Queen of Hearts Heartleaf Brunnera

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Heres where things get a little shady...for plants, that is. Queen of Hearts Heartleaf Brunnera is one of the prettiest spring blooming shade foliage perennials that you will find anywhere. Growing in partial or full shade, Brunnera, or False Forget Me Nots as they are commonly called, can brighten your shade garden and give you beautiful petite blue flowers for about 8 weeks in the spring, then look gorgeous with their distinctive silver patterned foliage for the rest of the season. You are going to like this perennial! Native to Siberia, or more specifically the Caucasus region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, Brunnera is hardy in Zones 3-8, and grows in all regions of the United States except the extreme southern coast and parts of the California coast. Also nicknamed Siberian bugloss, brunnera does not, unfortunately, have any bug repellent properties. The name bugloss actually refers to the appearance of the leaves, resembling an oxs tongue. Queen of Hearts Heartleaf Brunnera Care Although it is not particular about soil pH, brunnera does require a location that is mostly shade, and has consistently moist soil without being soggy. The native habitat for brunnera is one of contrasting conditions, but growing brunnera in your garden does not have to be complicated. It tolerates a wide variety of soil pH and has one major requirement for successful growing: consistently moist soil with excellent drainage. Rich, well composted organic soil that is mulched, if need be, to keep it constantly moist, will result in the best performance for your new perennial. Tolerating some morning sun, it grows best with part to full shade. Water to maintain moisture, and fertilize with a general purpose fertilizer if your soil is particularly poor. Deadheading will actually prolong the bloom season, encouraging a second flush of the small blue flower with a white center. The foliage will die back completely in the fall and return anew the next spring. Brunnera will reseed itself if not deadheaded. Divide the plant every 4 to 5 years for best results. Queen of Hearts Heartleaf Brunnera Spacing Space your plants 28 to 36 inches apart as these shade perennials will reach 18 inches high and spread out 36 inches wide. While not bothered by many insect pests, brunnera can be attractive to snails and slugs. Bees are attracted to the flowers in the spring. Brunnera makes a wonderful container plant as well as being massed out in your shady landscape. They make great companions for hosta, another great shade loving perennial.