Brunner planting and care in open ground, replanting, propagation. Shade-tolerant brunnera: types and their characteristics, planting, care, methods of propagation Brunnera flowers

Plant Brunnera (lat. Brunnera), or brunera, belongs to the genus of perennial herbaceous plants of the Borage family, numbering only three species, representatives of which grow in Eastern and Western Siberia, Asia Minor and the Caucasus. The Brunner flower received its Latin name in honor of the Swiss traveler and botanist Samuel Brunner. Two types of brunnera are grown in culture - large-leaved and Siberian. Brunnera in landscape design is usually used for borders and stable decorative groups as part of mixborders.

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Planting and caring for brunnera (in brief)

• Landing: end of July or beginning of August.
• Bloom: from the end of April to the end of May.
• Lighting: bright light in the morning, and partial shade in the afternoon.
• The soil: clayey, moderately moist to wet.
• Watering: only during periods of prolonged drought.
• Feeding: Not needed.
• Reproduction: variegated forms - only vegetatively: by dividing a bush or rhizome, the species Brunnera can be propagated by seeds, subsequently it self-sows.
• Pests: aphids and whiteflies.
• Diseases: powdery mildew, brown spot.

Read more about growing brunnera below.

Brunner flower - description

Brunnera is a perennial herbaceous plant 45-50 cm high with branched pubescent stems, large whole broad-heart-shaped leaves on long petioles and blue, forget-me-not-like flowers with a diameter of 5-10 mm, collected in corymbose or paniculate inflorescences, because of which it is popular among the people. called a forget-me-not. Brunnera blooms from April for a month, but can bloom again in the fall. However, unlike the forget-me-not, the brunnera flower does not have a yellow spot inside, but a white one. The fruit of Brunnera is a nut. Brunnera forms beautiful thickets, it is unpretentious, very attractive and winter-hardy, but does not like heat and drought. In one place the plant can grow up to 15 years.

Planting brunneras

When to plant brunnera

In nature, Brunnera grows in forests, so it loves moisture and tolerates shade well. Based on this, you should choose a site for it. In hot regions, it is better to plant Brunnera in the shade so that the plant does not die from strong sun. In cooler areas, you can plant the plant in partial shade or in areas that do not receive afternoon sun. In direct sun, Brunnera can only grow near bodies of water. The plant needs clayey, moist soil, and Siberian Brunnera is much more demanding in this regard than large-leaved Brunnera. Brunnera is planted and replanted in late July or early August. In the spring, replanting is fraught with diseases for the plant, since at this time of year it is most vulnerable. Only large-leaved Brunnera can be replanted in the spring, and only with a large lump of earth. Brunners are planted on a cloudy day or in the evening.

How to plant Brunnera

Planting of Brunnera macrophylla is usually carried out simultaneously with plant division. A faded bush is dug up, the above-ground part is cut off, the roots are cleared of soil by soaking them in a bucket of water, and then the bush is divided into parts, following the natural collapse of the rhizome. If necessary, you can cut the roots with a sharp, sterile knife. Each division must contain part of the rhizome and a bud for next year's renewal. The cuttings are planted in holes prepared in advance, not forgetting to water the plants generously after planting.

Brunnera sibirica reproduces by cuttings of rhizomes that lie very close to the surface. The rhizome is dug up, old and rotten areas are removed, broken into pieces 4-6 cm long so that each contains a living renewal bud, after which parts of the rhizome are planted to a depth of 2-3 cm and watered abundantly.

After planting, the area of ​​land around the brunner is mulched with sawdust, limestone, tree bark, you can even use coffee grounds or ash as mulch.

Caring for Brunnera in the garden

How to care for Brunnera

Growing Brunnera sibirica and Brunnera macrophylla have their differences. Brunnera macrophylla is decorative throughout the growing season, and with proper planting (in the shade, in moist soil) one could not think about it until the fall. But this type of brunnera has problems with weeds, so it has to be weeded regularly, and it is not recommended to loosen the ground around it, since the root system of the brunnera is located very close to the surface. As for the Siberian Brunnera, after the end of flowering it quickly loses its decorative effect, brown spots appear on its leaves, they dry out, and it is better, of course, to remove them in July, especially since in mid-August new leaves will appear on the Brunnera that will remain until frost. The Siberian Brunnera is not afraid of weeds; there is no need to loosen the ground around it for the same reason as in the area with large-leaved Brunnera, and it does not need watering - natural precipitation will be enough. However, in abnormally dry summers, both types of brunnera need watering - the condition of its leaves will tell you that it is time to water the plant.

