'King's Ransom' Brunnera

Over the past decade heartleaf brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla), aka Siberian Bugloss and Alkanet, has become a popular spring flowering perennial in U.S. and Canadian gardens (USDA plant hardiness zones 3 – 8). Native to Russia brunnera need little care when properly sited. Sprays of tiny blue-petalled /yellow centered forget-me-not flowers explode into a blue haze in mid-spring.

Brunneras continue to get better and better with several sensational cultivars recently introduced. The old-fashioned green leaf species from your grandmother’s garden have been transformed into gorgeous foliage creations.

Plants grow low and wide. Medium green leafy mounds stand 10 to 12 inches high and 18 to 24 inches wide. Bottom leaves on 1-2 year old plants may size 3–4 inches in diameter, and even broader on older plants under optimum growing conditions.

In the warmer Southern zones (6 – 8), shelter brunneras in partial to full shade and in moist compost-rich soils to avoid summer leaf scorch. Two-year old established brunneras will tolerate moderate drought. Plant foliage is highly disease and pest resistant, but may become marred by nematodes in late summer. Mulching proves to be highly beneficial in preventing this malady.

Brunneras make great shade garden companions with foam flower (Tiarella spp.), coralbells (Heuchera spp.), barrenworts (Epimedium spp.), Solomon seal (Polygonatum spp.), small-leaved hostas (Hosta spp.), and many others. Popular cultivars include:

‘Jack Frost’ – green-veined circular leaves with matted silver coating (sport of ‘Langtrees’).
‘Looking Glass’ – glossy silver leaf surface (sport of ‘Jack Frost’)
‘King’s Ransom’ – frosty coated leaf surface and creamy white margins
‘Langtrees’(aka ‘Aluminum Spot’) – dark green leaves with prominent silver flecks at leaf center which radiate out.
‘Sea Heart’ – pink-budded, opening blue flowers; thick silvery leaves with prominent dark green venation; heat and humidity tolerant.
‘Silver Heart’ – large thick pure silver foliage, netted with light green veins; heat and humidity tolerant.