Plants
Siberian Bugloss
Brunnera macrophylla · Boraginaceae
Siberian bugloss combines two ornamental assets in one plant: in April and May, clouds of sky-blue florets that look confusingly like forget-me-nots hover above the clumps. Afterwards, in the modern varieties, the large, heart-shaped, silver-frosted foliage takes over — and dresses the shade garden until frost. For us, one of the most valuable spring perennials of all.
- Light
- Bright shade to partial shade; protect silver-leaved varieties from midday sun.
- Watering
- Keep evenly moist and water extra during heat waves.
- Care level
- Easy
- Botanical
- Brunnera macrophylla
The most famous variety is ‚Jack Frost‘: its leaves look dusted with silver, with only the veins and margins staying green. There is also ‚Looking Glass‘ with almost entirely silver foliage, ‚Alexander‘s Great‘ with especially large leaves, and the white-flowering ‚Betty Bowring‘. The green-leaved wild form is tougher but far plainer.
Unlike the biennial true forget-me-not, Brunnera is a long-lived, clump-forming perennial that returns every year without any effort. It self-seeds only modestly and never runs — a big advantage over many other shade ground covers.
The best spot is out of direct sun to partially shaded, with humus-rich, moist soil — at the edge of shrubs or on the north side of the house, for instance. Full midday sun punishes the silver foliage in particular with brown leaf edges; in deep, dry shade the flowering stays sparse.
In combinations the spring sky-blue is a gift: next to yellow daffodils, white tulips or unfurling ferns it looks fresh and light. Later in the year the silvery foliage makes a calm contrast to dark green hellebores and hostas.
The most common mistake is a spot that is too dry: in summer drought Brunnera reluctantly dies back and only reshoots in autumn. Mulch and water during heat spells and you will have flawless foliage until October.
A tip from our workshop: individual leaves hold up surprisingly well in the vase and give small bouquets an elegant, silvery base. In the garden we simply cut shabby leaves off at the base — the plant reliably pushes out new ones.
Is Siberian Bugloss toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Mildly irritating
- Cats
- Mildly irritating
- Dogs
- Mildly irritating
Brunnera is considered barely toxic, but belongs to the borage family, which can contain small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Occasional nibbling is usually harmless, but regular ingestion should be prevented in pets and children.
Typical symptoms: Larger amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset such as drooling, vomiting or diarrhoea.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Choose a spot out of direct sun to partially shaded, with humus-rich, moist soil.
- 02Water during dry spells — Brunnera dies back early in drought.
- 03Give a dose of compost in spring; the perennial needs no further feeding.
- 04Cut shabby leaves off at the base and the plant will push fresh ones.
- 05Mulch with leaves or bark humus to keep the soil evenly moist.
- 06Divide in spring or autumn if needed; that is only necessary every good few years.
Frequently asked
- What is the difference between Siberian bugloss and true forget-me-not?
- The flowers look almost identical, but the plants are fundamentally different: true forget-me-not (Myosotis) is biennial and disappears after flowering, while Brunnera is a long-lived perennial with large, heart-shaped foliage that returns every year. For permanent plantings Brunnera is the more reliable choice.
- Why does my Siberian bugloss get brown leaf edges?
- Brown edges are almost always a sign of too much sun or soil that is too dry — the silver-leaved varieties are especially sensitive. A shadier spot, mulch and watering during heat spells solve the problem. Simply cut badly damaged leaves off at the base.
- Is Brunnera toxic to cats and dogs?
- Brunnera is considered largely harmless, but as a member of the borage family it can contain small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. A curious nibble is usually harmless; persistent grazing should be prevented, though. When in doubt, ask your vet.
- When does Siberian bugloss flower?
- The main flowering is in April and May, often alongside the late daffodils. Afterwards, in the silver-leaved varieties, the foliage becomes the real ornament and carries through until frost. Occasional repeat blooms in summer are possible but not the rule.