Reproduction of brunners

In the section on planting brunnera, we told you about ways to propagate the plant by dividing the bush and dividing the rhizome. By the way, variegated forms of Brunnera reproduce in exactly these ways - vegetatively. It is also possible to propagate the species Brunnera by seed, but the plant sets seeds poorly - it does not have time due to frost. Therefore, to grow brunners from seeds, it is better to purchase seed material in the store. Small brunnera seeds are sown in open ground before winter, but if you decide to sow the seeds in the spring, keep in mind that they need three to four months of stratification, for which the brunnera seeds must be placed in the refrigerator or sown in a box and buried in the snow for the winter . However, there is no point in growing brunnera from seeds, since it easily propagates vegetatively, and in addition, self-seeding of brunnera very often occurs.

Pests and diseases of Brunnera

If the summer is rainy, the Brunnera in the garden may develop brown spot, causing spots to appear on its leaves. The plant may also be affected by powdery mildew. In the fight against these diseases, you will be helped by the timely removal of diseased parts of the plant and treatment of brunnera with a fungicide - Bordeaux mixture, for example.

Among the pests that are dangerous to the plant are aphids and whiteflies, which are destroyed by treating the brunners with a solution of Actellik or Karbofos.

Brunnera after flowering

Preparing brunners for winter

Planting and caring for brunnera in open ground does not involve any difficulties, and there will be no problems when preparing the plant for wintering. Brunnera leaves do not die off on their own in the winter, so they should be cut off. The plant overwinters well without shelter, but it is better to mulch the soil in the area with brunnera on the eve of winter with compost, peat or humus.

Types and varieties of brunners

Brunnera macrophylla

It naturally lives in the Caucasus Mountains, which is why the Germans call it the “Caucasian forget-me-not.” It grows as a bush - branched, rough-pubescent leafy stems up to 30-40 cm high extend from the rhizome. Its leaves are basal, oblong, heart-shaped with a sharp apex, on long petioles, dark green on the upper side of the plate, rough and pubescent on the lower side , and therefore grayish. Dark blue flowers up to 7 mm in diameter with a white spot in the middle, collected in apical corymbose-paniculate inflorescences, bloom at the end of April and fade a month later. In warm autumn, re-blooming may begin. This species has been in culture since the 19th century. The best varieties of Brunnera macrophylla:

• Millennium Silber– the leaves of this brunner are covered with large spots of silvery-white color;
• Brunner Jack Frost- a plant with almost white, or rather, silvery leaves, on which green veins and a narrow green border along the edge of the leaf are clearly visible;
• Hadspen Cream– brunnera with wide heart-shaped leaves up to 15 cm long with a narrow white-cream border along the edges;
• Langtrees– a variety with dark green leaves with silver speckles along the periphery of the leaf blade and blue flowers;
• Brunner Variegata– the leaves of this variety are marked with a wide white-cream stripe, extending into the green field with deep tongues. In bright sun the leaves grow almost entirely white.

Brunnera macrophylla is a perennial, unpretentious plant, characterized by high winter hardiness and shade tolerance. Growing quickly under the crowns of trees or in the shade of shrubs, brunnera bushes remain decorative and attractive all season long, until frost. The most spectacular foliage of the perennial is: silvery, with green veins or green, with light splashes and a bright border, depending on the variety.

The plant is so hardy and resilient that it requires almost no care. There are only some rules of agricultural technology for growing a crop related to its morphological characteristics and preferences. All tips for planting, propagating and caring for Brunnera macrophylla are in this collection of material.

Brunnera macrophylla, plant description

Brunnera macrophylla or, as it is also called, forget-me-not, is an unpretentious perennial of the Borage family. When comparing it with forget-me-nots, they mean a similar pale blue flowering, differing only in the color of the core of the flowers.

The plant was named after the botanist and traveler from Switzerland Samuel Brunner. The species received the second part of its name due to the large and beautiful lower leaves of the crop.

The perennial is easy to care for, winter-hardy, moisture-loving and very attractive. In one place, a crop can grow for up to 15 years.

