Siberian bugloss 'Alexanders Great' Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexanders Great' (PBR)
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ABOUT
'Alexanders Great' is a deciduous, rhizomatous, mound-forming perennial with large, heart-shaped, silver leaves that are veined and edged with green and airy sprays of blue, forget-me-not-like flowers in spring
About this plant
Names
Family
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Siberian Bugloss, Great Forget-Me-Not, Heartleaf Brunnera, Alexander's Great Brunnera
Common names
Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexanders Great' (PBR)
Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
1.5-2 feet (45-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits
- Low Maintenance: This plant is ideal for gardeners who prefer plants that do not require constant care and attention.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a degree of drought resistance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Attractive Foliage: The plant has heart-shaped, silver-frosted leaves that provide visual interest in the garden throughout the growing season.
- Shade Tolerance: It thrives in partially shaded conditions, making it an excellent choice for underplanting beneath trees or in the shadow of buildings.
- Spring Flowers: Produces small, blue flowers in the spring which can add a splash of color to shade gardens or woodland settings.
- Suitable for Containers: It can be grown in containers or planters, offering flexibility for people with limited garden space or those who want to decorate patios and balconies.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees, beneficial for the health of the garden.
- Deer Resistant: Its foliage is not favored by deer, making it a good option for areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Non-Invasive: Known for growing in tidy clumps, it does not aggressively spread, which helps maintain garden design and control unwanted proliferation.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Herbarium Specimen Collection: The leaves of Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexanders Great' can be pressed and dried to create herbarium specimens for scientific study or educational purposes.
- Photography Subject: Its attractive foliage and delicate blue flowers make it a favorite subject for garden photographers and plant enthusiasts.
- Edible Flower Garnish: The flowers are edible and can be used as decorative garnishes on salads and desserts, though they should be eaten in moderation due to their novelty.
- Leaf Castings: Crafters can use the large, heart-shaped leaves to create decorative concrete leaf castings for garden ornaments or wall art.
- Foundation Planting: This plant's large size and full habit make it suitable for hiding building foundations and creating a soft transition from the garden to the structure.
- Thematic Gardening: The silver variegated foliage is ideal for moon gardens where plants with light-colored or reflective foliage are specifically chosen.
- Landscape Contrast: The broad leaves provide textural contrast when planted among fine-foliaged plants or airy grasses in landscaping.
- Nature Crafting: The sturdy leaves can be used in nature crafts, such as imprinting designs into clay or playdough.
- Seasonal Festivities: The heart-shaped leaves lend themselves to being used in decorations for special occasions like weddings, especially in spring.
- Teaching Tool: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach about plant biology, leaf structure, and variegation in botany classes.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The plant Siberian Bugloss is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant Siberian Bugloss is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Perseverance: Known commonly as Siberian bugloss, Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great' is resilient in the face of harsh conditions similar to those in Siberia, representing the ability to endure and persist.
- Memory: With its small, forget-me-not-like flowers, the plant is often associated with remembrance and the retention of memories.
- Transformation: As the plant grows and its large, heart-shaped leaves unfurl, it symbolizes change and personal growth.
- Consolation: Traditionally, the forget-me-not flowers, which are similar in appearance to those of Siberian bugloss, have been used to offer comfort in times of distress or loss, making it a symbol of solace.
Water
Siberian bugloss prefers to be kept in evenly moist soil, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. Apply water directly to the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During the growing season, this may equate to approximately 1 gallon of water per week for an established plant, but always adjust based on rainfall and temperature, as overwatering can be just as detrimental as under-watering.
Light
For optimal growth, the Siberian bugloss should be placed in a location that offers partial shade to full shade. It is particularly well-suited to the dappled light found under canopy trees or on the north side of buildings, where it can receive indirect light without being exposed to the harsh midday sun. Avoid placing it in full sun, as this can scorch the leaves and lead to stress for the plant.
Temperature
Siberian bugloss thrives in temperature conditions that range from around 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which are common in temperate regions. It can tolerate a temperature dip down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below this can damage or kill the plant. Ideally, maintaining a mild temperature regime without extreme fluctuations is best for its health and growth.
Pruning
Siberian bugloss benefits from light pruning to remove any dead or damaged leaves and to maintain plant shape. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth commences. Prune sparingly to prevent unnecessary stress to the plant; typically, doing so once a year is enough. Removing spent flowers can also encourage additional blooms and prevent self-seeding if desired.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great', also known as Siberian Bugloss, thrives in well-draining, moist soil enriched with organic matter. A mixture of garden soil, compost or leaf mold, and a small amount of coarse sand or perlite creates an ideal environment. This plant prefers a soil pH of slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 7.2.
Repotting
Siberian Bugloss, due to its hardy nature and moderate growth rate, often does not require frequent repotting. It should be repotted or divided every 3 to 4 years to ensure healthy growth and to refresh the soil. Choose a cool, overcast day to minimize transplant stress.
Humidity & Misting
Siberian Bugloss prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity if necessary. Aiming for a humidity level of around 40% to 60% is ideal for this plant.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep the soil evenly moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; keep soil well-drained and moist.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycle
Brunnera macrophyylla 'Alexander's Great', commonly known as Siberian Bugloss or Great Forget-me-not, initiates its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in early spring, develops into a small seedling. The seedling gradually matures into a vegetative plant, forming a dense clump of heart-shaped leaves. As it grows, the plant develops a robust root system and prepares for the flowering stage. By late spring to early summer, 'Alexander's Great' produces sprays of small, blue, forget-me-not-like flowers, attracting pollinators. After the flowering period, the plant produces seeds to complete its reproductive cycle. In late autumn, the foliage may die back, with the plant entering a dormant phase over winter, resuming its growth cycle the following spring.
Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great,' commonly known as Siberian bugloss or false forget-me-not, is typically propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this cultivar. The ideal time for division is in the spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the root system and several shoots. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) apart to allow room for growth. Water well after planting to help establish the new plants. This method helps maintain the true characteristics of 'Alexander's Great' since it's a cultivar and seed propagation may not produce plants with identical traits.