Siberian Bugloss Brunnera macrophylla 'Hadspen Cream' (v)
ABOUT
Brunnera macrophylla 'Hadspen Cream', commonly known as Siberian bugloss, is a perennial plant distinguished by its distinctive foliage and dainty floral display. The leaves are heart-shaped with a base color of rich green. The edges of the leaves are irregularly variegated with creamy white or yellow margins that provide a striking contrast. This variegation can give the overall appearance of the plant a lighter, more delicate look. Throughout the growing season, the texture of the leaves remains lush and maintains a bold presence in the garden. In spring, Siberian bugloss produces clusters of small, bright blue flowers that resemble those of forget-me-nots. These flowers rise on slender stems above the foliage, creating a soft, cloud-like effect. The blossoms can add a touch of whimsy as they float above the variegated leaves, catching the eye with their gentle hue. Overall, the combination of the ornamental leaves and the sprays of blue flowers makes Siberian bugloss 'Hadspen Cream' a desirable plant for gardeners looking to add visual interest to their shade gardens or woodland settings. The foliage and blossoming habit lend a cottage-garden feel to its surroundings and can be particularly effective in mass plantings or as an underplanting to taller, shade-loving shrubs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Siberian Bugloss, False Forget-me-not, Heartleaf Brunnera, Variegated Heartleaf Brunnera
Common names
Brunnera macrophylla 'Hadspen Cream'
ToxicityTo humans
Siberian bugloss is not widely known to be toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it is generally advisable to avoid ingesting it, as it is not intended for human consumption and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Siberian bugloss is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. Nevertheless, ingestion can potentially cause mild stomach upset in some animals due to the fact that it is not part of their natural diet. If a pet were to consume a large amount of the plant, it might experience symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect your pet has eaten a considerable amount of Siberian bugloss and is displaying adverse symptoms, it is always best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
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- Ornamental value: Brunnera macrophylla 'Hadspen Cream', commonly known as Siberian Bugloss, has striking foliage with cream-edged leaves, adding visual interest to shade gardens.
- Low maintenance: This variety is easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established in the right conditions.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, Siberian Bugloss can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for gardens with less frequent watering.
- Shade tolerance: It thrives in shaded areas where many other plants struggle, making it a valuable addition to woodland settings and shaded borders.
- Wildlife attraction: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees, providing a source of nectar in the spring when other food sources may be scarce.
- Ground cover: Its dense foliage can help suppress weeds, reducing the need for mulching and other weed control methods.
- Seasonal interest: The heart-shaped leaves and small, forget-me-not-like flowers offer multi-season appeal, especially in spring and early summer.
- Companion planting: The plant pairs well with other shade-loving perennials, such as hostas and ferns, to create textural contrast in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Creating a woodland garden theme: Siberian bugloss can be used as a ground cover in shady areas to create a lush, woodland garden appearance due to its heart-shaped leaves and shade tolerance.
- Adding contrast in shade gardens: The 'Hadspen Cream' variety of Siberian bugloss, with its variegated foliage, provides an excellent contrast to other shade-loving plants with solid green leaves.
- Pressed leaf art: The leaves of Siberian bugloss, with their interesting texture and variegation, can be pressed and used to create botanical art.
- Fairy gardens: Miniature and whimsical, fairy gardens can use small plants like 'Hadspen Cream' to provide a magical ground cover or backdrop for tiny structures.
- Educational tools: Horticulture students and plant enthusiasts can study 'Hadspen Cream' to learn about variegated plant varieties and leaf patterns in botany classes.
- Photography subject: With its attractive foliage, 'Hadspen Cream' can serve as a photogenic subject for garden photographers wanting to capture the beauty of variegated leaves.
- Leaf castings: Creating concrete castings of 'Hadspen Cream' leaves can be a unique way to capture the beauty of the plant in a more permanent form for garden decoration.
- Support for beneficial insects: 'Hadspen Cream' can help support a healthy garden ecosystem by providing habitat for beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, which help control pests.
