The perennial brunner, about half a meter high, attracts attention with its large leaves and sky-blue inflorescences, similar to forget-me-nots. It differs from the latter large size, no smell, white spot center of the flower. Therefore, people long ago came up with a name for it - Forget-me-not. WITH early spring she is already in all the splendor of her splendor. Blue-eyed flowers bloom behind frosty silver leaves. Latin name received in honor of the traveler and botanist Samuel Brunner from Switzerland.
Forget-me-not has been known since ancient times - it is a relict plant. In ornamental gardening it is used for borders and group plantings. Serves as an excellent backdrop for smaller plants. Unusually enlivens large plants in the background. It forms beautiful thickets, is unpretentious, attractive, can withstand harsh winters without visible damage. Brunner curtains are decorative throughout the season.
Description of brunnera or forget-me-not
Brunnera – herbaceous perennial 45-55 cm high, it belongs to the group, whose homeland is taiga forests, banks of rivers and streams in Siberia and Asia Minor. The rhizome is thick, long with several branched stems. The pubescent large heart-shaped leaves sit on long petioles. Flowers are collected in paniculate inflorescences. The fruit is a dry nut that, when ripe, breaks into several parts. Small, few ripen by the end of summer.
Planting and care
Brunnera grows naturally in forest areas, so it tolerates shady places well. Exposure to sunlight is permissible only for a short time; open sun causes oppression and death of the plant. You can place the Brunner on open place only near a body of water. In hot regions, permanent shade is preferred. The openwork partial shade of fruit trees is an ideal option for placing brunnera.
- The soil for planting Siberian brunnera should be clayey, heavy, and moist.
- Brunnera macrophylla prefers looser, fertile soil. In one place, both species can grow without transplanting for more than 15 years or longer.
- Prefers fertilizing with organic fertilizers. For this, an infusion of mullein is prepared and fed once a month.
- You can mulch the plantings with humus in the fall so that in the spring, when the snow melts, the roots receive enough nutrients.
The rhizomes of the plant intertwine in moist soil and prevent other plants from germinating among themselves. Therefore, weeding is necessary only during transplantation and propagation, until young specimens have gained power.
The roots of the brunner are located almost on the surface, so loosening is not carried out so as not to damage them. Plantings should be mulched with humus to retain moisture in the soil longer.
Brunnera forcing is possible
- To do this, carefully dig up the rhizome with a lump of earth, transfer it to a large flowerpot with drainage holes, filled with a nutrient substrate.
- Before the onset of cold weather, you can leave the plant outdoors so that it adapts faster.
- Then it is transferred to a cool room. The soil is kept moist, avoiding overwatering.
- At good lighting Brunnera quickly begins to grow - to speed up flowering, it can be brought into a warmer room.
- Flower shoots will appear by mid-December. By experimenting with the temperature, you can achieve flowering for New Year's or other holidays.
Excellent for mixborders, borders as a background plant. Brunnera is self-sufficient in single plantings on lawns, flower beds, and borders.
Reproduction of brunners
Brunnera is propagated after it has completely faded. The roots are cleared from the ground and divided into parts. Each new plant should have a well-developed root with a renewal bud. Use your hands to stretch the rhizome in different directions, carefully helping yourself with a sharp knife. All diseased and damaged roots should be cut off, and the sections should be treated activated carbon or ash and air dry.
- The soil for planting is prepared in advance - each hole is filled with humus, and a handful of universal fertilizer is added.
- Mix everything thoroughly with the soil, place the division in the hole and straighten the roots around the circumference.
- Cover with soil and water well.
- The renewal bud after planting should be located shallow from the soil surface.
- The soil around the plant should be thoroughly compacted and sprinkled with mulch to prevent moisture evaporation.
How to sow Brunnera seeds When to plant
Seeds are sown in the garden in the fall to undergo natural stratification.. They are laid out in grooves at a distance of about 10 cm, shed with water, covered with soil, and mulched with compost or humus. In spring, plants will not appear at the same time - some will appear only the next year. They are left in the garden until autumn, periodically feeding and watering.
At the beginning of autumn, the grown ones can be transferred to permanent place. At first, new plantings should be carefully weeded and watered frequently. Plants grown from seeds do not always reproduce the parental qualities, such as variegation. They will bloom only in the 4th year of life.
Growing seedlings
- You can try to grow brunnera seedlings - to do this, they are sown in bowls or containers with dense soil and placed in the refrigerator or under the snow for stratification for 4 months.
- At the end of winter, the bowl is placed on the windowsill.
- Sprouts will appear in two weeks, but not all at the same time.
- When sowing sparsely, you can not pick them up, but lightly add soil to the container with the seedlings.
- Then they are grown as ordinary seedlings, feeding them twice a month with liquid complex fertilizer.
- Such plants will be ready for planting in the garden with the onset of warm days. They tolerate the transplant painlessly.
Vegetative propagation (cuttings, dividing a bush) is most acceptable due to its simplicity, accessibility, and ease. It also always retains its original maternal qualities. Seeds are used if it is not possible to purchase planting material. Such propagation is also beneficial if you purchased a package with a mixture of different Brunners, so you can get a lot at the same time different varieties and colors.
Diseases and pests
- Dangerous pests include aphids and whiteflies.
- This can be avoided by irrigating the plantings with tar water. Why 5 drops of tar are thoroughly mixed in 10 liters of water and watered on top of the plants from a watering can. Insects cannot tolerate the smell of birch tar and avoid such plantings.
- If pests appear en masse, it is worth treating with an insecticide.
When overwatered, brown spots appear on the leaves. And varietal plants are affected powdery mildew. To avoid this, you can remove some of the leaves if the plantings are very thick, which will serve as additional ventilation. If infected, an appropriate fungicide should be applied.
Brunnera has an amazing feature - for some reason, its rhizomes attract mice. They eat the roots of the plant and die from their toxic composition. Therefore, in areas where a lot of brunnera grows, there are practically no mice.
Forget-me-not in landscape design
Brunnera is suitable for shady, damp areas. It grows quickly and does not require any physical or financial costs. At one time, in the courtyards of many institutions, hospitals, schools, kindergartens, one could find thickets of Brunnera on the north side of the buildings, in shady places areas where other plants simply would not survive under these conditions.
Brunnera in landscape garden design photo with other plants Brunnera ‘Hadspen Cream’ with Hosta, ferns, Astilbe, Athyrium nipponicum var pictum
And the brunner grows, happily filling free space. She did an excellent job of improving unsightly places on the territory and did not require any maintenance, growing naturally in the place most suitable for her.
Such plantings look neat and beautiful and do not require any attention or care.
Wherever brunners are planted, they look elegant and attractive everywhere. A shady garden with brunners surrounded by hostas, ferns, and delphiniums acquires a zest, special uniqueness and charm.
Types and varieties of brunners with photos and descriptions
Brunnera macrophylla or large-leaved Brunnera macrophylla
Originally from the Caucasus, it is a bush that grows up to 40 cm. In Germany, for its origin it is called the Caucasian forget-me-not. The large, heart-shaped leaves are sometimes covered with white spots and have a pointed end. The flowers are dark blue with a white core, collected in panicles, bloom in May, bloom for about a month.
