Siberian bugloss (brunnera) Brunnera macrophylla
Siberian bugloss (brunnera) (Brunnera macrophylla) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Boraginaceae family, native to Caucasus. It grows 30–45 cm (12–18 in) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
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Siberian bugloss (brunnera) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Mature height | 30–45 cm (12–18 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Caucasus |
| Common in gardens of | 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇸🇪 Sweden |
Is Siberian bugloss (brunnera) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Siberian bugloss (brunnera)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Siberian bugloss (brunnera)
- How far apart should I plant Siberian bugloss (brunnera)?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Siberian bugloss (brunnera) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Siberian bugloss (brunnera) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Siberian bugloss (brunnera)?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Siberian bugloss (brunnera) flower?
- From about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Siberian bugloss (brunnera) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in standard poison references.
- What grows well with Siberian bugloss (brunnera)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Siberian bugloss (brunnera). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Forget-me-not sprays over heart-shaped leaves in spring; silver-netted ‘Jack Frost’ brightens dark shade.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Borage Borago officinalis
- Comfrey Symphytum officinale
- Woodland forget-me-not Myosotis sylvatica
- Lungwort (pulmonaria) Pulmonaria officinalis
- Heliotrope Heliotropium arborescens
- Tree echium (giant viper's bugloss) Echium pininana
- Virginia bluebells Mertensia virginica
- Pride of Madeira Echium candicans