Download False Forget-Me Not - CSU Extension in El Paso County

False Forget-Me Not - A Shade Plant with Some Excitement!
By Diane Betts, Colorado Master Gardener.
What is it: Siberian bugloss (Brunnera Macrophylla ) also known as False Forget-Me-Not
Appearance: For a surprise this spring start cultivating Brunnera. Featured in the top photo is ‘Jack
Frost' which was chosen as the perennial of 2012 by the Perennial Plant Association. This cultivar
has variegated leaves that give the plant a silver-like cast. Even though the leaves are a dark green,
the heavily frosted overlay provides a crackle-like finish. From mid-to late-spring, tiny sky-blue forgetme-not type blossoms dance in clusters above the shimmering foliage. These are one of the few true
blue flowers you’ll find for your garden and definitely worthy of searching out in local nurseries. (You
won't find them at the big box stores.)
'Jack Frost' Brunnera also known as False Forget-Me-Not does well in dappled shade.
Landscape Use: Perfect for woodland settings, Brunnera are valued for the shade tolerance,
delicate blooms and perfectly shaped appearance. Give them enough space to get pleasingly plump.
Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart. Considered a ground cover by some, these plants can play a
more dramatic role in your garden if you let them. This year’s early spring rains were great for my
mature plants giving them an abundance of flowers and a significantly larger profile than normal: 15inches high and 12-inches wide. Masses of heart-shaped leaves provide great texture and form, so
use Brunnera in rock gardens, containers or as a contrast against low-lying perennials. Brunnera is a
superb companion to Hostas, Ferns, and my favorite, Bleeding Hearts. If the foliage does get a bit
ratty as the weather warms, cut it to the ground
to encourage new growth. Check out this CSU
fact sheet on Flowers for Mountain Communities:
www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/Garden/07406.html
The photo shows Brunnera with Bleeding Heart
in the background.
Cultivation: Plants are happy in any shady area
that stays moist, but not soggy. Generally, they
prefer acidic soil but they are not fussy about
conditions. The soil can be sandy or clay just as
long as its well-drained. Easy to grow, Brunnera
will self seed and appear around the garden in
other places. Not to worry, plants seed in
summer and can be easily transplanted once
they've become established in the fall.
However cultivars, such as Jack Frost, must be
propagated by division, since they do not come
from true seed. The ‘Jack Frost' variety in
particular tolerates heat better than the other
older Brunnera cultivars. Some other cultivars to
consider: 'Langtrees' is a long time favorite and
has deep green leaves with slivery dots.
'Hadspen Cream' has pale green leaves
bordered with creamy white markings. No
afternoon sun for this one! Brunnera are deer resistant, at least for now. Zones 3-7.
When you have questions, your Colorado State University Extension office has research-based
answers. For answers to your horticultural questions, contact the Colorado Master Gardener Help
Desk at 520-7684 or email [email protected].
Extension Programs are available to all without discrimination.