In the fall, a second one is possible under favorable weather conditions and good care. New leaves appear throughout the season - it does not lose its decorative effect throughout the growing season. This species is the most decorative of all the others and has become the basis for the work of breeders. As a result, many new varieties have appeared. The plant does not lose its presentable appearance and attracts attention throughout the season.
Brunner macrophila millennium silbert photo
The Millennium Zilbert variety has a silvery-white coating on large emerald leaves.
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ planting and care Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ photo
Jack Frost variety with almost white leaves and a green stripe along the edge, with small green streaks throughout the leaf blade.
Variety Variegata - a cream-colored curved line runs along the edges of this species. Some varieties have green leaves with white dots. When the plant is located in sunny places, the leaves look almost white.
Variegated brunnera hadspen cream hadspen cream photo Planting and care
Betty Bowring - with emerald green leaves and snow-white bouquets of flowers.
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass photo planting and care
Langtrees - huge dark green leaves with silvery vertical strokes across the entire surface of the leaf.
Brunnera Alexander's Great or Alexander's Greatness Brunnera macrophylla Alexander's Great photo
Brunnera sibirica
Originally from Altai, Western and Eastern Siberia. It lives in humid forests and is the most shade-tolerant of all species. She is much taller and larger than her relatives. It does not form bushes, but is a thicket of leaves. It grows quickly, forming beautiful clumps. From a strong, rapidly growing rhizome, many shoots emerge, which bear pubescent stems with wrinkled malachite leaves.
Collected with a loose panicle. They rise above the clumps from May to June. If there is a lack of moisture, they may wilt. The leaves quickly die after flowering, becoming covered with brown spots- they should be removed. With the beginning of August, new ones appear that last until frost. The seeds of this species do not have time to ripen. Therefore, vegetative propagation is preferable for him.
Brunnera orientalis
Grows in Turkey, Palestine, Iran, Lebanon. She is the shortest of all species. It is practically not used in ornamental gardening. It looks like a miniature Brunnera macrofolia. Elliptical casting about 10 cm long. It can be confused with a real forget-me-not.
Species Brunnera is more resistant to adverse weather conditions than varietal Brunnera, so little attention is paid to it. more attention to maintain appearance.
Description: There are 3 known species found in the Caucasus, Western and Eastern Siberia. Rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with large whole leaves and forget-me-not flowers collected in paniculate or corymbose inflorescences.
In decorative floriculture, 2 types are used.
| Brunnera macrofolia- B. macrophylla (Adam)Johnst.
Lives in the Caucasus mountains. The Germans call it "Caucasian forget-me-not" (Kaukasus - Vergipmeinnicht). It grows in the form of a spreading bush, from the thick and long rhizome of which several branched stems extend up to 30 cm in height, reaching 40 cm by the end of flowering. The stems are rough-pubescent, leafy. The leaves are few, oblong, basal on long petioles, heart-shaped with a sharp apex, dark green above, grayish below and rough with pubescence, up to 25 cm long. The flowers are up to 0.7 cm in diameter, in apical, paniculate-corymbose inflorescences, dark blue with a white spot in the center, externally similar to forget-me-not flowers, but forget-me-not flowers, unlike them, have a yellow “eye”. Flowering begins in late April - early May and lasts about a month. In warm, long autumn it can bloom a second time. The fruit is dry, breaking up into four wrinkled nuts. At the end of June - July, the seeds (black, small, few) ripen. The plant is winter-hardy down to -29 degrees. It has been known in culture since the beginning of the 19th century, when Russia began studying the Caucasus and the first botanical expeditions went there. Brunnera macrophylla is a true perennial. The bush can exist for up to 10-15 years without transplanting or dividing. Planted in the shade, on loose soil, it is decorative from the end of April (the appearance of leaves) until the first frost, when the leaves die. Young leaves appear throughout the season, which gives the brunnera bush an always fresh, elegant look. Brunnera macrophylla has garden forms and varieties that are valued for their variegated, broad-heart-shaped leaves. "Brunners" can be found in garden centers and from collectors. Langtrees" ("Langtrees") and " Variegata"("Variegata"), however in lately New varieties have also appeared.
"Langtrees"("Langtrees") - a variety with blue flowers and dark green leaves with silver specks, located in several rows along the periphery of the leaf blade. The variety is distinguished by its powerful growth and unpretentiousness. "Millenniumsilver"("Millenniumsilber") differs from the previous one in that it has leaves covered with large silvery-white spots over almost the entire leaf blade. "Jack Frost"("Jack Frost") has almost white (or, more precisely, silver) leaves, only the veins and a narrow strip along the edge of the leaf remain green. Another group of varieties consists of plants that have a white or cream border on leaf blade. So, for the variety " Hadspen Cream" ("Hadspen Cream") is characterized by a narrow creamy-white border on cupped leaves. Shape " Variegata" ("Variegata") or variety " Dawson's White"("Dawsons White") has a wide creamy-white border that extends into the green background with deep white tongues, creating a play of greenish-grayish shades. In sunny habitats, plants often throw out almost white leaves. On older leaves, the white border begins to turn brown, and their need to be cleaned up on time. Along with the blue-flowered ones, brunners with white star-shaped flowers appear, for example, the variety " Betty Bowring"("Betty Bowring"). Sort " Hadspen Cream"has wide leaves core-shaped with a narrow creamy-white stripe along the edges. At the end of flowering they reach 15 cm in length. Sort " Blaukuppel"is distinguished by a larger inflorescence in the form of a dome (sphere). |
 Brunnera sibirica- V. sibirica Stev.
Plant of the Altai and Sayan forests.
It is interesting that, unlike Brunnera macrophylla, the leaves of this species become covered with dark spots and dry out after the end of flowering. But at the end of summer (mid-August), new leaves begin to grow, which last until the first frost. Like any forest plant, Brunnera sibirica prefers moist, shady places. This plant is often damaged by brown spot. Photos of EDSR. |
One of the best
 Вrunnera macrophylla "Hadspen Cream" Photo Nursery "Northern Flora" |
 Вrunnera macrophylla "Variegata" Photo Nursery "Northern Flora" |
 Brunnera macrophylla "Jack Frost" Photo Mikhail Polotnov |
 Brunnera macrophylla "Mr. Morse" Photo by Andrey Ganov |
 Brunnera "Langtrees" Photo by Andrey Ganov |
 Brunnera "Looking Glass" Photo by Olena Ukleina |
Location: When placing varietal Brunner in the garden, you should choose a location where they will be illuminated by the morning rays of the sun and fall into the shade in the afternoon. In full shade, plants stretch out and lose their decorative appearance, and when grown in the sun, brunners need to ensure constant soil and air moisture, which is only possible if there is a reservoir. In hotter climates, planting them in full sun is generally not a good idea.
Brunnera "Mr. Morse"
Photo by Andrey Ganov
Soil: Brunnera sibirica prefers clayey, constantly moist soils. It grows very well on the north side of the house, where it flows from the roof. rainwater. With a lack of moisture, the leaves droop and by mid-summer the plant completely loses its decorative effect. For Brunnera macrophylla, a site with moderately moist soils is best suited. Too rich soils, especially those fertilized with fresh manure, cause active, prolonged growth of leaves, which disrupts the natural rhythm of seasonal growth and development characteristic of these species.