Beautiful, spreading bushes grow quickly and reproduce easily.

Brunnera macrophylla is the owner of decorative leaves, heart-shaped and lanceolate, reaching up to 20 cm in width. The basal leaves are much larger than those located on top, and the foliage becomes smaller towards the top of the shoot. The petioles of large leaves are long, while those of small leaves are short or completely absent. The leaf blade is slightly pubescent, dark green above, lighter below.

• The rhizome of the forget-me-not is short, thick, horizontal. Adventitious roots are thin, thread-like.
• The stem of Brunnera is straight and single, reaching a height of up to 60 cm. The entire length of the shoots is covered with short hairs.
• Peduncles develop from the axils of the apical leaves. Small flowers are collected in inflorescences - a loose panicle or shield. The corollas are blue or dark blue, with a white core. Flowering begins in April-May and lasts about a month. Sometimes Brunnera blooms a second time in the fall.

• The fruit of Brunnera is very small (up to 3 mm), represented by a nut.
• The natural habitat of the plant is the Caucasus region. Most often, Brunnera grows in shady forests or meadows, along rivers or lakes. In most countries it is cultivated as an ornamental plant.

Brunnera macrophylla, varieties

The genus Brunner includes only three species: large-leaved, Siberian and eastern. The type of Brunnera macrophylla is considered the most attractive for gardening. Breeders most often use this species to develop new varieties. Intervarietal differences, as a rule, come down to different shapes and colors of leaves. Let's look at the most popular varieties of Brunnera macrophylla.

Brunnera macrophylla Jack Frost

Translated, the word “frost” means “frost”. Indeed, the variety is distinguished by light, silvery leaves (as if covered with frost) with pronounced green veins and a border along the edge of the leaf blade. The bushes are large and spreading, up to 60 cm in height. The variety has increased frost resistance and moisture-loving properties.

Brunnera macrophylla Silver Wings

The variety is distinguished by large decorative leaves, densely planted with silvery spots. The bushes are neat, compact, and do not grow. The height of the bush does not exceed 40 cm. The variety prefers shaded and moist growing areas.

Brunnera macrophylla Hudspen Cream

The variety is characterized by the presence of wide, heart-shaped leaves, up to 15 cm long. The leaf blade is colored green, with a thin light border along the edge.

Brunnera macrophylla King's Ransom

It has large light gray leaves with pronounced dark green veins. The bush grows up to 40-50 cm in height and is distinguished by abundant flowering. The culture grows well in partial shade, in well-moistened soil.

Brunnera macrophylla Langtrees

The Langtrees variety is characterized by dark green leaves with silver speckles.

• Brunnera macrophylla Variegata

A low variety, reaching no more than 35 cm, with green leaves and a pronounced wide light cream border. The plant does not like bright sun, where the foliage loses its attractiveness and turns white. Drought can cause the plant's leaves to drop.

• Brunnera macrophylla Millennium Silber

The emerald leaves of this Brunnera variety are covered with white spots. Growing conditions are similar to other varieties.

• Brunnera macrophylla Looking Glass

The variety is distinguished by light, silvery leaves with green veins. Small flowers - soft blue shades. The bush is short (up to 35 cm), compact, and holds its shape well. Ideal for borders and rockeries.

• Brunnera macrofolia Silver Hut

The name of the variety translates as “silver heart” and fully reflects the appearance of Brunnera leaves. The silvery tint of the entire leaf blade, with a narrow green border, gives the bushes an unusually decorative appearance. The height of the plant does not exceed 40 cm, and the diameter of the bush is about 50 cm.

Brunnera macrophylla, planting features

Brunnera macrophylla is a perennial herbaceous plant, perfectly suited for planting and growing in open ground.

Place for planting Brunnera macrophylla

Taking into account the morphological characteristics of the crop, it is important to choose the optimally favorable place for planting it.

• A place for planting perennials is chosen in partial shade (for example, near trees or near the northern part of the house). Strong shadow, just like direct sunlight, negatively affects the development of brunnera, significantly reducing its decorative qualities. In the shade, the shoots begin to thin and elongate, and in the sun, the leaves turn pale and fall off.

• Brunnera is a moisture-loving plant. This should be taken into account when planting the plant. Lowlands, partially shaded areas near water bodies, and water flowing from the roof are the best options.
• The soil for the unpretentious brunnera is clayey, dense, moist, without excess fertilizer. Too rich and nutritious soils, paradoxically, disrupt the natural biorhythm of the plant.

