Description

Brunneras are classic perennials that are treasured for their shade tolerance and lovely blooms. ‘Hadspen Cream’ produces light blue flowers and large, light apple-green leaves with irregular creamy white margins. Brunnera is a woodland plant that should be grown in full shade and consistently moist, rich soils. Variegated leaf margins will burn in afternoon sun. Little care is needed once Brunnera is established. Cut back the old foliage in the spring rather than in the fall; it will help to protect the crown during the winter. A winter mulch is also recommended. Clumps slowly spread by creeping rhizomes and self-seeding to form thick ground covers. Seedlings of variegated forms may not come true (may lose variegation). Common name of bugloss means ox tongue in Greek, and refers to the roughness and shape of the leaves. One of the few deer resistant shade plants, Brunnera have a unique leaf texture that is often left alone by browsing animals. Height: 1-1.5 ft. Spread: 1.5-2 ft. Family: Boraginaceae Bloom time: April to May Sun: part shade Water: medium Naturalize, groundcover Deer resistant photo credit: David Stang