Care: It should be noted that Brunnera macrophylla, in which, as already noted, new leaves appear throughout the entire season, is decorative from spring to late autumn. After flowering, the leaves of Brunnera sibirica dry out quite quickly and become covered with brown spots, so it is better to cut them off in July. And already in mid-August new leaves grow, which last until frost. But neither of the brunneras have leaves that overwinter.
Caring for brunnera plantings is simple. In dense thickets of Brunnera sibirica, whose powerful rhizomes, intertwined, do not allow weeds here, care consists of cutting off leaves that have lost their decorative effect. In the conditions of Central Russia, properly planted (shade and moisture), they do not need watering. Brunnera macrophylla is less resistant to weeds. Its bush grows slowly, and weeds such as butterfly, butterwort and other long-rhizome perennials can overwhelm it. Therefore, timely weeding is the basis for the good growth of this plant. It does not need watering or fertilizers. It is not recommended to loosen the plantings, since the rhizomes are located close to the surface. No illnesses were noted.
Brunnera "Spring Yellow"
Photo by Andrey Ganov
Brunneras do not weed, but Brunnera sibirica grows so quickly due to its long rhizomes that limiting its invasive tendencies is the gardener's concern.
Reproduction: dividing rhizomes, cutting rhizomes and sowing seeds. Self-seeding possible. Brunners bloom in the spring, and therefore division and replanting are done in late summer, when the plants have already formed flower buds for next year. Planted in late July - August, divisions take root in the fall, overwinter well and bloom in the spring of next year. Please note that the Siberian Brunnera is not replanted in the spring; the large-leaved Brunnera is replanted only with a large lump of earth.
Brunnera macrophylla is a plant with a short vertical rhizome, propagated by dividing the bush. The bush is dug up, the above-ground part is cut off, the roots are cleared of soil, lowered into a bucket of water. Then the bush is divided into separate parts. It is better to follow the natural collapse of the rhizome, but if the bush is difficult to divide, use a sharp knife. But in any division there must be a renewal bud for next year and a section of rhizome. Then the division is planted in the designated place in the flower garden. It is advisable to put a label with the name next to it, so as not to forget about the plant later.
Brunnera sibirica is a plant with a branched rhizome, propagated by rhizome segments. The rhizome, located close to the surface of the earth, is dug up, freed from old rotten parts and broken into separate pieces by hand. Each segment should contain a living (not rotten or dried out) renewal bud. In Brunnera Siberia it is dark, shiny, dense - this is the basis for future successful growth. A section of rhizome (4-6 cm long) with a bud is planted in a designated place to a depth of 2-3 cm and lightly sprinkled with soil. A label with the name of the plant is placed near the planting.
Brunnera "Jack Frost" & Viola labradorica
Photo by Olga Bondareva
Usage: to create stable decorative groups It is good to use Brunnera macrophylla as part of mixborders. Brunnera macrophylla can also be used in borders, since it does not grow, keeps its shape all season, its leaves are neat, and no diseases have been noted. It can also be used for planting in shady rockeries, but in their most humidified part.
Brunnera sibirica is less valuable for flower beds, as it loses its decorative effect in mid-summer. But at the same time, this is not a capricious, quickly growing plant that forms a dense thicket (up to 50 cm in height) and is indispensable for decorating shaded, waterlogged areas in the depths of the garden or in the background of flower beds. Its advantages are rapid growth and stability. Growing does not require much time or expense.
Partners: a dense, beautiful bush of brunnera with a cloud of blue flowers above it looks great next to primrose serrata, hellebore, Colchian horny weed, bear's onion, female fern (female kochedednik), etc.
Care: Brunnera is a perennial rhizomatous plant that does not require special care.
Planting and flowering dates: The plant is planted in the second half of summer, and its flowering period occurs at the end of April - beginning of May.
Frost resistance: tolerates winter well.
General description
Brunnera grows naturally in the Caucasus, and in some countries it is called the Caucasian forget-me-not. Brunner represents
spreading bush. Its branching stems reach a height of 30-40 cm. The stems are pubescent and densely covered with oblong-shaped leaves. At the bottom of the stem there are leaves with long petioles. Brunnera flowers are small, dark blue with a white center. They form inflorescences resembling panicles and corymbs. This plant blooms for a long time in the spring (for a month) and can bloom again in the fall.
Brunner. Varieties
Brunnera macrophylla is most often used in gardening. Different varieties of this plant differ from each other mainly in the shape and color of the leaves (table).
Table. Brunner varieties
Growing conditions and care
Brunnera grows well in clay, moist soil. If there is an excess in the soil organic matter the plant begins to actively grow and breaks out of its natural biorhythm.
Brunner prefers places where there is good light in the first half of the day and shade in the second half. In such conditions, it maintains its decorative effect for a long time. If you plant this plant in a place exposed to the sun, the leaves will burn. In complete shade, the plant lacks sunlight and becomes very elongated. Grows well near water bodies.
The plant is suitable for planting along the northern walls of buildings, especially in areas where rainwater drains from the roof.
⇒ The name “brunner” is associated with the name of the Swiss botanist Samuel Brunner, who described all its species. This plant resembles a forget-me-not, which is why it was popularly called forget-me-not. There are 33 species of this plant in nature.
Caring for Brunnera is easy. If you choose the right planting location, the plant does not need watering. The overgrown rhizomes of Brunnera sibirica do not allow weeds to grow. Brunnera macrophylla grows less, so the soil where it grows must be weeded. There is no need to loosen the soil, as this can damage the superficial rhizomes. Feeding is also not needed.
Reproduction and growth characteristics
Brunnera can grow in one place for up to 15 years. At the same time, it does not need to be divided and seated. After the flowering period, young leaves continue to appear on the brunner bushes. That is why the plant is decorative for a long time - from spring to autumn.
At favorable conditions Brunnera macrophylla grows decorate flower beds until the temperature drops significantly environment. Brunnera sibirica is less decorative. After the flowering period, its leaves become stained and dry out. Therefore, the plant is pruned in July. By mid-August it is covered with leaves again and decorates flower beds before frost sets in.
Brunnera macrophylla is propagated by dividing the bush. It is first dug up with soil, then the stems are cut and excess soil is removed from the roots. To facilitate this work, the plant is first immersed with its roots in a container of water. Next, the bush is divided into several parts. Most often, the rhizomes are easily divided, and the bush easily falls apart. If necessary, you can use a knife to separate the rhizomes. There must be buds on each section of the rhizome, then the plant will grow next year. The resulting new bushes are planted in flower beds in a permanent place.
Large-leaved Brunnera can be dug up along with the soil and transplanted into a flowerpot. In order for it to take root, it is necessary to add loose nutritious soil there. The flowerpot is placed in a shaded place. If the plant is watered periodically, it will grow well. With the onset of frost, the pot is brought into a cool room, and the plant will continue to grow with good watering. It may bloom again in December.
Brunnera sibirica reproduces differently. It has very branching rhizomes, and segments of them are used for propagation. The rhizomes are first dug up, then freed from old and rotting areas, and then broken into several parts 4-6 cm long. Each part of the rhizome must have a living bud. Rhizomes are planted in the soil to a depth of 2-3 cm.
