False forget-me-not Brunnera macrophylla

Siberian bugloss is a rhizomatous, clumping, herbaceous perennial in the borage family (Boraginaceae). It is native to Turkey, the North Caucasus, and Transcaucasia, and is typically found in forests along mountain slopes. The large, dark green, heart-shaped leaves and showy blue spring flowers make it a good shade groundcover. Some cultivars have variegated leaves with silver markings or creamy white margins. This plant may reach a height of 1.5 feet and spread up to 2.5 feet in width. The genus name, Brunnera, honors Samuel Brunner, a Swiss botanist of the early 1800s. The specific epithet, macrophylla, is Latin for large leaves. The plant's common name, bugloss, has a Greek derivation, meaning "ox tongue," and refers to the texture and shape of its leaves.

This plant prefers partial shade to full shade with protection from the afternoon sun, and fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Mulching helps keep the soil cooler and retains moisture. It performs best in areas with cooler nights and is not recommended for the southeastern United States. It is intolerant of our hot and humid climate. It is deer and rabbit-resistant, probably due to the rough texture of the leaves. Propagated by self-seeding or division. Remember that plants protected by plant patents can not be propagated.

The leaves are large, dark green, heart-shaped, and have a rough and hairy texture. The basal leaves can measure up to 6 inches in width and have a mounding habit, while the upper leaves appear smaller. The flowers resemble forget-me-nots (Myosotis scorpioides) and bloom from early to mid-spring and may continue through early summer. They are sprays of small, blue flowers with a white center, and are arranged above the foliage on branched racemes with narrow stems that measure up to 18 inches in height. 

Use this elegant plant in a shade or woodland garden as a beautiful border or ground cover. Consider its use for a cottage garden, pollinator garden, or understory planting. The attractive foliage and long-lasting flowers will add interest to your garden throughout the growing season.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant insect or disease problems. Slugs and snails are occasional visitors. It is intolerant of dry soils and hot and humid climates. Foliage can scorch in the hot sun. 

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology,” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.