Brunnera macrophylla (Siberian Bugloss)

Resembling Forget-Me-Nots, Brunnera macrophylla (Siberian Bugloss) are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with large, ovate or heart-shaped basal leaves and pretty sprays of small bright blue flowers in spring. Although their clouds of bright blue flowers add cool and striking color to the landscape, Brunneras are mostly valued for their beautiful foliage which creates a lush carpet of deep green or variegated leaves.

• Beginning in early to mid – spring, sprays of dainty flowers unfurl above the plant for weeks and can last through early summer.
• The flowers are followed by large, heart-shaped, long stalked leaves, which reach their full size only after the flowers have faded. The bold and luminous foliage has a rough, hairy texture and can reach up to 6 in. across (15 cm). Evergreen in warm areas, the dense foliage remains attractive during the whole growing season. Commonly deep green, there is a bevy of new varieties that have incredibly colorful foliage. The leaves can display silver markings or frostings or be variegated. 
• Short in stature, Brunneras slowly spread by creeping rhizomes and form tidy clumps, up to 1-2 ft. tall (30-60 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). They are often used in masses or as billowy ground covers.
• Part shade to full shade lovers, Brunneras thrive in organically rich, moist and well-drained soils. Dry soils to be avoided!
• Brunneras are fairly resilient to most pests and diseases, deer and rabbit resistant and are easy to care for.
• Low-maintenance plants, they may be used as specimen plants or massed as a ground cover. Wonderful additions to beds and borders, woodland gardens, naturalized areas or along streams and ponds.
• Deadhead after flowering if self-seeding is not desired.
• Pruning is essential for good looks and health. Promptly remove unsightly foliage, whether damaged from sun, drought, or pests.