Siberian bugloss 'Langtrees' Brunnera macrophylla 'Langtrees'

Water

For Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla 'Langtrees'), water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hotter periods or in warmer climates, increase the frequency to two times per week. Each watering session should consist of at least one gallon of water for mature plants, allowing the moisture to penetrate the root zone. In the winter, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows down and only water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.

Light

Siberian Bugloss thrives in partial to full shade, avoiding direct afternoon sun which can scorch its leaves. A spot under a canopy of trees or on the north side of a building where it can receive dappled sunlight is ideal, ensuring it gets bright but indirect light.

Temperature

Siberian Bugloss prefers a cool to moderate temperature range, ideally between 50°F and 75°F. It can survive temporary dips down to 20°F but may suffer if temperatures fall below this. Conversely, temperatures above 80°F may stress the plant and require additional shade and watering to maintain its health.

Pruning

Prune Siberian Bugloss to remove spent flower stalks and encourage a second bloom. Light pruning can be done after the first flowering in late spring or early summer. Cut the plant back significantly in the fall to promote healthy growth the following season and to maintain a tidy appearance.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Siberian Bugloss 'Langtrees' thrives best in a soil mix that is rich, moist, and well-draining, with plenty of organic matter such as compost or leaf mold to retain moisture. The ideal pH range for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 7.0. To create the best soil mix, combine garden soil, compost, peat, and perlite in equal parts for aeration and water retention.

Repotting

Siberian Bugloss 'Langtrees' does not typically require frequent repotting as it is mostly grown as a perennial outdoor plant. However, if grown in containers, repotting may be done every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. When repotting, choose a slightly larger pot to provide space for roots to spread.

Humidity & Misting

Siberian Bugloss 'Langtrees' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but prefers a moderately humid environment similar to its natural woodland habitat. Strive for a humidity level of 40-60%, which will generally be adequate without needing special attention to humidity conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep Siberian Bugloss in shaded area with moist soil indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade with moist, rich soil outdoors.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA.

Life cycle

Brunnera macrophyylla 'Langtrees', commonly known as Siberian bugloss, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in favorable conditions of moisture and temperature. After germination, seedlings emerge, developing a rosette of basal leaves as they mature into juvenile plants. The plant establishes a robust root system and produces distinctive heart-shaped, silver-spotted leaves as it enters the vegetative growth stage. Siberian bugloss normally blooms in early to mid-spring, displaying clusters of tiny, sky-blue flowers akin to those of the forget-me-nots. After pollination, it develops seed capsules that release seeds to complete the cycle. In winter, the plant may die back, especially in colder climates, but it is a herbaceous perennial, so it will emerge again from its strong rootstock the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early spring

• The most common method of propagating Brunnera macrophylla 'Langtrees', commonly known as Siberian bugloss, is by division. This is best done in the spring as new growth begins. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each new piece has a portion of the root system attached. These sections can then be immediately replanted in moist, well-drained soil, maintaining the same depth at which they were originally growing. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. It is crucial to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, during the first growing season to ensure successful establishment.