After transplanting, Brunnera is watered generously. Planted in the second half of summer, the plant manages to take root before the onset of frost, tolerates winter well, and blooms the next year.
Problems when growing Brunnera
When the ambient humidity is high, Brunnera suffers from brown spotting. Many varieties are often affected by powdery mildew. When grown in flowerpots and excessive watering Brunnera's rhizomes rot. Pests of the plant are whiteflies and aphids.
Use in design
Brunnera macrophylla is used to create mixborders, borders, and rockeries. It does not oppress other plants, since it does not grow and is always decorative, rarely getting sick.
Brunnera sibirica is planted in flower beds in the background, as well as in shady, remote areas of the garden. It grows quickly and creates decorative thickets.
Partner plants for brunnera are hellebore, bear's onion, serrated primrose, fern, and mountain weed.
Every zealous owner wants to decorate the garden with a spectacular and unpretentious plant. And brunera comes to his aid, striking with its heart-shaped patterned leaves and delicate small flowers, similar to forget-me-nots. Planting it in open ground is easy, but care requires following some rules. Choose a variety according to the photo in the catalog, study the information - and make your site a piece of paradise!
Beauty brunera: description
The brunera flower is from the borage family. It is distinguished by its significant growth - 55-60 cm, as well as the pubescence of the petioles, which support powerful heart-shaped leaves. An adult flower is more reminiscent of a shrub than a herbaceous plant, so it is used not only for landscaping gardens and flower beds, but also as a green hedge.
A striking feature is the pale blue flowers (7-10 mm in diameter) with a white center, similar to forget-me-not flowers. This is the difference from the forget-me-not, which has a yellow flower core, and also the second name, forget-me-not.
Despite the popularity of brunera, the flower has only 3 species (siberian brunera, whose flowers are distinguished by a deep blue color, large-leaved brunera, striking in its decorativeness, oriental brunera, which is not cultivated) and about 30 varieties. Each of them will delight you with a certain shade and pattern of leaves, height of the bush, and growing characteristics. You can choose a variety:
- Variegata, which will captivate with its emerald green foliage and snow-white edge. Feature - the height of the bush is 35 cm;
Variegata
- Silver Hut, striking with silvery heart patterns on the leaves. The main advantage is the undemanding nature of soil and the ability to grow in direct sunlight without loss of decorative properties;
Silver Hut
- King Ransom will appeal to those who love a mixture of green, silver and cream. Important Feature- bush height, which can reach 75 cm;
King Ransom
- Jack Frost, who looks like he's covered in frost. An important rule of care is spraying;
Jack Frost
- Looking Glass that will appeal to those who adore low-growing varieties. The height of the bush is up to 20 cm, the flowers are up to 7 mm in diameter, the foliage is silvery.
Looking Glass
Attention! When choosing a variety, pay attention to the growing characteristics and do not plant 2 different varieties near. This will make it difficult to leave!
Planting brunera in open ground: important points
Deciding to decorate with brunera own garden, you accepted the right decision. She is so unpretentious that even an experienced gardener will be amazed. It is enough just to remember that the flower does not tolerate direct sunlight, which causes burns of the leaves and loss of decorativeness. That's why best place- partial shade or shade, location - closer to the water. In this case, you will not need to water the plant again, and it will delight you with its amazing foliage color all season long!
But if care does not require much labor, then planting a new bush is the opposite. You should stock up on time and patience - and then your garden will be decorated with more than one brunera bush.
Usually planting a new bush is associated with dividing an old one that has already grown. Taking into account that brunera is capable of living in one place for up to 15 years, it can be divided and propagated every 3rd year. To do this you need:
- trim mother bush up to a height of 15-20 cm. The time for dividing the bush and planting is late July-early August;
- dig up the root, rinse well in water;
- divide into parts. Usually the bush disintegrates on its own, if not, you should resort to using a knife;
- dip the roots of each new bush in a preparation that stimulates their growth, plant them in holes at a distance of at least 50-70 cm from each other;
- water.
Attention! It is prohibited to replant brunera in early spring, as is done with many other flowers. This is fraught with disease of the bush and its death.
Flower care: basic rules
Brunera will not require significant effort from you, pleasing you with healthy appearance and a powerful bush. Important condition - right place planting (shade or partial shade, high humidity). However, in order for the flower to feel as comfortable as possible, it is necessary:
Brunnera bushes need to be sprayed regularly
- moisturize young bushes by spraying if there is not enough moisture or it is a hot summer. Watering - moderate, once every 10-14 days;
- feed the brunera with complex mineral fertilizers. It responds well to feeding, so 3-4 times per season will be quite enough;
- mulch the ground around the bush to maintain constant moisture. Do not forget that the roots of brunera are located close to the surface of the earth, so moisture is vital for them to obtain nutrients.
Brunera is a winter-hardy plant that can withstand frosts down to -30°C. This suggests that it is not worth covering it, but you can mulch the root zone.
The flower is not prone to disease, but in hot and rainy summers it can develop powdery mildew or brown spot. Great solution in this case - copper-containing drugs. In this case, spraying should be repeated after 10-14 days to avoid relapse.
Bruner in the garden, or a story about those who are able to keep her company
Perennial brunera - great option for landscaping complex areas of the garden, as well as creating a true miracle near a barbecue area, swimming pool or gazebo. To do this, it is enough to select interesting plants in the company of a Bruner, with whom she will be glad to be in the neighborhood.
Brunera goes well with many other plants
Such plants can be:
- periwinkle, low-growing salvia, ranunculus - on the first line;
- some of the perennials whose height will not reach 30 cm. Great option- tulips, lilies of the valley and even snowdrops, which are well suited to a semi-shaded and humid place;
- tea or climbing roses in the background. The greenery of brunera and roses will create a unified palette, but the flowers will delight with contrast.
Creating landscape design in a certain style is a delicate and multifaceted matter. But in a few years you can create a real natural masterpiece on your site, consisting of annual flowers and perennial plants, shrubs and low-growing trees, even large ones. Why not?
And later, while enjoying your holiday in the garden, you will remember that it all started with a forget-me-not. A flower-shrub that I liked for its foliage shades and cute flowers.
Planting brunera in open ground: video
A plant such as Brunnera or Brunnera is directly related to the genus of herbaceous perennial plants of the borage family. This genus includes 3 species. These plants are found naturally in Western and Eastern Siberia, the Caucasus and Asia Minor. This flower was named after the Swiss S. Brunner, who is known as a traveler and botanist. Only 2 types of brunnera are cultivated, namely: Siberian and large-leaved. These plants are most often used to create borders and for stable decorative groups as part of mixborders.
Features of Brunners
Brunera is a herbaceous plant that is a perennial; the bush can reach 45–50 centimeters in height. There is pubescence on the surface of branched shoots. Large, whole, long-petioled sheet plates have a broad heart-shaped shape. The small blue flowers (0.5–1 centimeter in diameter) are similar in appearance to forget-me-nots, which is why this plant is also popularly called forget-me-not. Such flowers are part of paniculate or corymbose inflorescences. Flowering begins in April and lasts 4 weeks, possibly re-blooming V autumn time. The flower of this plant differs from the forget-me-not in that the spot inside it is colored not yellow, but white. The fruit is a nut. This low-maintenance plant grows and forms spectacular thickets. It is winter-hardy, but does not perform well during hot, dry periods. Without replanting, brunera can be grown in the same place for about 15 years.
