The Brunnera macrophylla is a genus from the borage family (Boraginaceae) and is commonly named Siberian bugloss or great forget-me-not. The Siberian bugloss is native to the Caucasus region.
The Brunnera macrophylla grows best in partial shade to full shade and does not like afternoon sun. If the soil is moist enough the Brunnera macrophylla tolerates quite some sun. The Siberian bugloss prefers moist and humus-rich soil and is a very good ground cover. The Brunnera macrophylla is tolerant to clay soils and salt. The Siberian bugloss slowly spreads through rhizomes.
Propagation is easy: simply dig up the clump and divide it. It is best to do this in spring.
The Brunnera macrophylla ‘Silver Spear’ has beautiful, large, silvery leaves with green veins. The leaves emerge in spring. Initially the leaves are fairly small and soon the stems with beautiful, blue, little flowers appear. I like the bloom best in April. You can see the flowers very well because of the small leaves. In May there are fewer flowers and larger leaves develop. Those larger leaves partly obscure the remaining flowers. The foliage is almost luminous, which makes it ideal for brightening up a shady spot.
The leaves of the Brunnera macrophylla ‘Silver Spear’ are slightly whiter than those of the Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ with tips that are a bit pointier.
Attracts bees: yes
Characteristic: newly emerging every year
Exposure: part shade/shade
Flower colour: blue
Flowering time: March - June
Foliage colour: green/white
Fragrant flower: no
Hardiness: -40 ºC/-40 ºF
Height: 30 cm/12 inches
Soil: normal/moist