Height:

12.0-15.0 Inches

Spread:

12.0-15.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7,8

Flower Color:

Blue shades

Foliage Color:

Variegated

Sunlight:

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 Specimen

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Brunnera m. 'Variegata' is a woodland plant that should be grown in full shade and consistently moist soil in all regions of the country. The delicate white leaf margins will burn in the sun. When grown in rich soil, they are especially vigorous and strong. 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. Though it tends to self-seed, the resulting seedlings are easy to pull out from unwanted areas or to replant elsewhere in the garden. It may also be propagated by division in the spring.

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.  A controlled-release fertilizer at a rate equivalent to 3/4 pound of nitrogen can be incorporated into the growing medium as well.

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.

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.

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