Agricultural technology for planting Brunnera macrophylla

• Planting brunnera usually coincides with the process of dividing it. After the bush has completely bloomed, cut off its entire above-ground part (leaving 10 cm of shoots). Then the plant is dug up and, having cleared and washed the roots from the soil, the bush is divided into several parts. The main condition is the presence in each division of a part of the rhizome with a bud for renewal next year. To plant parts of the bush, prepare holes in advance, cover the young plant tightly with soil and water it generously with water. When planted correctly, the root collar of the plant should be at ground level.

• Brunnera macrophylla also reproduces successfully using part of the rhizome. The perennial rhizome has a horizontal surface arrangement, so it is easy to dig up. The rhizome is divided into several parts (about 5-6 cm long) with a bud for renewing the future shoot. Such sections of rhizome are placed in shallow (up to 3 cm) holes, the soil is compacted and watered. It is better to mulch the planting site with sawdust or bark, which will maintain a humid microclimate for a long time.

• The perennial can be replanted in spring or summer (after flowering), in cloudy weather or in the evening. For successful replanting, it is necessary to keep as large a lump of earth as possible near the roots of the plant. According to gardeners, the most successful period for replanting is the end of summer.
• Considering that Brunnera grows quickly, when planting, you should maintain a distance between plants of 30 to 50 cm.

Brunnera macrophylla, plant care

Both planting and caring for the Brunner require a minimum of effort. But the spectacular appearance of the plant can delight others from spring until frost. The fact is that after flowering the crop does not lose its leaves, thereby maintaining its attractiveness throughout the season. Withered peduncles and inflorescences can be removed so as not to spoil the beauty of the decorative foliage.

Caring for perennials is simple and comes down to basic measures: weeding, watering, pest control. Let's look at some of the features of cultivating this herbaceous plant.

• Weeding must be done carefully, not deeply, taking into account the superficial occurrence of the roots of the Brunnera. It would be better to pull out the weeds by hand and then mulch the area. This will help avoid the growth of weeds and injury to the brunnera rhizome.
• Watering, in the absence of natural precipitation, should be regular and plentiful. Mulch will help retain moisture around the plant longer. If the soil is moist, there is no need to water the plant additionally. Constant stagnation of moisture can lead to rotting of the plant roots.

• To rejuvenate adult bushes, when the middle of the bush noticeably thins out, they are periodically divided and transplanted to a new location.
• Of the fungal diseases that affect perennials, you should be wary of “brown spot,” when characteristic spots appear on the foliage. Powdery mildew can also attack the leaves and shoots of Brunnera. Most often, rainy, damp weather provokes the development of these fungal diseases. Removing damaged parts of the plant and treating them with a fungicide (for example, Bordeaux mixture or phytosporin) will help in the fight against them.
• Among the pests that pose a danger to brunneras are insects such as whiteflies and aphids. When attacking a plant, pests are destroyed with a solution of Karbofos, Actellik or tar soap.
• When preparing a plant for winter, above-ground shoots are cut off (leaving 10-15 cm of stumps), and the soil is mulched with peat, fallen leaves or compost. The perennial does not need additional shelter.
• Once planted, Brunnera grows very quickly, “clogging” surrounding plants. Therefore, you should periodically limit and control the growth of bushes, and when planting, leave enough space for growth.

Reproduction of Brunnera macrofolia

• The most popular and simplest types of vegetative propagation of brunners (part of a bush and rhizome) were discussed in the section “Agricultural planting techniques”.
• There is another method of propagation - seed. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to collect seed material yourself, since they often do not have time to ripen properly due to the onset of frost. Sometimes, under favorable weather conditions, perennial self-seeding occurs.
• Brunnera macrophylla seeds can be purchased in specialized stores or nurseries.
• The seed method of propagation does not always preserve the morphological characteristics of the maternal individual.
• Another disadvantage is the rather long period of development from a seed into an adult bush, which can bloom only in the 3-4th year of life.
• If the seeds are sown in the fall, they are sown in open ground, in holes or grooves. When sowing in spring, the seeds are pre-stratified (hardened) for 3-4 months.

