Brunnera macrophylla 'Silver heart'
Common Name(s):
Silver Heart Brunnera
Heartleaf brunnera
Synonym:
False-Forget-Me-Not
Flower:
Blue
Blooms :
Apr
to:
May
Tiny star shaped blue flowers with tiny white eyes
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Boraginaceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Foliage:
Gray-Green
Basal leaves heart shaped form a mound which remains attractive through the growing season. Smaller upper leaves are elliptical.
Fall Color?
YES
The foliage maintains its colors intofall
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
Trace back to the Netherlands where it was discovered as a sport and later patented
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
3
Water Needs:
M
Sun Needs:
Shade
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
6-12"
Spread:
12-24"
Growth Rate:
Slow
Native Habitat:
Cultivar so has no native habitat
Soil:
Prefers consistently moist, organically rich soils in shady areas. Generally intolerant of dry soils.
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Medium
Fertilizer:
Balanced slow-release fertilizer or top dressing with compost in spring
Mulch:
Apply a 2-4" layer of shredded bark, leaf mold or high quality compost
Plant in partial to full shade, keep soil consistently moist, need humus rich well-draining soil, a 1-2" layer of organic mulch, clip spent flowers after bloom, divide every 3-4 years in early spring or fall
Long Term:
Winter:
Let foliage die back naturally, apply winter mulch
Spring:
Cut back previous seasons withered or damaged foliae to the ground, make sure soil is evenly moist, fertilize in early spring, after bloom snip flower stalks to base, can divide
Summer:
Keep soil evenly moist, mulch if not done in spring, remove damaged leaves, make sure in part to full shade
Fall:
Do not prune, add mulch, reduce watering but do not let the soil dry out, can divide
General Care Comments:
Prefers part to full shade, soil must be kept consistently moist, plant in soil rich in organic matter, mulch with organic bark, do not prune in fall
Common Problems
Plants may self seed in optimum growing conditions.
Diseases:
Powdery mildew, root rot, bacterial leaf spot, blight, rust
Insects:
Aphids, spider mites, scale, mealybugs
Environmental Problems:
Foliage may scorch in hot summer sun.
Pests:
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