Is Brunnera aggressive?
No, Brunnera spreads slowly but is not aggressive or invasive. Brunnera are most easily propagated from root cuttings in winter that are grown on in the greenhouse but the clumps are also easy to divide in winter and this is the simplest solution.
What is the lifespan of Brunnera?
Once established, little care is required other than supplemental watering and light feeding. When nutrients are not available to brunnera the leaves turn yellow. The color change is difficult to correct once the natural frosting, veining, or variegation is lost. Life span can be expected anywhere from 3-10 years. Other standout selections like brunnera macrophylla ‘queen of hearts’ and brunnera macrophylla ‘sterling silver’ provide unique variegation and texture. Brunnera is an excellent companion plant for hostas, ferns, and astilbes, creating layered, visually appealing shade gardens.Brunnera pairs well with other shade-tolerant perennials. Here are some good choices: Ferns: Their delicate fronds add a different texture, and their love for shade makes them a perfect match for Brunnera. Hostas: The large, often variegated leaves of Hostas provide a striking contrast to the finer-textured Brunnera.Maintenance: A very hardy and easy to grow perennial, Brunnera requires only occasional water, cutting back in the fall (it is herbaceous) and deadheading at the end of its bloom time in May. Propagation is best done by division, and only as needed, since older, undivided clumps will have bigger leaves.
How large does Brunnera get?
Brunnera, once called false forget-me-not, develops clusters of pure sky-blue flowers in the early spring, making it an ideal companion for flowering bulbs such as tulips and narcissus or other early perennial bloomers such as bleeding heart. The plants grow 12 to 18 inches tall. Hardy from zones 3 to 8. Attractive Blooms: In spring, Brunnera produces clusters of small, bright blue flowers that resemble forget-me-nots. These delicate blooms add a touch of color to the shade garden and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
What are the benefits of growing Brunnera?
Brunnera Benefits Brunnera macrophylla is low-maintenance and resistant to many garden pests. Slugs don’t like this plant, which makes it a great substitute for hostas. Deer and rabbits also give it a wide berth. Bees find an early nectar source in the tiny blue spring flowers. Pests and diseases: Brunnera is free of most pests and diseases. Pests can include nematodes, slugs or snails.