Application of Brunnera macrophylla in landscape design

• Decorative brunner bushes fit perfectly into the design of borders, paths or rockeries. At first, during the flowering period, the sky-blue cloud of inflorescences touches and pleases the eye. But even after flowering, the unusually attractive foliage makes the brunnera bush no less spectacular.

• In flower beds, mixborders and alpine slides, perennials are used as the lower tiers of plants. And given the unpretentiousness and hardiness of the perennial, it becomes one of the favorites when landscaping a site.

• The unusual color of the leaves sets off Brunnera macrophylla favorably against the background of other plants: ferns, junipers, wild garlic, etc. The silver-colored leaves look especially bright against the background of the usual green mass.

• Brunnera feels most comfortable near bodies of water, thereby decorating the shores and nearby landscapes. Rocky hills with brunner bushes planted between the stones will look exotic.

• When designing a landscape, it is important to use such properties of Brunnera as shade tolerance, unpretentiousness and moisture-loving properties. Perennials planted under trees or shrubs will be able to grow and expand well, while many other (sun-loving) plants in the shade will slow down their growth and may die.

conclusions

• Brunnera macrophylla has high decorative qualities thanks not so much to its flowers, but to the unusual shape and color of the foliage.
• The perennial herbaceous plant is unpretentious and resilient, grows quickly and reproduces easily.
• Planting and caring for Brunnera macrophylla does not require special knowledge or skills. This plant is ideal for growing by novice gardeners.

Brunnera macrophylla, photo

Video: “Brunnera macrophylla planting and care”

Video: “Brunnera flower - planting and care in open ground, types and varieties of Brunnera”

Today, even in gardening with considerable experience, it is difficult to find a site that is not landscaped with elements of landscape design. In addition to growing vegetables and berries, gardeners are increasingly decorating their plots with various ornamental crops.

Brunnera has gained great popularity due to its decorativeness and unpretentiousness. This plant can withstand frosts down to -30 degrees. Without losing its appearance or degenerating, it can grow in one comfortable place for up to 15 years.

Description of the plant

Brunnera belongs to the borage family. It is a low shrub with heart-shaped leaves on rather tall pubescent petioles. The height of the bushes can reach 60 cm. In the wild, it adorns the banks of rivers, lakes and streams, but can also be found in pine, fir and beech forests.

Named after Samuel Brunner, a botanist from Switzerland. But among gardeners the name “forget-me-not” has stuck because of the similarity of the flowers. The only external difference is that the forget-me-not has a yellow center of the flower, while the brunnera has a white center.

Types and varieties of brunners

Brunnera macrophylla— its homeland is the Caucasus. Externally, it is a small shrub about 40 cm tall with a powerful rhizome, from which densely pubescent stems with dark green, pointed, heart-shaped leaves extend to the sides. Flowers ranging from lilac to dark blue with a white spot in the center are collected in panicles. The flowering period is from the end of April to the end of June. It is most popular among gardeners, since the leaves do not change color until deep frost.

Siberian Brunnera (Brunnera sibirica)- owes its name to its place of origin - Western and Eastern Siberia. Its long and strong rhizome develops a whole network underground, the shoots from which cover the ground with a carpet of plants. Does not form a bush. Flowers of a dark blue color rise above the wrinkled and dense leaves in panicle inflorescences. Prefers shady, damp places. The flowering process lasts from the end of May for a month. Then the plant almost dries out, but from mid-August it is covered with new greenery, which it preserves until frost.

Oriental Brunnera (Brunnera orientalis)- Homeland is the countries of the Middle East. It is not particularly decorative, therefore it is not used as a decoration for areas, but grows only in the natural environment.

Since of all the species the most attractive for landscaping is Brunnera macrophylla, it became the basis for the development of various varieties.

Jack Frost— “Frost” is translated from English as “frost.” The variety bears this name for a reason: the leaves look as if covered with frost - green veins on a silver background. It forms a fairly large bush, reaching 60 cm in height. It blooms from May to June and is characterized by increased frost resistance.

To preserve the decorative appearance of the leaves, constant moisture is necessary. Therefore, the northern part of the site, protected from prolonged exposure to sunlight, where water stagnates during rains, is quite suitable for planting. It is not worth planting in full shade, as well as in full sun.

Variegata- low variety - up to 35 cm. The leaves are emerald green with a transition to white at the edges.

