2025 Proven Winners National Perennial of the Year®
This shade perennial can best be described as a giant version of the classic 'Jack Frost'-with a twist. The huge 9-10" leaves overlap dramatically at the base giving it a shape similar to the snail delicacy escargot. Overall, the foliage is circular from a distance. The leaves have a heavy silver overlay with vivid wide, dark green veining pattern. From mid to late spring, baby blue, forget-me-not type blossoms are held in clusters above the foliage.
Brunneras are classic perennials that are treasured for their shade tolerance and lovely blooms. They make a fantastic groundcover, though the variegated forms may be slower to spread than the species. Try growing them in containers too so they will be close at hand when you want to snip a few blooms for a spring bouquet.
20ct Plug Tray |
72ct Plug Tray |
Height:
14.0-16.0 Inches
Spread:
28.0-32.0 Inches
Scape Height:
30.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones:
3,4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color:
Blue shades
Foliage Color:
Silver/grey shades
Sunlight:
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs
Soil Quality:
Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)
Bloomtime:
Mid Spring Late Spring
Attracts Wings:
Bee Friendly
Critter Resistant:
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Patio Container Eclectic Rock Garden Woodland Shade
Other Features:
Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Mass Planting Specimen Focal Point
Origin:
Not Native to North America
Brunnera is a woodland plant that should be grown in full shade and consistently moist soil in southern regions. In the north, morning sun is acceptable as long as the soil remains moist. They will grow the fastest and strongest in rich soil.
Little care is needed once Brunnera is established. Cut back the old foliage in the spring rather than in the fall; it will help to protect the crown during the winter. A winter mulch is also recommended.
Container:
Premium 1 Gallon Pot
When to Plant:
Late winter to spring
Finish:
6-8 weeks
Container:
Premium 1 Gallon Pot
When to Plant:
Mid to late summer or late winter to spring
Finish:
7-9 weeks
Growing Temperature:
65° F
Holding Temperature:
50-60° F
Soil PH:
5.8-6.2
EC (What is EC?):
2.0-2.5 pour through method
Fertility:
Brunnera are light feeders, requiring nitrate levels of 50 ppm under a constant liquid feed program. Brunnera may benefit from additional iron applications. For Controlled Release or Slow Release Fertilizer, see your preferred supplier for recommended rates for incorporation or top dressing, as it varies by fertilizer.
Vernalization:
Vernalize for a minimum of 9 weeks at temperatures below 40° F for consistant flowering.
Pests & Diseases:
Aphids and slugs are the primary pests of Brunnera. Control both as needed. Aphids can be detected on or near the fresh new growth and on the underside of the leaves. Slugs are often difficult to locate, however leaf injuries will indicate their presence. Bacterial leaf spot (BLS) can affect Brunnera during hot and humid conditions, some of the newer genetics are much more resistant to BLS.
Potting & Timing:
Plant large plugs for a quick 6 week crop time.
Small plugs can be planted in late summer for early spring sales or plant in spring for a 7-9 week finish.
Moisture:
For potting soil use commercial planting media. Provide an average amount of irrigation, Brunnera do not tolerate very dry or very wet soil conditions.
Planting Level:
At the soil line or slightly above.
PGRs/Pinching:
If toning is required, spray applications of 2,500 ppm Daminozide (B-Nine or Dazide) or 5-ppm Uniconazole (Concise or Sumagic) are effective. One to two applications should provide adequate height control.
Lighting:
Brunnera are day neutral.
Provide light to moderate shade to avoid sun scorch.
Other Comments:
High light intensities can cause leaf scorch. We recommend growing Brunnera under at least 35% shade cloth during the summer months.
Grower Tips:
Drench with Banrot or Root Shield at transplant to avoid crown and root rots.
Avoid elevated EC levels in the soil.
One of the key traits of some Brunnera cultivars is the large leaf size. To achieve this look in a container, plant from a fresh (non-vernalized) 72ct plug in late winter to spring. Without vernalization, these will not flower and will put all of their energy into forming large foliage and a strong root system.
