Also known as Siberian Bugloss · 695 gardener saves
Brunnera: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Brunnera, the genus most gardeners know as siberian bugloss. We track 18 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Brunnera varieties
Of 18 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedSiberian Bugloss
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'
#2 most savedQueen of Hearts Brunnera
Brunnera macrophylla 'Queen of Hearts'
#3 most savedSea Heart Brunnera
Brunnera macrophylla 'Sea Heart'
Siberian Bugloss
Brunnera macrophylla 'Heartleaf Alkanet'
Siberian Bugloss 'Betty Bowring'
Brunnera macrophylla 'Betty Bowring'
Looking Glass Brunnera
Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass'
Siberian Bugloss
Brunnera macrophylla 'Langtrees'
Variegated False Forget-Me-Not
Brunnera macrophylla 'Variegata'
Siberian Bugloss
Brunnera macrophylla 'Emerald Mist'
Alexander's Great Siberian Bugloss
Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great'
Silver Heart Siberian Bugloss
Brunnera macrophylla 'Silver Heart'
Jack of Diamonds False Forget-Me-Not Jack of Diamonds Siberian Bugloss
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack of Diamonds'
Browse all 18 Brunnera varieties →
How to grow Brunnera
What the Brunnera varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 18 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Brunnera year
- DivideMarch and September100% of varieties
Divide crowded clumps every 3-5 years in early fall
- Spring CleanupFebruary100% of varieties
Remove old, tattered foliage before new spring growth emerges
- MulchMarch and April83% of varieties
Apply 2 inches of organic mulch to keep roots cool and moist
- DeadheadApril and May72% of varieties
Cut back spent flower stalks after bloom is finished to tidy plant
- FertilizeMarch50% of varieties
Apply a light, balanced fertilizer as new growth begins
- PlantMarch, April, September and October33% of varieties
Plant or transplant in spring or early fall
- Check for PestsApril–June33% of varieties
Monitor for slugs and snails, especially in wet conditions
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune dead or damaged leaves in early spring
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 💧
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil
- Don't let soil dry out completely
What goes wrong with Brunnera
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Chewed leaf edges, slimy trails | Use organic slug bait or handpick at night |
| Slugs and snails | Chewed holes in leaves | Use organic slug pellets or handpick during damp evenings |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
Making more Brunnera
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring or fall
- Gently separate into smaller sections with roots attached
- Plant divisions at same depth and water thoroughly
- Keep soil moist for several weeks to establish
Seed
- Sow seeds on moist soil surface in early spring
- Cover lightly with soil or vermiculite
- Maintain consistent moisture until germination, usually 2-3 weeks
- Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle
Brunnera questions
How many types of Brunnera are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 18 distinct Brunnera varieties. The most popular — ranked by 695 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Brunnera grow in?
Across its varieties, Brunnera covers USDA Zones 4–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Brunnera bloom?
Most Brunnera varieties bloom in mid-spring, late spring, early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Brunnera should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
More on Brunnera
Brunnera shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Brunnera in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