Planting brunneras
Under natural conditions, such a plant prefers to grow in the forest, and therefore it is shade- and moisture-loving. When choosing a site for planting, you must take this into account. In hot areas, it is necessary to choose a shaded area for planting brunera, as the scorching rays of the sun can destroy it. In areas with a less hot climate, this flower should be planted in a slightly shaded place, or you should choose an area that will be in the shade after lunch. If you plant it next to a pond, then such a plant can withstand direct rays of the sun. Clay moist soil is suitable for planting, while the Siberian brunnera is more demanding on the composition of the soil than the large-leaved one. Planting and transplantation are carried out in last days July or early August. Spring transplant Brunera is tolerated very poorly. At this time, only Brunnera macrophylla can be transplanted, and it is necessary to take a relatively large earthen ball. Planting should be done in evening time or on a cloudy day.
How to plant correctly
Most often, planting Brunnera macrophylla is combined with flower division. After the bush has faded, it must be dug up. Then the root system must be freed from the soil, while immersing it in a container of water. After this, the bush is divided into parts, while maintaining the natural collapse of the rhizome. If necessary, a very sharp, pre-sterilized knife should be used to cut the rhizome. When dividing, it should be taken into account that each division must contain roots, as well as a bud for next year’s restoration. Plant the cuttings in the holes and then water them well.
Brunnera sibirica can be propagated by cuttings of rhizomes. It is located very close to the ground surface. From the dug up rhizome, it is necessary to cut out the old areas, as well as those on which there is rot. Then it is divided by breaking it so that on each resulting division there is a living renewal bud. The length of the divisions can vary from 4 to 6 centimeters. Each division is planted separately, buried 2–3 centimeters into the soil, then watered very well.
When the plants are planted, the surface of the soil is sprinkled with a layer of mulch (limestone, sawdust, tree bark, wood ash or coffee grounds).
Caring for Brunnera in the garden
The rules for caring for Brunnera Siberia and Brunnera macrophylla differ. Large-leaved brunnera preserves attractive appearance throughout the entire growing season, and if you choose the right place for it when planting (shaded with moist soil), then you can forget about caring for it until the onset of autumn. All this species needs is systematic weeding, which must be carried out, but it should be taken into account that the soil cannot be loosened, because the plant’s root system is located very close to the soil surface.
After the Siberian brunnera fades, brownish spots will begin to form on its leaf blades. Then the leaves will begin to fade and it is recommended to remove them in mid-summer. In the second half of August, the brunnera should grow young leaves that can last until the first frost. This species is not afraid of weeds, and it also does not need watering (natural precipitation is enough) and loosening the soil, because the root system is also located quite close to the soil surface. If the summer turns out to be very hot, then the brunners, regardless of the type, will need to be watered periodically, immediately after the leaves begin to droop.
Reproduction of brunners
The above describes in detail how to propagate Brunnera by dividing the rhizome. It should be taken into account that variegated forms can only be propagated in this way. It is quite possible to grow the species Brunnera from seeds, but due to early frosts it rarely has time to set seeds. But you can always purchase the seeds of such a plant in a specialized store. The seeds of this flower are very small. It is recommended to sow them in open ground before winter (in autumn). For spring sowing the seeds must be prepared; for this they should be subjected to stratification, which lasts 3 or 4 months. To do this, you can sow them in a box and then bury it in the snow outside, but the easiest way is to put them on the refrigerator shelf. It should be taken into account that it is much easier to propagate Brunnera by division than by seeds, and it often propagates itself by self-sowing.
Pests and diseases
If in summer time If there is a lot of rain, then such a plant may develop brown spotting; the infection will be indicated by spots appearing on the leaf blades. Brunera can also become infected with powdery mildew. All infected parts must be removed from a diseased specimen, and then it must be treated with any fungicidal agent (for example, Bordeaux mixture).
Also on this flower Whiteflies and aphids may settle in. To destroy them, it is recommended to treat the bush with Karbofos or Actellik.
Wintering
Preparing Brunnera for the coming winter is very simple. Leaf blades need to be cut off in the fall, as they do not die off on their own. There is no need to cover these flowers, because they are quite winter-hardy, however, experienced gardeners recommend covering the area with a layer of mulch (peat, compost or humus).
Main types and varieties with photos and names
Brunnera macrophylla
In natural conditions it can be found in the Caucasus Mountains, in connection with this the Germans also call it this plant"Caucasian forget-me-not". It looks like a bush. Branched leafy shoots extend from the rhizome, their surface is rough and pubescent. The bush reaches a height of 30 to 40 centimeters. The basal long-petioled leaf plates have an oblong-heart-shaped shape with a pointed top part. Their front side is painted dark green color, and the underside is grayish, because it is rough and has pubescence. Small (diameter about 0.7 centimeters) dark blue flowers have a white center. They are part of the apical inflorescences of a paniculate-corymbose shape. Flowering begins in the last days of April and lasts 4 weeks. If it is warm in the autumn, then re-blooming is quite possible. Cultivated since the 19th century.
Popular varieties:
- Millennium Silber. There are large whitish-silver spots on the leaf blades.
- Jack Frost. The leaf blades are painted silver, and green veins are clearly visible on their surface. There is a narrow border of green color.
- Hadspen Cream. The length of the wide heart-shaped leaf plates is about 15 centimeters. They have a narrow border of creamy white color.
- Langtrees. Along the periphery of the dark green leaf blade there are small silvery dots. The flowers are blue.
- Variegata. On the leaf blades there is a wide strip of creamy white color, which extends into the green part with deep tongues. Bushes growing in sunny places have almost white leaves.
Under natural conditions, it is found in the forests of Altai and Sayan. This species is much larger and more beautiful than Brunnera macrofolia. The thickness of the long rhizome is about 10 millimeters. The glandular-pubescent shoots are solitary and can reach a height of 60 centimeters. This species forms thickets. Dense heart-shaped basal leaf plates have a long petiole and a wrinkled surface. Stem leaves are sessile, almost lanceolate. Small (diameter 0.5 centimeters) dark blue flowers have a white center. They are part of complex paniculate inflorescences. Flowering begins in May and lasts 20 days.
Gardeners love Brunnera because of its variegated foliage and small blue flowers that appear in early spring. It is also unpretentious in care, and the variety of varieties allows you to decorate your flower garden and create a beautiful site design.
Description
Brunnera is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Gimletaceae family. Named after the Swiss scientist Samuel Brunner.
To create borders and mixborders, Siberian and large-leaved brunnera are used.
The plant is not large, reaches a height of up to half a meter with wide-heart-shaped leaves and pale blue flowers, similar to forget-me-not flowers. Flowers appear in early spring and bloom for a month. With proper care, the plant can bloom again in the fall.
Brunia is easy to care for, grows in a permanent place for up to 15 years, forming beautiful thickets. The plant is very beautiful and withstands severe frosts, however, it does not tolerate extreme heat and drought.
