How to Plant and Grow Heartleaf Brunnera

Heartleaf brunnera is a low-growing, clump-forming perennial that boasts clouds of tiny, sky-blue flowers from early to midspring. In ideal conditions, it continues to bloom through early summer. The flowers look similar to forget-me-not, hence the nickname false forget-me-not. The species is native to Eastern Europe, including Siberia, which is why it is also called Siberian bugloss.

Another attractive feature of the plant is its striking heart-shaped green foliage. There are popular variations with silvered foliage that is almost iridescent and gleams in the shade. As a bonus, the foliage of heartleaf brunnera is so hairy that it’s avoided by deer and rabbits.

Brunnera gained popularity among home gardeners after the cultivar ‘Jack Frost’ was named Perennial of the Year in 2012.

Where to Plant Heartleaf Brunnera

Pick a location with partial shade and moist but well-drained soil. The plant does not have any specific pH requirements; it adapts well to acidic, neutral, and alkaline soil.

Its large, heart-shaped leaves, combined with a spreading growth habit, make heartleaf brunnera a good groundcover for a shade or woodland garden or any shady corner in the landscape. Combine heartleaf brunnera with other shade-loving perennials. The species with its handsome, solid green leaves partners well with other plants that have more vibrant foliage.

How and When to Plant Heartleaf Brunnera

Planting heartleaf brunnera in the spring is best so it has the entire growing season to get established. Dig a hole about twice the diameter of the nursery pot and about the same depth. Place the plant in the hole and fill in original soil to the top of the root ball. Gently tamp down the soil. Water deeply after planting and continue watering in the absence of rain for the first growing season, or until the plant is established.

Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart.

Heartleaf Brunnera Care Tips

If planted in suitable conditions, heartleaf brunnera prospers wihtout much effort on your part.

Light

The light requirements of brunnera vary depending on leaf type and color. Generally a shade plant, some varieties benefit from some morning sun that promote colorful foliage and more flowers. Some silver and gold varieties lose some of their luster in full shade, taking on more of a green appearance. In cooler climates, some varieties (especially green ones) thrive in full sun as long as there is adequate moisture.

Soil and Water

The soil should be rich in organic matter and well-drained. Brunnera grows in a broad pH range from 6.0 to 8.0. As easy-going as the plant is in terms of soil quality and pH, soggy soil is to be avoided.

Water the plant during the first growing season, or until it is established. After that, brunnera tolerates occasional droughts, especially when situated in cool, shady spots.

Temperature and Humidity

Heartleaf brunnera is a winter-hardy plant. The heat tolerance depends on the variety. Silver-leaf brunneras handle heat and humidity better than types with leaves of other colors. Brunnera may struggle in regions with hot, humid summers. Make sure you plant a variety suitable for your climate conditions.

Fertilizer

Brunnera is not a heavy feeder. Applying a complete balanced slow-release fertilizer once a year in the spring when the growing season starts is sufficient.

Pruning

Promptly remove unsightly foliage and spent flower heads to maintain a tidy look. Removing damaged or diseased leaves encourages regrowth and improves the plant’s overall health.

Potting and Repotting Heartleaf Brunnera

Heartleaf brunnera can be grown in a pot with large drainage holes. Fill it with a combination of well-draining potting mix and compost. Keep in mind that potted plants require more frequent watering and fertilization than plants in the landscape.

To overwinter potted heartleaf brunnera, additional protective measures are required. The roots of container plants are exposed to the cold. To insulate them, sink the container in the ground or place it in a second, larger pot to create a planting silo.

About every two years, or whenever the root system has reached the sides of the container, or the roots grow out of the drainage holes, repot the plant to a larger pot with fresh potting mix.

Pests and Problems

Brunnera is not affected by major pests and diseases. The plants may attract aphids, slugs, and snails.

How to Propagate Heartleaf Brunnera

The easiest way to propagate brunnera is to divide it in the spring, just as new growth is about to start. In ideal soil conditions, heartleaf brunnera spreads very slowly via underground rhizomes to create large clumps. Dig out the clump and separate it into smaller sections. Discard any rhizomes that look unhealthy or are broken, and make sure that each section has at least a couple of buds. Plant the section at the same depth as the original plant and keep them watered for the first season, or until they are established.

Note that some varieties of heartleaf brunnera, including the popular ‘Jack Frost’ are protected by a plant patent and may not be propagated in any form.

Types of Heartleaf Brunnera

 'Jack Frost'

The leaves of this popular cultivar have an intricate pattern that resembles a cathedral window. They are covered with a silvery white frosting interrupted by dark green veins and margins. The tiny light blue flowers in midspring last for three to four weeks. ‘Jack Frost’ grows into mounds 18 inches tall and wide. Zone 3-8

'Alexander’s Great'

The special feature of this cultivar is its spectacularly large, veined leaves: 12 inches long and 10 inches wide with green margins. Each emerging leaf spirals open into the shape of a teardrop. The plant height is about 14 inches. Zone 4-8

'Jack of Diamonds'

Nine to 10 inches long and overlapping at the base of the plant, the foliage of this variety is sure to attract attention. The leaves have a heavy silver overlay and dark green veining pattern. The flowers are baby-blue. Zone 3-8

'Sea Heart'

Two characteristics make this variety stand out. The flowers are multicolored, they are white and blue when they open, then mature to lavender-purple. The leaves with silvery-white overlay might not be as spectacular-looking as other variegated types but the variegation stands up well to summer heat. Zone 4-8

Heartleaf Brunnera Companion Plants

Astilbe

Astilbe adds a graceful, feathery accent to moist, shady landscapes. In cooler climates, it tolerates full sun, provided it has a constant supply of moisture. In drier sites, however, the leaves will scorch in full sun. Pretty plumes of white, pink, lavender, or red flowers rise above the finely divided foliage from early to late summer. Even if astilbes never bloomed, it's worth planting them merely for their handsome foliage. In spring, new foliage often emerges bright green with blushes of bronze. Some varieties hold that color all year long, and others offer deep chocolate/burgundy foliage. Zone 4-8

Coral Bells

What is true for astilbe also applies to coral bells. While these native perennials were previously grown mainly for their spires of dainty reddish flowers, coral bells are now appreciated just as much for the unusual mottling and veining of different-color leaves. The low clumps of long-stemmed evergreen or semi-evergreen lobed foliage make coral bells fine groundcover plants that grow both in sunny and shady locations. Zone 3-9

Canadian Wild Ginger

Wild ginger is not related to culinary ginger; it is grown for ornamental use only. It is a low-growing native plant that thrives in moist, shady places. This stemless plant features dark green, downy, heart- or kidney-shaped leaves with visible veining and cup-shaped purple-brown spring flowers that are often hidden beneath its foliage. Asarum canadense is a North American ginger species that requires regular moisture to look its best. It has better heat tolerance than European wild ginger. Zones 3-8

Garden Plans For Heartleaf Brunnera

Beginner-Friendly Shade Garden

This perennial shade garden plan weaves together a handful of low-maintenance, easy-to-grow plants to create a beautiful display that's practically foolproof. A witch hazel shrub serves as a focal point, especially when it begins blooming in late winter before its leaves appear. The cheerful flowers of astilbe and false forget-me-not keep up the floral show in spring, while the striking variegated leaves of hosta and Solomon's seal ensure that the garden looks colorful even when nothing is blooming.