Blooming Today (May 15, 2015) : Brunnera macrophylla
Brunnera macrophylla, also known as Perennial Forget-Me-Not, is one of the most reliable and rewarding of shade perennials. It offers not only sky blue flowers (a rarity in the garden) but also long lasting attractive foliage, adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions, shade tolerance and modest naturalizing tendencies. What's not to like?
The straight species sports large emerald green heart-shaped leaves topped with sky blue forget-me-not flowers in spring. It forms a robust mound roughly 12" high by 15"-18" wide. In addition to the green leaf form there are several variegated forms available as well. Brunnera 'Variegata' sports white edged leaves, 'Hadspen Cream' offers a cream edge and 'King's Ransom' is very heat tolerant so that its golden cream edge is not susceptible to burning during hot summers.
Perhaps the best known Brunnera variety is 'Jack Frost', a silver variegated form that was selected as Perennial Plant of the Year in 2012. 'Jack Frost' has generated a well deserved fan club that continues to grow.
Brunnera (especially the variegated varieties) prefers partial shade. USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8.
