Brunnera macrophylla - Siberian Bugloss

Brunnera macrophylla, also known as the Siberian Bugloss, gets its name from the resemblance of its flowers to those of the forget-me-not, as well as its origins. This sturdy perennial plant, which blooms in the forests of Eastern Europe and Northwest Asia, is an excellent groundcover plant for partially shaded areas of the garden. Plant it in cool, humus-rich soil, away from direct sunlight: over time, it will form beautiful clumps and self-seed spontaneously.

Brunnera macrophylla, also known as Siberian Bugloss, is an herbaceous perennial belonging to the Boraginaceae family, just like forget-me-nots and borage. It is grown for its delicate flowers that resemble forget-me-nots, as well as its ground-hugging habit that forms a thick carpet of deciduous foliage, which remains decorative from spring until early autumn. In April-May, for a period of three weeks, numerous small blue flowers emerge from the ground, simultaneously with the rough leaves, forming light paniculate clusters (conical-shaped clusters) of at least 20 cm (8in). If the first bloom is removed when it fades, there may be a second bloom in autumn. This vigorous Brunnera can reach a height of about 45 cm (18in) when flowering, and its foliage forms a generous mound of large green heart-shaped leaves, which are slightly hairy,  and have a final length of 12 to 14 cm (5 to 6in). The clumps slowly spread with their rhizomatous roots. The Siberian Bugloss often self-seeds in shaded areas of the garden. The foliage may dry out in summer during abnormal drought, but will recover with the return of rain. During winter, only dead leaves remain on the ground, protecting the stump from the cold.

Very hardy, down to at least -20°C (1°F), the Siberian Bugloss is an excellent groundcover when planted under deciduous trees and shrubs, on the edge of a woodland, or even along the banks of a pond. This perennial is also very decorative in shaded pots and containers. It is also a good border plant that works wonders in wild gardens or fairly loose perennial borders; for example, combine it with dead nettles, blue hostas, purple coral bells, bleeding hearts, polychrome spurge, or columbines. It pairs well with spring-flowering bulbs, especially small-flowered daffodils and tulips, in partial shade.