Prefers partial shade. When planted in a sunny place, the leaves will burn and lose their decorative effect. It can also completely lose its leaves in case of drought.

Looking glass— translated as “mirror.” The height is only from 20 to 35 cm. The color of the leaves is dominated by a silver tint. The flowers are pale blue with a diameter of 5 to 7 mm.

Shady and semi-shady places are suitable for planting. The bushes hold their shape well and are quite resistant to fungal infections. Excellent for decorating borders and shaded parts of rockeries.

Kings Ransom- shrub from 40 to 55 cm in height. The leaves are large with dark green veins on a light gray background, creamy at the edges. It blooms abundantly from late April to mid-June. In warm autumn weather, flowering may resume, but in this case it is better to remove the inflorescences so that the plant does not lose strength before winter. Grows well in partial shade with regular watering.

Millennium Silber— the emerald leaves of this variety are covered with a scattering of small white spots closer to the edge, which makes it more recognizable among the others. Growing conditions are the same as for other varieties.

Silver Hut— if you translate the name from English into Russian, it will sound like “silver heart”. Anyone who sees the leaves of this Brunnera variety will immediately understand why it was called that. It’s as if dozens of silver hearts with a thin green edge and veins frame the flower stalks. The bush reaches 40 cm in height and up to half a meter in diameter. Thanks to the dense leaf blade, it can withstand even direct sunlight and is not afraid of excess moisture. It is not demanding on soil acidity.

Choosing a place to plant brunners

Brunnera flowers are usually planted in flower beds, near fences and garden paths - it will look great in any part of the garden. Before planting Brunnera in a prepared place, study its characteristics and location requirements - it all depends on the variety you choose.

A huge advantage of brunnera is that it feels comfortable in partial shade and in places of high soil moisture. That is, where most plants will either be inhibited in growth or become sick with a fungus. Therefore, with its help you can improve those corners of the garden where the sun only peeks in the first half of the day.

Planting Brunnera macrophylla

The most optimal time for planting brunnera in open ground is from July to early August. Brunner does not require any specific soil for planting, but it is still better if the soil is moist, loamy and heavy.

Brunner is strictly forbidden to plant in the spring, since during this period it is extremely susceptible to various diseases and pests. But if you still decide to plant Brunnera in the spring, then it is better to do it together with the lump of earth in which it grew before transplanting. It is better to plant brunnera on a cloudy day or any other day, but in the evening.

When planting a flower, you should definitely divide it - this will rejuvenate the plant. After flowering, the ground part of the brunner is cut off and the roots are dug up. You should rinse the dug roots well and remove rotten and old parts. Next, cut the main root into pieces. Delenki must have buds of future shoots.

The cut parts of the root (divisions) are placed in previously prepared holes and buried. It is very important to remember to thoroughly water the areas with buried roots. The soil can be mulched so that the young shoots do not experience a lack of moisture and overheating.

Landing is carried out as follows:

• The above-ground part is cut off, leaving 10-12 cm.
• The rhizome is dug up and washed in a large container with water.
• Defective areas of roots are removed.
• Using a sharp knife, carefully divide the rhizome (easier along the line of natural collapse of the bush) so that each part has at least one bud.
• The cuttings are planted in the soaked holes and buried in soil so as not to cover the root collar.

The plant is so unpretentious that it does not even need watering, if, of course, it is planted in a good place. The overgrown Brunnera will not particularly allow weeds. But you still need to monitor the weeds and weed as necessary. The only thing that will not interfere with the successful cultivation of brunnera is mulch in the hot summer and for the winter.

It is strictly forbidden to dig up or loosen the soil under the brunnera - you can damage the roots, which are usually located close to the surface of the earth. Before wintering, it is better to cut off the above-ground parts, leaving stumps about 12 cm long.

In the spring, you can scatter granules of complex fertilizer directly on the snow to speed up the growing season and a more saturated color of the leaves.

Reproduction of brunners

Brunnera propagates vegetatively (by dividing the bush) and by seeds. The favorable time for planting and replanting occurs after the end of the flowering period, that is, in August. By this time, the laying of future shoots is just ending. If it is necessary to plant a bush earlier, then it should be dug up with a large reserve and transported without covering it with an earthen ball.

Propagation by seeds is more painstaking work, since self-seeding rarely occurs. The seeds ripen around the end of July. For normal germination, they need stratification for 3-4 months, so Brunnera needs to be sown before winter.

