Brunnera macrophylla, commonly called heartleaf brunnera, Siberian bugloss, or perennial forget-me-not, is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial valued for both its foliage and spring flowers. Plants form a low, spreading mound of heart-shaped leaves, creating effective groundcover in shaded landscapes. Leaves are typically dark green, but many modern cultivars feature silver overlay, spotting, or variegated margins that provide season-long interest.

In mid to late spring, sprays of small, bright blue flowers with white centers appear for several weeks. The flowers resemble true forget-me-nots (Myosotis), giving rise to one of its common names. Mature plants generally reach 12 to 18 inches tall with a spread of 18 to 30 inches.

Brunnera is well-suited to woodland settings and shade gardens where its bold foliage contrasts nicely with finer-textured plants like ferns.

Growing Conditions

Brunnera performs best in partial to full shade. Leaves can be scorched when exposed to prolonged hot afternoon sun, particularly during Iowa’s warm summers.

Moisture is a key factor in success. Plants prefer consistently moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Dry soils or drought conditions, often results in browning or tattered foliage later in the season.

brunner in bloom — Blue flowers appear in spring ⁽²⁾

Care

Brunnera is considered a low-maintenance perennial when grown in appropriate conditions. Regular watering during dry periods is essential, particularly during establishment and in mid-summer when rainfall may be inconsistent. A layer of mulch helps conserve soil moisture and moderate soil temperatures.

Deadheading, or removing spent flower stalks, can improve plant appearance, though it is not necessary for plant health. Damaged or declining leaves can be trimmed throughout the growing season to maintain a tidy appearance. In some cases, foliage may be cut back in mid to late summer if it becomes unattractive, with new leaves often emerging under favorable conditions.

Propagation

brunnera Queen of Hearts — 'Queen of Hearts' ⁽³⁾

Division is the most reliable and common method of propagating Brunnera. Established clumps can be divided in early spring as new growth emerges or in early fall. Each division should include a healthy portion of the crown and root system. Replant immediately and keep well-watered until established.

Brunnera may also self-seed under favorable conditions. Young seedlings can be transplanted to new locations in early spring to allow plenty of time to re-establish sufficient root systems. Seedlings may not resemble the parent plant. They are often more green than a named cultivar, but gardeners can be surprised occasionally with an attractive propagule.

Cultivars

The species Brunnera macrophylla is the primary ornamental form grown in gardens, but numerous cultivars offer variation in leaf color and pattern.

Popular cultivars for Iowa landscapes include:

Notable cultivars of *Brunnera macrophylla*
Cultivar	Bloom Time	Height	Spread	Comment
‘Jack Frost’	Spring/Summer	12”-15”	12”-15”	Silvery leaves with green veins; reliable performer.
‘Queen of Hearts’	Spring	16”-18”	2’4”-3’	Larger, more vigorous; improved heat tolerance.
‘Silver Heart’	Spring	6”-12”	12”-24”	Compact with thick, bright silver foliage.
‘Jack of Diamonds’	Spring/Summer	14”-16”	2’4”-2’8”’	Very large leaves; bold texture.
‘Looking Glass’	Spring	12”-15”	12”-15”	Nearly solid silver leaves; bright appearance.

Potential Problems

Brunnera generally has few serious insect or disease issues when grown in suitable conditions. Most problems are related to environmental stress.

Heat and drought stress are the most common issues in Iowa. Dry soils and excessive sun exposure can lead to leaf scorch, browning, and premature decline.
Slugs and snails may occasionally feed on foliage, particularly in moist, shaded environments, though damage is usually minor.
Root or crown rot can occur in poorly drained soils or overly wet conditions, especially in winter or early spring.

Brunnera is generally avoided by deer and rabbits due to its coarse, bristly, textured foliage.