Perennial of the Month-- March 2007 

(BRUN-near-ah  ma-crow-FIL-ah ) (pronunciation at link, turn up volume if too low)

Common name: Siberian Bugloss, Brunnera

Family: Boraginaceae, Borage

Height x width: 12-18" x 18"

Growth rate, habit: fast, upright mounded

Foliage: alternate, cordate at base, stem leaves smaller.  Leaves increase in size from spring to summer.  This cultivar with mainly silver leaves, much more so than 'Jack Frost' of which it is a sport, light green veins more prominent early in season and fading by summer

Flowers: blue, starlike, in branched racemes in spring, early summer; excellent yet subtle contrast against the leaves

Hardiness: USDA 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 and problems: none serious

Landscape habit, uses: excellent for blue color in spring; naturalize in shady areas or in perennial borders; brighten up shady areas, even using just one as a choice specimen; combines well with spring bulbs, white old-fashioned bleeding heart, Japanese painted fern, astilbe, purple-leaved coralbells

Other interest: Brunnera flowers resemble forget-me-not (Myosotis); mostly silver sport of 'Jack Frost'' common name "bugloss" comes from Greek word for "ox tongue", possibly referring to the rough texture and shape of the leaves

Other culture: cut back old foliage in spring as new growth starts

Propagation: commercially from licensed propagators as patented; division in spring at home if needed

Sources: many complete perennial nurseries locally, mail order and online