Siberian Bugloss Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass' (PBR)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as 'Looking Glass' Siberian bugloss is characterized by its particularly striking foliage. The leaves are notably large and heart-shaped, creating a lush and textured effect. They boast a unique appearance, with the entire surface being almost entirely silvered, giving them a shimmering, mirror-like quality that catches the light. This silver sheen overlays the delicate network of green veins that subtly map out the surface of the leaves. In contrast to the bold leaves, the plant also produces dainty clusters of tiny, forget-me-not-like flowers. These blooms are a soft blue in hue, providing a gentle pop of color that complements the metallic sheen of the leaves. The flowers seem to float above the foliage on slender stems, creating a whimsical and airy appearance during their blooming season. Overall, 'Looking Glass' Siberian bugloss is prized for its ornamental leaves that provide a stunning visual interest with their eye-catching silver variegation.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae.
Synonyms
Siberian Bugloss, Heartleaf Brunnera, False Forget-Me-Not.
Common names
Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Siberian Bugloss is not known for being toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it may cause mild irritation if ingested or if skin contact occurs in sensitive individuals. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from this plant, so the symptoms of ingestion are not clearly defined. Consequently, it is always wise to avoid eating any part of ornamental plants unless they are known to be edible.
To pets
Siberian Bugloss is not typically listed as a toxic plant for pets. However, many plants can cause digestive upset or mild irritation if pets chew or ingest them. Since pets can have individual sensitivities, it is always best to prevent them from eating ornamental plants. In the absence of toxicity reports specific to this plant, no particular symptoms of poisoning are identified.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Silver
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass' adds visual interest to gardens with its striking silver foliage and delicate blue flowers.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant is well-suited for shaded areas where other plants might struggle to thrive, making it a valuable addition to woodland gardens.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it is relatively tolerant of drought, requiring less frequent watering than some other garden plants.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care beyond the initial planting and establishment phase, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance options.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers can attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides early spring blooms and has attractive foliage that offers visual interest throughout the growing season.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some garden plants, it generally does not spread aggressively, reducing the risk of it taking over garden beds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass' can be a natural pest deterrent due to its thick foliage which might be less appealing to some garden pests.
- The heart-shaped leaves can be used in flower arrangements or crafts for their intricate silver variegation, providing a unique visual texture.
- The plant can act as a living mulch, its dense growth suppressing weeds and maintaining soil moisture.
- Brunnera leaves can be pressed and used in botanical art or herbarium collections due to their interesting foliage pattern.
- Because of its tolerance for shade, Brunnera can be used to fill in dark garden nooks where other plants might not thrive.
- Its dense root system helps stabilize soil, preventing erosion in sloped garden areas.
- Thought to be deer-resistant, it might be used as a protective border for more sensitive plants in a garden.
- Brunnera can provide a textured ground cover in fairy or miniature gardens, creating a whimsical landscape.
- The foliage can serve as the 'green' backdrop in photography to make other colors pop, due to its silvery leaves.
- In colder climates, its early spring blooming can be a nectar source for early-emerging bees and insects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Siberian bugloss is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Siberian bugloss is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: As a hardy perennial, Siberian bugloss symbolizes resilience and the ability to endure challenging conditions.
- True Sight: The name 'Looking Glass' suggests clarity of vision and truth, implying an ability to see things clearly.
- Transformation: The dramatic silver sheen of the leaves can symbolize change and metamorphosis, reflecting the plant's transformation from green to silver.
- Forgiveness: In some traditions, the soft texture and heart-shaped leaves may be associated with tenderness and the act of forgiveness.
WaterSiberian Bugloss should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil evenly moist. In the absence of rainfall, providing about 1 inch of water per week is appropriate. This plant prefers consistent moisture, so check the soil a few inches deep and water when the top layer feels dry to the touch. Use a gentle stream of water to avoid disturbing the soil or damaging the delicate leaves. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage and avoid letting the plant sit in waterlogged soil.
LightSiberian Bugloss thrives in partial to full shade, making it an ideal plant for a woodland garden or a shaded area in the landscape. It should be protected from direct afternoon sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. The best spot for this plant would be under a canopy of trees or to the side of a building that receives filtered light throughout the day.
TemperatureSiberian Bugloss performs well in temperatures between 50°F and 75°F, which are ideal for its growth. It can withstand occasional dips to around 20°F, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below this can be harmful. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8, and during the hottest parts of the summer, some additional shade may help protect it from heat stress.
PruningPruning Siberian Bugloss primarily involves removing faded flower stalks and damaged or dead leaves to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. The best time for pruning is after it finishes flowering or in early spring to remove any winter-damaged foliage. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to promote plant health and vigour.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass') should be rich, moist, and well-draining with a high organic matter content. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingSiberian Bugloss typically does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 3-4 years, or when it outgrows its container.
Humidity & MistingSiberian Bugloss prefers moderate to high humidity but is quite adaptable to average household humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in indirect light, keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Partial shade, moist soil, protect from hot sun.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleBrunnera macrophyylla 'Looking Glass', commonly known as Siberian Bugloss, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in early spring, develops into a seedling with distinct silver heart-shaped leaves edged in green. As it grows, the plant forms a clump and expands through rhizomatous growth, becoming a perennial with a robust root system. During spring, typically in April or May, it blooms with small, forget-me-not-like blue flowers which attract pollinators before fading, completing its reproductive stage. Throughout summer, the plant continues to display its decorative foliage, which is now predominantly silver after the flowers have wilted. As a herbaceous perennial, Siberian Bugloss dies back to the ground in autumn when the first frost hits, with its roots remaining dormant through the winter. In the subsequent spring, the plant regrows from its rootstock, beginning the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Siberian Bugloss 'Looking Glass' is most commonly propagated by division in early spring or just after the plant has finished flowering. To propagate by division, carefully lift the entire plant from the ground with a shovel or garden fork, ensuring that you maintain as much of the root system as possible. Gently tease the plant apart into several sections, each with a portion of the root and a few shoots. Replant each section at the same depth it was growing at previously, spacing them about 12 to 15 inches (roughly 30 to 38 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the divisions well, providing consistent moisture as they establish. This method of propagation ensures that the distinct variegated foliage of 'Looking Glass' is maintained in the new plants.