Diseases and pests

Drying of the foliage of brunnera, if it is planted in a sunny area, cannot be called a disease. Rather, these are problems due to violations of agricultural technology, which are eliminated by transplanting the plant to more favorable conditions.

But fungal infections in the form of powdery mildew or brown spot are a real scourge in rainy summers. Even such a plant, which is tolerant of excess moisture in the ground, is not able to resist fungal infections at high humidity and low air temperatures.

The fungus spreads very quickly. Therefore, in order to prevent the plant from losing its decorative properties, all affected parts should be removed and treated with Bordeaux mixture or other suitable product. As a preventive measure, you can spray it with phytosporin once every 2 weeks.

Insect pests can include aphids (especially if there are a lot of ants in the area), whiteflies or leafminers. “Green soap” or tar solution will help against aphids. Against the rest, it is better to stock up on several bags of complex insecticides in advance.

Brunner in landscape design

The plant looks spectacular along paths and will decorate any alpine hill or rock garden. It also looks magnificent as a lower tier in multi-story flower beds. Beneficially shades tall flowering perennials in mixborders. Pairs well with wild garlic, ferns, juniper and bitterweed.

All varieties of brunners feel comfortable near bodies of water, making their shores airy green. Only this one plant can transform any nondescript area into an elegant and elegant one for a long time and without much hassle.

End of flowering and preparation for winter

Brunnera macrophylla stops blooming in the summer, in July. Withered flowers need to be cut off, leaving only the leaves. Leaves, unlike flowers, do not lose their beauty until the onset of cold weather.

With the arrival of cold weather, the leaves of brunnera should also be cut off, since they will not fall off on their own. After the leaves of the flower are completely cut off, it can be prepared for wintering. Brunner can survive the winter on her own, but she could use some extra help. It is enough to simply mulch the soil with sawdust, leaves or humus.

If you love decorative deciduous perennials, you will definitely like Brunnera. A plant with large beautiful leaves that retain their freshness and elegant appearance from April until late autumn can become a real decoration of the garden. In early spring, the bush is covered with a blue cloud of small flowers with a pleasant honey aroma. The perennial is often confused with its relative, the forget-me-not, as evidenced by its popular name, forget-me-not.

An ornamental deciduous perennial lost in time

Brunnera is a true herbaceous perennial, capable of growing in one place for more than 10 years, forming dense thickets without degenerating or shredding the leaves. Perhaps the powerful energy of growth and self-preservation is due to the fact that it belongs to the relict representatives of the flora. This is a speck of dust from the past that has survived to this day and remembers what the planet’s vegetation was like more than 5 million years ago.

Science knows only a few species of this plant; two are of interest to gardeners.

1. Brunnera macrophylla is common in the Caucasus. It forms a short rhizome, from which basal leaves grow on tall petioles and stems up to 60 cm high, forming a spreading bush. The rosette leaves are large, smaller on the side shoots, the leaf blade is elongated, heart-shaped, green, somewhat wrinkled, pubescent with small hairs on both sides.
2. Brunnera sibirica is similar to its Caucasian relative, but does not form bushes, but continuous thickets. Its leaves are even larger and more spectacular, it blooms early and is cold-resistant - this reflects its Siberian character. The only drawback that reduces the popularity of the crop in floriculture is the loss of decorativeness after flowering. This distinguishes the Siberian variety from the large-leaved variety, which produces fresh foliage throughout the growing season.

The perennial blooms from the end of April, throwing out paniculate inflorescences covered with blue flowers, similar to forget-me-nots. The only difference is the color of the pharynx (eye): the brunnera flower is white, while the forget-me-not is yellow.

This is interesting! The perennial is a real thunderstorm for mice. Rodents, like a moth to a fire, go to the rhizome of brunnera, and just like moths, they die from its poisonous composition.

Popular varieties

Brunnera macrophylla is of interest to breeders - it is on its basis that unusual variegated varieties have been bred. Their main advantage is that even after flowering they do not lose their attractiveness, and in some garden forms it is the leaves that are the main decoration for which the crop is actually grown.