Vernalized plants will flower and form small leaves initially, with leaf expansion occurring after flowering is finished.
Proven Winners National Perennial of the Year -- 2025
Height:
14.0-16.0 Inches
Spread:
28.0-32.0 Inches
Scape Height:
30.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones:
3,4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color:
Blue shades
Foliage Color:
Silver/grey shades
Sunlight:
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs
Soil Quality:
Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)
Bloomtime:
Mid Spring Late Spring
Attracts Wings:
Bee Friendly
Critter Resistant:
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Patio Container Eclectic Rock Garden Woodland Shade
Other Features:
Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Mass Planting Specimen Focal Point
Origin:
Not Native to North America
Brunnera is a woodland plant that should be grown in full shade and consistently moist soil in southern regions. In the north, morning sun is acceptable as long as the soil remains moist. They will grow the fastest and strongest in rich soil.
Little care is needed once Brunnera is established. Cut back the old foliage in the spring rather than in the fall; it will help to protect the crown during the winter. A winter mulch is also recommended.
Container:
Premium 1 Gallon Pot
When to Plant:
Late winter to spring
Finish:
6-8 weeks
Container:
Premium 1 Gallon Pot
When to Plant:
Mid to late summer or late winter to spring
Finish:
7-9 weeks
Growing Temperature:
65° F
Holding Temperature:
50-60° F
Soil PH:
5.8-6.2
EC (What is EC?):
2.0-2.5 pour through method
Fertility:
Brunnera are light feeders, requiring nitrate levels of 50 ppm under a constant liquid feed program. Brunnera may benefit from additional iron applications. For Controlled Release or Slow Release Fertilizer, see your preferred supplier for recommended rates for incorporation or top dressing, as it varies by fertilizer.
Vernalization:
Vernalize for a minimum of 9 weeks at temperatures below 40° F for consistant flowering.
Pests & Diseases:
Aphids and slugs are the primary pests of Brunnera. Control both as needed. Aphids can be detected on or near the fresh new growth and on the underside of the leaves. Slugs are often difficult to locate, however leaf injuries will indicate their presence. Bacterial leaf spot (BLS) can affect Brunnera during hot and humid conditions, some of the newer genetics are much more resistant to BLS.
Potting & Timing:
Plant large plugs for a quick 6 week crop time.
Small plugs can be planted in late summer for early spring sales or plant in spring for a 7-9 week finish.
Moisture:
For potting soil use commercial planting media. Provide an average amount of irrigation, Brunnera do not tolerate very dry or very wet soil conditions.
Planting Level:
At the soil line or slightly above.
PGRs/Pinching:
If toning is required, spray applications of 2,500 ppm Daminozide (B-Nine or Dazide) or 5-ppm Uniconazole (Concise or Sumagic) are effective. One to two applications should provide adequate height control.
Lighting:
Brunnera are day neutral.
Provide light to moderate shade to avoid sun scorch.
Other Comments:
High light intensities can cause leaf scorch. We recommend growing Brunnera under at least 35% shade cloth during the summer months.
Grower Tips:
Drench with Banrot or Root Shield at transplant to avoid crown and root rots.
Avoid elevated EC levels in the soil.
One of the key traits of some Brunnera cultivars is the large leaf size. To achieve this look in a container, plant from a fresh (non-vernalized) 72ct plug in late winter to spring. Without vernalization, these will not flower and will put all of their energy into forming large foliage and a strong root system.
Vernalized plants will flower and form small leaves initially, with leaf expansion occurring after flowering is finished.
Proven Winners National Perennial of the Year -- 2025
About Us •
Contact Us •
Proven Winners ® •
Grower's Corner •
Perennials •
Ordering •
Resources
1992 96th Ave. Zeeland, MI. • P.O. Box 137
www.waltersgardens.com • www.perennialresource.com • www.provenwinners.com
sales@waltersgardens.com • 1-800-WALTERS • Privacy Notice
Like Us on Facebook