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. Hailing from 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 original that has retained its pristine character and reliability.

First to impress is its decorative foliage. Large heart-shaped leaves form a luxurious carpet, over which tiny blue flowers drift in April and May, reminiscent of forget-me-nots. Plant breeders have cultivated several interesting cultivars—some bearing white flowers, others displaying striking variegation on the leaves. Regardless of your choice, even after flowering, the foliage continues to expand, becoming ever more impressive and lending the garden undeniable beauty well into autumn.

This is a plant for shaded and semi-shaded corners where little else thrives. It pairs beautifully with hostas, astilbes, and geraniums, creating picturesque compositions in the garden. Brunnera demands consistently moist soil but is undemanding as to its composition—the key is that it should be fertile and not dry out in summer heat.

This plant offers practical advantages too: it is rarely troubled by disease, seldom bothered by pests, and requires no fussy care. Water generously, feed lightly, and it will reward you for two decades in one spot. If you seek a simple-to-maintain plant with significant decorative potential, Siberian Bugloss is precisely 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