Types and varieties of Brunei
Two varieties are used in landscape design:
- Brunnera macrophylla ( Brunnera macrophylla)
The Caucasus is considered the birthplace of Brunei, and therefore it received the name “Caucasian forget-me-not” or “Brunnera forget-me-not”. The plant is bush-like, reaches a height of up to 40 cm, has dark blue flowers with a white core, reaching a diameter of up to 7 mm. Throughout the season, the plant looks elegant due to the constant appearance of new leaves. "Caucasian forget-me-not" has become popular for its wide-heart-shaped, variegated leaves.
This species became known in the 19th century.
The most common varieties of Brunnera macrofolia are:
Brunnera macrophylla jack frost.
This variety has large leaves silver-white color, with a green border and veins. Serves as a garden decoration from early spring to late autumn. Fern, heuchera and bergenia will look ideal next to this plant.
Variegata
The variegated plant differs from other varieties only in the beauty of its leaves. They are green in color with a creamy white border. It is also called Variegata variegata. The only downside of this variety is that by the beginning of autumn the leaves burn.
Looking Glass
A low-growing bush, grows up to 30 cm, grows well in any place.
Kings Ransom
The leaves are large, silver in color with a bluish tint. Loves the shade, and when correct landing the plant will decorate the flower garden until late autumn.
- Siberian Brunnera (Brunnera sibirica)
This species is large, grows up to 60 cm and, unlike the previous variety, it does not bush, but grows in dense thickets.
Blooms in late spring. After the plant fades, the leaves dry out and become covered with dark spots. New leaves grow in early autumn and last until the first frost. The plant grows well in the shade, in moist, clay soil.
Brunnera macrophylla: planting and care
Brunnera is a “forest dweller” and therefore she needs to choose a place for planting in the shade or partial shade. In open sun, the plant will only survive next to a pond.
Large-leaved Brunnera is planted at the end of summer. It is better not to plant it in the spring, since at this time it is very vulnerable to disease, but if you purchased a bush in the spring, it must be planted with a large lump of earth. Planted in the evening and on cloudy days.
Reproduction
Reproduction by dividing the bush
When transplanting, the flower must be divided to rejuvenate the bush. To do this, after flowering, the entire upper part is cut off, leaving a small stump, and the rhizome is dug up.
The root must be washed under running water to remove the soil and cut into a certain number of pieces with a sharp knife. It must be remembered that each cut part must have its own growth bud. To prevent disease, sections must be treated with charcoal.
The divided and treated plant is placed in a prepared hole so that the growth bud is buried 2-3 cm into the ground. After this, the plant must be watered generously.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of large-leaved brunnera are very difficult to collect and therefore they are purchased for planting in flower shops.
Sowing is carried out:
- in autumn - in holes or grooves;
- if the seeds are sown in the spring, they must be hardened in advance, 4 months before planting.
Disadvantage seed propagation brunia means that the plant can bloom only in the 4th year.
Since the plant grows very quickly, the bushes are planted at a distance of 30 cm to half a meter from each other.
Caring for Siberian and large-leaved Brunnera
Large-leaved brunnera is unpretentious in care. If the right place is found for the plant, then watering should be moderate and only in hot summer. A plant planted in a sunny place needs regular watering, otherwise due to lack of moisture, it will lose its beautiful appearance.
Large-leaved brunnera needs constant weeding, but you need to loosen the soil around the bush very carefully, since the roots of the plant are located very close to ground level.
Errors in growing and plant diseases
- The main problem when growing large-leaved brunnera is planting in full sun. As a result, the plant's leaves dry out from sunburn and it dies.
- Due to increased moisture, brunera can be affected by powdery mildew and brown spot. You can get rid of the disease by spraying the plant with fungicides.
- The most dangerous pests for brunners are aphids and whiteflies. You can fight these “unexpected guests” with the help of Karbofos.
Use in landscape design
How you can use a plant in landscape design:
Large-leaved brunnera: preparation for wintering
The end of Brunnera flowering is at the end of July. Faded flower stalks are removed, leaving decorative leaves that will decorate summer cottage plot until the first frost.
Brunnera is winter-hardy, but when cold weather sets in, it is necessary to cut off the leaves and fill the resulting stump with sawdust, peat, fallen leaves or humus.
brunera plant
The perennial brunner, about half a meter high, attracts attention with its large leaves and sky-blue inflorescences, similar to forget-me-nots. It is distinguished from the latter by its large size, lack of smell, and a white spot in the center of the flower. Therefore, people long ago came up with a name for it - Forget-me-not. Since early spring it is already in all the splendor of its splendor. Blue-eyed flowers bloom behind frosty silver leaves. The Latin name was given in honor of the traveler and botanist Samuel Brunner from Switzerland.
Forget-me-not has been known since ancient times - it is a relict plant. In ornamental gardening it is used for borders and group plantings. Serves as an excellent backdrop for smaller plants. Unusually enlivens large plants in the background. It forms beautiful thickets, is unpretentious, attractive, and can withstand harsh winters without visible damage. Brunner curtains are decorative throughout the season.
Description of brunnera or forget-me-not
Brunnera (Brunnera) - a herbaceous perennial 45-55 cm high, belongs to the Borachnikov family, whose homeland is taiga forests, banks of rivers and streams of Siberia and Asia Minor. The rhizome is thick, long with several branched stems. The pubescent large heart-shaped leaves sit on long petioles. Flowers are collected in paniculate inflorescences. The fruit is a dry nut that, when ripe, breaks into several parts. Small, few ripen by the end of summer.
Planting and care
Brunner large-leaved planting and care photos
Brunnera grows naturally in forest areas, so it tolerates shady places well. Exposure to sunlight is permissible only for a short time; open sun causes oppression and death of the plant. You can place the Brunner in an open place only near a body of water. In hot regions, permanent shade is preferred. The openwork partial shade of fruit trees is an ideal option for placing brunnera.
- The soil for planting Siberian brunnera should be clayey, heavy, and moist.
- Brunnera macrophylla prefers looser, fertile soil. In one place, both species can grow without transplanting for more than 15 years or longer.
- Prefers fertilizing with organic fertilizers. For this, an infusion of mullein is prepared and fed once a month.
- You can mulch the plantings with humus in the fall so that in the spring, when the snow melts, the roots receive enough nutrients.
The rhizomes of the plant intertwine in moist soil and prevent other plants from germinating among themselves. Therefore, weeding is necessary only during transplantation and propagation, until young specimens have gained power.
The roots of the brunner are located almost on the surface, so loosening is not carried out so as not to damage them. Plantings should be mulched with humus to retain moisture in the soil longer.
Brunnera forcing is possible
Brunnera variegata brunnera macrophylla variegata forcing photo
- To do this, carefully dig up the rhizome with a lump of earth, transfer it to a large flowerpot with drainage holes, filled with a nutrient substrate.
- Before the onset of cold weather, you can leave the plant outdoors so that it adapts faster.
- Then it is transferred to a cool room. The soil is kept moist, avoiding overwatering.
- In good light, Brunnera quickly begins to grow; to speed up flowering, it can be brought into a warmer room.
- Flower shoots will appear by mid-December. By experimenting with the temperature, you can achieve flowering for New Year's or other holidays.
Excellent for mixborders, borders as a background plant. Brunnera is self-sufficient in single plantings on lawns, flower beds, and borders.
