The Botanical Diary
S
Flowers

Siberian Bugloss

Brunnera macrophylla
Also known asSiberian bugloss, false forget-me-not

The foliage becomes even larger and more beautiful after flowering—decorative throughout summer and autumn.

Regions
all regions
Colour
Блакитний
Siberian Bugloss (Siberian bugloss, false forget-me-not)
🌸
Bloom
April–May
☀️
Light
Shade / напівтінь
💧
Watering
High
📏
Height
0,3–0,5 m
❄️
Hardiness
Zone 3b

Siberian Bugloss is one of the most beloved plants among European gardeners, and deservedly so. Native to the forests of Siberia and the Caucasus, it has adapted with ease to gardens on any continent. This perennial has changed little since its first scientific description — a true natural specimen that has retained its pristine character and dependability.

The decorative foliage will strike you first. Large heart-shaped leaves form a luxurious carpet, across which tiny blue flowers bloom in April and May, resembling forget-me-nots. Plant breeders have developed several interesting varieties — some with white flowers, others with striking variegated foliage. Yet regardless of your choice, even after flowering the foliage continues to expand, becoming ever larger and more striking, bestowing undeniable beauty on the garden until late autumn.

This is a plant for shaded and semi-shaded corners where little else grows. It harmonises beautifully with hostas, astilbes, and geraniums, creating picturesque garden compositions. Brunnera demands consistently moist soil and is undemanding as to its composition — the main requirement is that it remains fertile and does not dry out in summer sun.

This plant offers practical advantages too: it is almost disease-free, rarely troubled by pests, and requires no laborious maintenance. Water generously, feed moderately — and it will delight you for two decades in one location. If you seek an easy-to-maintain plant with great ornamental potential, Brunnera is exactly what your garden needs.

Location & soil

Siberian Bugloss — planting & location

LightShade / напівтінь
Soil typemoist, rich, рН 5,5–7
Planting timeApril або August–September
Plant spacing0,3–0,5 m
Planting depth10 см

Large decorative foliage, ideal for shaded locations.

Water needs

How to water Siberian Bugloss

IntensityHigh
FrequencyEvery 7 days (в)
Volume10–12
MethodAt the base

Do not allow the soil to dry out during hot weather.

Annual care

Fertilizing and pruning: Siberian Bugloss

Spring fertilizingNitrogen (April)
Summer fertilizingNo feeding required
Autumn fertilizingSuperphosphate (August)
Pruning timeAfter flowering (видалити суцвіття)
Pruning typeSanitary

Remove spent flower clusters; remove foliage in autumn.

Cold hardiness

Siberian Bugloss — winter hardiness & care

Hardiness zoneZone 3b
Winter coverConifer branches 7–10 cm deep
Cover timingNovember
Plant protection

Diseases and pests of Siberian Bugloss

Diseases
Борошниста роса в спеку
Pests
Слимакиравлики
Garden design

What grows well with Siberian Bugloss?

Хоста, астільба, герань