caucasus. In spring, it produces thousands of tiny sky-blue flowers that resemble forget-me-nots, generously attracting pollinators. Its large leaves, marbled with cream white in variegated varieties, remain decorative long after flowering, providing structure to shaded gardens.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- BorageBorago officinalis
- Purple gromwellGlandora diffusa
- Pride of MadeiraEchium candicans
- Viper's buglossEchium vulgare
- ComfreySymphytum officinale
- Water forget-me-notMyosotis scorpioides
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.