Reproduction of brunners
Growing Brunnera macrophylla, planting and care photo
Brunnera is propagated after it has completely faded. The roots are cleared from the ground and divided into parts. Each new plant should have a well-developed root with a renewal bud. Use your hands to stretch the rhizome in different directions, carefully helping yourself with a sharp knife. All diseased and damaged roots should be cut off, the sections should be treated with activated carbon or ash and dried in air.
Reproduction of Brunnera by division of rhizomes
- The soil for planting is prepared in advance - each hole is filled with humus, and a handful of universal fertilizer is added.
- Mix everything thoroughly with the soil, place the division in the hole and straighten the roots around the circumference.
- Cover with soil and water well.
- The renewal bud after planting should be located shallow from the soil surface.
- The soil around the plant should be thoroughly compacted and sprinkled with mulch to prevent moisture evaporation.
How to sow Brunnera seeds When to plant
Brunnera flower silver wings brunnera silver wings planting and care photo of seedlings
Seeds are sown in the garden in the fall to undergo natural stratification.. They are laid out in grooves at a distance of about 10 cm, shed with water, covered with soil, and mulched with compost or humus. In spring, plants will not appear at the same time - some will appear only the next year. They are left in the garden until autumn, periodically feeding and watering.
At the beginning of autumn, the grown seedlings can be moved to a permanent place. At first, new plantings should be carefully weeded and watered frequently. Plants grown from seeds do not always reproduce the parental qualities, such as variegation. They will bloom only in the 4th year of life.
Growing seedlings
How to grow brunnera from seeds photo seedlings
- You can try to grow brunnera seedlings - to do this, they are sown in bowls or containers with dense soil and placed in the refrigerator or under the snow for stratification for 4 months.
- At the end of winter, the bowl is placed on the windowsill.
- Sprouts will appear in two weeks, but not all at the same time.
- When sowing sparsely, you can not pick them up, but lightly add soil to the container with the seedlings.
- Then they are grown as ordinary seedlings, feeding them twice a month with liquid complex fertilizer.
- Such plants will be ready for planting in the garden with the onset of warm days. They tolerate the transplant painlessly.
Vegetative propagation (cuttings, dividing a bush) is most acceptable due to its simplicity, accessibility, and ease. It also always retains its original maternal qualities. Seeds are used if it is not possible to purchase planting material. Such propagation is also beneficial if you have purchased a package with a mixture of different Brunner, this way you can get many different varieties and colors at the same time.
Diseases and pests
- Dangerous pests include aphids and whiteflies.
- This can be avoided by irrigating the plantings with tar water. Why 5 drops of tar are thoroughly mixed in 10 liters of water and watered on top of the plants from a watering can. Insects cannot tolerate the smell of birch tar and avoid such plantings.
- If pests appear en masse, it is worth treating with an insecticide.
When overwatered, brown spots appear on the leaves. And varietal plants are affected by powdery mildew. To avoid this, you can remove some of the leaves if the plantings are very thick, which will serve as additional ventilation. If infected, an appropriate fungicide should be applied.
Brunnera has an amazing feature - for some reason, its rhizomes attract mice. They eat the roots of the plant and die from their toxic composition. Therefore, in areas where a lot of brunnera grows, there are practically no mice.
Forget-me-not in landscape design
Brunner in landscape design photo mixborder
Brunnera is suitable for decorating shady, damp areas. It grows quickly and does not require any physical or financial costs. At one time, in the courtyards of many institutions, hospitals, schools, and kindergartens, one could find thickets of Brunnera on the north side of buildings, in shady areas of areas where other plants simply would not survive under these conditions.
Brunnera in landscape garden design photo with other plants Brunnera ‘Hadspen Cream’ with Hosta, ferns, Astilbe, Athyrium nipponicum var pictum
And Brunnera grows, happily filling the free space. She did an excellent job of improving unsightly places on the territory and did not require any maintenance, growing naturally in the place most suitable for her.
Brunnera macrophila in landscape design photo
Such plantings look neat and beautiful and do not require any attention or care.
Wherever brunners are planted, they look elegant and attractive everywhere. A shady garden with brunners surrounded by hostas, ferns, and delphiniums acquires a zest, special uniqueness and charm.
Brunnera in combination with tiarella photo of mixborder Tiarella & Brunnera
Types and varieties of brunners with photos and descriptions
Brunnera macrophylla or large-leaved Brunnera macrophylla
Originally from the Caucasus, it is a bush that grows up to 40 cm. In Germany, for its origin it is called the Caucasian forget-me-not. The large, heart-shaped leaves are sometimes covered with white spots and have a pointed end. The flowers are dark blue with a white core, collected in panicles, bloom in May, bloom for about a month.
Brunnera macrophylla Sea Heart planting and care photo
In autumn, a second wave of flowering is possible under favorable weather conditions and good care. New leaves appear throughout the season - it does not lose its decorative effect throughout the growing season. This species is the most decorative of all the others and has become the basis for the work of breeders. As a result, many new varieties have appeared. The plant does not lose its presentable appearance and attracts attention throughout the season.
Brunner macrophila millennium silbert photo
The Millennium Zilbert variety has a silvery-white coating on large emerald leaves.
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ planting and care Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ photo
Jack Frost variety with almost white leaves and a green stripe along the edge, with small green streaks throughout the leaf blade.
Brunnera variegata flower photo in the garden
Variety Variegata - a cream-colored curved line runs along the edges of this species. Some varieties have green leaves with white dots. When the plant is located in sunny places, the leaves look almost white.
Variegated brunnera hadspen cream hadspen cream photo Planting and care
Betty Bowring - with emerald green leaves and snow-white bouquets of flowers.
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass photo planting and care
Langtrees - huge dark green leaves with silvery vertical strokes across the entire surface of the leaf.
Brunnera Alexander's Great or Alexander's Greatness Brunnera macrophylla Alexander's Great photo
Brunnera sibirica
Siberian Brunnera sibirica planting and care photo of flowers in the garden
Originally from Altai, Western and Eastern Siberia. It lives in humid forests and is the most shade-tolerant of all species. She is much taller and larger than her relatives. It does not form bushes, but is a thicket of leaves. It grows quickly, forming beautiful clumps. From a strong, rapidly growing rhizome, many shoots emerge, which bear pubescent stems with wrinkled malachite leaves.
Blue flowers are collected in a loose panicle. They rise above the clumps from May to June. If there is a lack of moisture, they may wilt. After flowering, the leaves quickly die off, becoming covered with brown spots - they should be removed. With the beginning of August, new ones appear that last until frost. The seeds of this species do not have time to ripen. Therefore, vegetative propagation is preferable for him.
Brunnera orientalis
Brunnera orientalis photo
Grows in Turkey, Palestine, Iran, Lebanon. She is the shortest of all species. It is practically not used in ornamental gardening. It looks like a miniature Brunnera macrofolia. Elliptical casting about 10 cm long. It can be confused with a real forget-me-not.
The species Brunnera is more resistant to adverse weather conditions than the varietal variety, so it receives a little more attention to maintain its appearance.
Gardeners value the plant because its variegated decorative leaves appear in the garden earlier than others, and its small blue flowers are among the first to please the eye in flower beds. They exude pleasant aroma, which you manage to miss during the long winter. In addition, Brunnera is unpretentious in care, and varieties can be selected in accordance with the characteristics of landscape solutions.