- Eco-friendly ground cover: As a robust ground cover, Siberian bugloss can help reduce soil erosion in shaded areas and minimize the need for mulching or additional ground treatments.
- Companion planting: 'Hadspen Cream' can be paired with spring-flowering bulbs, like daffodils and tulips, to create an overlapping display of flowers and foliage in garden designs.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Brunnera is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Brunnera is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance: The Brunnera macrophylla 'Hadspen Cream', also known as Siberian Bugloss, is a hardy plant that can thrive in shaded gardens, symbolizing the ability to persevere through challenging conditions.
- Forgiveness: With its heart-shaped leaves, Siberian Bugloss is often associated with love and forgiveness in the language of flowers.
- True Love: The dainty, forget-me-not-like bloom of the Brunnera reflects an undying connection, symbolizing true love that endures despite distance or time apart.
- Remembrance: Similar to the true forget-me-nots, the Siberian Bugloss suggests memories and the importance of remembering loved ones, whether they are near or far.
WaterSiberian Bugloss should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, as it prefers a slightly humid environment. It's best to water this plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Aim to provide the plant with about 1 gallon of water per week, adjusting for rainfall and changes in temperature that may affect soil moisture. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure that the soil drains well and avoid letting the plant sit in waterlogged conditions.
LightSiberian Bugloss thrives in partial to full shade conditions, away from the harsh afternoon sun. The ideal spot for this plant is under the canopy of larger trees or on the north side of a building where it receives filtered sunlight or only gentle morning sun. Full shade locations can also be suitable, but avoid placing the plant in direct, intense light as it may scorch the foliage.
TemperatureSiberian Bugloss prefers moderate temperatures and can survive in a range where the minimum does not drop below 20°F and the maximum does not exceed 80°F. Generally, an ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50°F and 70°F. It's important to provide protection from extreme temperatures both in the hot summer months and the cold winter periods to ensure the plant's health.
PruningPruning Siberian Bugloss helps to maintain a tidy appearance and encourages healthy growth. Deadheading spent flowers can promote further blooming. Prune any damaged or dead foliage in spring to stimulate new growth, and again after flowering if the plant looks untidy. Pruning is usually done on an as-needed basis rather than on a strict schedule, typically once or twice a year.
CleaningAs needed
Soil'Hadspen Cream' Siberian Bugloss thrives in rich, moist, well-draining soil with pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. An ideal mix includes organic matter like compost or leaf mold to enhance soil structure and fertility. Mulching helps retain moisture and maintain consistent soil conditions.
RepottingSiberian Bugloss does not require frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. It is generally best to repot or divide these plants every 3 to 4 years to refresh the soil and manage their spread.
Humidity & MistingSiberian Bugloss prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable to average home humidity. Consistent moisture in the soil is more crucial than air humidity for this plant’s well-being.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide partial shade, moist soil, and cooler temperatures for indoor 'Hadspen Cream'.
Outdoor
Place in partial shade, with moist, well-draining soil, and mulch in spring.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleBrunnera macrophylla 'Hadspen Cream', commonly known as Siberian bugloss, begins its life as a seed, which upon finding suitable moist and well-drained soil conditions, germinates in spring. The seedling then develops into a rosette of heart-shaped leaves with cream-edged variegation, establishing a strong root system. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative state with vigorous leaf growth, creating dense foliage clumps. During spring of the following years, the Siberian bugloss produces small, forget-me-not-like blue flowers on airy panicles, attracting pollinators to the garden. After the flowering stage, the plant sets seeds before entering a period of dormancy in the winter, with its foliage dying back to the ground. The Siberian bugloss then regenerates from its roots the following spring, continuing its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The most popular method of propagating Brunnera macrophylla 'Hadspen Cream', commonly known as Siberian bugloss, is through division. This is typically done in the spring or early fall to allow the plant ample time to establish itself before the extreme temperatures of winter or summer set in. To propagate by division, first, dig up an established clump of the plant, ensuring a generous amount of soil is kept around the roots to prevent shock. Then, gently tease the clump apart into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy portion of roots. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth they were previously, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to give them room to grow. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots and help with recovery from the division process.