• Brunnera macrophylla Jack Frost is an elegant variety loved by flower growers. From afar, the leaves appear to be covered with frost - the silvery leaf blade dotted with green veins looks so unusual. It blooms profusely and for a long time (May – June), has a neat bush that keeps its shape well.
  Recognizable variety Jack Frost
• Brunnera largeleaf variety Variegata is so named because of its variegated color - the leaf blade has an unusual white border, which extends like tongues onto the dark green canvas. The leaves are large, slightly wrinkled, and heart-shaped. The bush is compact (up to 30 cm in height), does not fall apart, and looks good in flower borders.
  Variegata variety
• Brunner's Hudspen Cream is similar in description to Variegata, only the border along the edge of the sheet is not white, but cream. The bushes are low (up to 25 cm) and neat; during flowering, paniculate peduncles covered with pale blue flowers rise above the leaf mass by 10–15 cm. An adult perennial crop grows in diameter up to 60 cm.
  
• Brunnera Looking Glass is another variegated and very elegant variety. On the silvery leaf blade, the light green veins are almost invisible; they are slightly pressed into the wrinkled leaf, giving the appearance of a marble surface. The plant blooms in early spring, and if the weather is favorable, again in the fall. The variety grows a compact bush, not exceeding 25–30 cm, and has excellent winter hardiness.
  Silver-marbled leaves of the 'Looking Glass' variety
• The Millennium Zilber variety is recognizable by its large heart-shaped leaves of rich green color, covered with silver spots.

Decorative use

Gardeners love Brunnera for its unpretentiousness and decorativeness; it looks interesting as a green background for beautiful flowering plants. What are the uses for perennials?

• In the curbs. Based on the fact that the bush is compact, grows quickly, and holds its shape well, it is planted along the edge of garden paths and flower beds, as a lower tier in raised flower beds.
• In mixborders. Lush greenery serves as a good background for tall, beautifully flowering perennials and is used in group plantings with other decorative foliage plants (fern, mountain goat weed, wild garlic). Like hosta, it grows well in shady flower beds.
• In rockeries, relief gardens. A subalpine type crop is planted as a ground cover plant in low, moist places, next to an artificial pond.

Brunnera sibirica is not so decorative, but the shade-tolerant culture is indispensable for the northern and shaded areas of the garden. As it grows, it densely covers the soil, crowds out weeds, forming a continuous green carpet.

Features of cultivation

Brunnera macrophylla is one of the most unpretentious plants in the garden, planting and caring for which with proper agricultural technology is reduced to a minimum. Resistance to growing for many years in a row in the same place, as well as the tendency to grow rapidly, forces gardeners to keep plantings under control, preventing them from taking over larger and larger areas.

Note! The species Brunnera is more resistant to adverse conditions than the varietal Brunnera. In regions with humid summers, it does not need watering or fertilizing.

Selecting a location

The natural habitat of the crop is forest edges, river valleys, subalpine meadows. The perennial loves moist clay soils that retain moisture well and light partial shade. Although the plant is considered shade-tolerant, it is better that it receives its portion of the sun in the morning, otherwise the stems will stretch and the color of the leaves will fade. You can plant Brunnera in a well-lit flowerbed, but in this case you should worry about watering.

Planting and care

After planting brunnera, caring for it consists of timely removal of weeds, loosening, watering if necessary, and removal of leaves and flower stalks that have lost their decorative properties.

In early spring, in order to stimulate vegetation and the growth of large, succulent leaves with intense color, the perennial is fed with complete fertilizers containing the NPK complex in balanced quantities. Granules (100 g/m²) are scattered over melting snow so that they dissolve and are absorbed into the ground with moisture.

Note! In dry summers without watering, the leaves may dry out and turn brown. In this case, it is better to trim them and water them. By the end of summer, the flower will produce young shoots.

Reproduction

The main method of propagation of perennials is vegetative, using pieces of rhizomes. It is best to divide the bush in August, when the plant has not only finished blooming, but also sprouted renewal shoots and flower stalks for the next year. The bush is dug up, the leaf mass is cut off, leaving a stump of stems and root petioles (10–12 cm), divided into parts according to the collapse of the rhizome. In a new place, dig a hole, water it with water, and after absorbing the moisture, plant the division without filling the root collar.

Brunnera sibirica can be propagated by pieces of rhizome without the aerial part, the main thing is that there is a bud for future growth.

If necessary, young plants can be replanted in the spring, but only with a large lump of earth, if possible without damaging the root system.

Brunnera macrofolia:

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