Types of Brunnera
This perennial has only three species, two of which are cultivated. The most popular is the large-leaved variety, whose natural habitat is the Caucasus Mountains. That's why this type the flower is often called "Caucasian forget-me-not". Slightly inferior to it in popularity is Brunnera Sibirica, which, as you might guess, grows in the forests of Siberia. There is also Brunnera eastern, whose homeland is eastern countries: Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, Türkiye, Iran. But it is not cultivated in ornamental gardening. Therefore, further we will talk only about the first two types of plants.
Did you know? The flower received its official name thanks to the Swiss botanist and traveler Samuel Brunner, after whom it was named. People often call it magnificent forget-me-not, false forget-me-not, forget-me-not, although brunnera and forget-me-not itself belong to different species.
Brunnera macrophylla
This type of flower grows in a small bush. It produces rough-pubescent, branched stems that reach a length of up to 40 cm. The oblong basal leaves have a sharp apex and a heart-shaped shape. Located on long petioles, pubescent, rough and gray below, and dark green above. The flowers are dark blue with a white spot at the core and have a diameter of up to 7 mm. Collected in paniculate corymbose apical inflorescences. They bloom in mid-April, flowering lasts about a month. In a warm autumn, the bush may bloom for the second time in a year. 
Among the most popular varieties can be called:
- brunnera macrophylla Jack Frost, which has silvery, almost white leaves with green veins, as well as a green border along the edge of the leaf;
- Millennium Silber distinguished by leaves with large silvery-white spots;
- Langtrees blooms with blue flowers, has dark green leaves, which are strewn with silvery specks on the periphery;
- Hadspen Cream produces heart-shaped wide leaves up to 15 cm in length, the edges of which are decorated with a white-cream border;
- Brunner Variegata also has a wide white-cream stripe on the edges of the leaves, but it extends into the green parts of the leaf in deep tongues. If the variety is planted in the sun, the leaves will become almost white.
Siberian Brunnera (Brunnera sibirica)
This species is larger and more spectacular than the previous one. It has a long and thick rhizome, produces pubescent single stems that reach a height of up to 60 cm. It does not grow as a bush, but in dense thickets. Moreover, its leaves are not the same. Those that grow on stems are practically lanceolate and sessile. The basal ones are dense, wrinkled, sit on long petioles and have a heart-shaped shape. Brunnera of this species, when in bloom, produces dark blue flowers up to 5 mm in diameter with a white eye. They are collected in paniculate inflorescences and last for three weeks. The plant begins to bloom in May.
Choosing a location and soil for brunnera
As already mentioned, the flower is relatively unpretentious, and is not particularly picky about the planting site. But when different conditions its decorative effect can be brighter or smoothed out. Thus, the plant looks most impressive in partially shaded areas, when it receives enough sunlight before lunch and is in the shade after lunch. With this planting, Brunnera does not even require special watering.
Brunnera grows much worse in a dark garden or in full sun. In the latter case, it sharply loses its decorative effect, and also requires constant watering. An exception may be sunny areas near bodies of water. In extreme heat and insufficient moisture, the flower may dry out, but quickly revives when watering is resumed.
The large-leaved plant species prefers moderately fertile and moist, drained and loose soils. It does not require fertilizing, as it provokes intensive leaf growth, which causes the flower to lose its attractiveness.
The Siberian species grows well in clayey and moist soils. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in northern areas and monitor soil moisture. Unlike the previous species, it practically does not require weeding, as it has a powerful rhizome.
When deciding where to plant brunnera, give preference to the north side of the house, the shore of a pond, or a place under fruit trees.
Important! The plant does not like fertilizers, especially fresh organic matter. Moreover, it can grow in one place for up to 15 years.
Planting and propagation of brunners
Reproduction and planting of a plant depend on its type. In any case, after planting, the area must be mulched with tree bark, limestone, sawdust, ash or coffee grounds.
Growing brunnera from seeds
The flower can be grown from seeds. Large-leaved varieties sometimes sow on their own if this is encouraged weather conditions. They can be collected in early June, but before planting they require a long stratification - at least two months. Therefore, it is recommended to plant them in the fall for the winter. The sown plant produces its first flowering in the third year after planting.
Important! Varieties with decorative variegated leaves They do not reproduce by seeds.
Dividing the Brunnera macrophylla bush
The most reliable propagation of Brunnera is by dividing the bush. By the end of summer, the bush is carefully dug up along with a lump of earth, then the shoots are cut so that stumps remain. The soil from the roots must be removed, but very carefully. To do this, the bush is dipped in water and then immediately planted until the roots dry out. Make sure that each new bush has a root up to 5 cm long and a bud from which a stem will grow the next year.
The delenki are planted in the ground, not deeply buried, sprinkled with soil on top and watered. Keep in mind that the flower loves space, but grows quite quickly. It is recommended to do this planting in October-November, since in the spring the plants take root worse and require additional care: shading of young animals in extreme heat and constant watering. In this case, care should be taken to ensure that the soil is not overly wet. Spring planting takes place in April, the cuttings are immersed in the ground with a lump of earth.
Division of rhizomes of Brunnera sibirica
Brunnera of this species requires special rules for planting and care. open ground. So, it cannot be planted in the spring. In the best way reproduction will be division of the rhizome. To do this, the root is dug up in mid-summer and divided into 5-6 cm pieces so that each has a bud. The resulting seedling material is planted to a depth of 3 cm and watered well. A plant propagated in this way will bloom the next year.
Selection of neighbors for brunneras and use in garden design
Brunnera has found its application in landscape design. It is used in rockeries, borders, mixborders. The flower looks ideal in shady parts of reservoirs, near stones.
Did you know? Any type of flower looks impressive when the bush grows more than 30 cm in diameter. Therefore, you need to think carefully about the planting location so as not to frequently replant the plant.
Ideal neighbors for brunners are plants with leaves. decorative forms and colors. This could be lungwort, hellebore, heuchera, astilbe, rogersia, ferns, junipers, buttercups, hydrangeas, hostas, tulips, daffodils and others.
How to care for brunnera in the garden
If you choose the right planting site, Brunnera does not require special care. It grows quickly and suppresses all kinds of weeds. However, desired plants may also be damaged. Therefore, they plant it so that there is enough space for growth.
Brunnera blooms last just over 20 days. After this, dry inflorescences and withered leaves must be removed. By the end of summer the plant will acquire fresh leaves. Large-leaved varieties keep their decorative leaves until late autumn, but they also grow more slowly. Therefore, these varieties require a little more careful care: periodic weeding and watering. 
Important! In autumn the plant may bloom again. It is recommended to remove autumn inflorescences so that the flower does not weaken before winter.
The root system of the plant is located close to the surface, so it is better to avoid loosening. If the flower is planted on a hill, it is better to mulch it.
Brunnera pests and diseases, ways to combat them
The flower is not prone to disease. Sometimes brown spots may appear on it. It arises from too frequent watering or during the rainy summer. The Siberian species can be affected by powdery mildew. To combat these diseases, fungicides are used, for example, Bordeaux mixture. Before processing the plant, all diseased parts must be removed from it.