Perennial of the Month-- January 2002 
(brun' ner-ah)
Common name: Siberian Bugloss, Brunnera
Family: Boraginaceae
Height x Width: 12-18" x 18"
Growth Rate: fast
Foliage: Alternate, cordate at base, stem leaves smaller. Leaves increase in size from spring to summer. This cultivar with frosty silver, light green veins, resembling cracked porcelain.
Flowers: Blue, starlike, in branched racemes in spring, early summer; excellent yet subtle contrast against the leaves
Hardiness: zones 3-8
Soil: moist, well-drained
Light: partial shade in most areas. In the south, dense shade is necessary. In the north, morning sun is tolerated.
Pests & Problems: none serious
Landscape Habit, Uses: Excellent blue color in spring. Used for naturalizing in shady areas or in the perennial border. Great to brighten up shady areas, even using just one as a choice specimen.
Other Interest: Brunnera looks similar to forget-me-nots (Myosotis); this cultivar was found early one morning 1999 in a flat of the cultivar 'Langtrees' at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, MI. They were reminded of the story of Jack Frost looking at the leaves, hence the name. It is really making its debut in 2002, being featured on the front of Walters (wholesale) catalog.
Other Culture: When the clump starts to deteriorate in the center, it is time to divide. It also self-seeds readily
Propagation: only from licensed propagators, patented and protected in the U.S., New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Europe, and Canadian Breeders Rights
Sources: obtain from perennial nurseries, or if commercial from
licensed propagators such as Walters Gardens (MI)