Brunnera

Brunnera
B. macrophylla (Siberian bugloss) Botanischer Garten Augsburg
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: (unplaced)
Family: Boraginaceae
Genus: Brunnera
Steven

Brunnera is a genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae. They are rhizomatous perennials, native to the woodlands of Eastern Europe and North West Asia. They have hairy leaves and sprays of blue flowers in spring.[1] Numerous cultivars are available, which are valued as groundcover in dappled shade. Some possess variegated foliage. The best known species is Brunnera macrophylla, known as Siberian bugloss or 'Jack Frost.'[2][3]

Siberian Bugloss in Botanical Garden of Moscow State University

It thrives in shade but also likes morning sunshine as long as it is in consistently moist, rich, organic soil.[4][2] It does not tolerate dry conditions. It is often used in woodland gardens along streams of ponds and in naturalized areas as a specimen plant or clumped together as a border.[2] Clumps slowly spread by both creeping rhizomes to form thick ground covers.


Siberian Bugloss Jardin des Plantes, Paris, France in April

'Jack Frost's distinct silvery white leaves resemble frost on foliage.[2]

Siberian Bugloss in Botanical Garden of Moscow State University

"Bugloss comes from Greek meaning ox tongue in probably reference to the roughness and shape of the leaves."[2] It is a herbacious perennial that grows in a Zone 3 to 8.[2] In 2012 Brunnera_macrophylla 'Jack Frost' was named perennial plant of the year by the Perennial Plant Association (PPA).[4] Based on the ((USDA) Hardiness zone it is hardy in zones 3 to 8.[5]

References

  1. ↑ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Brunnera macrophylla". St. Louis, Missouri: Missouri Botanical Garden. nd. Retrieved 19 March 2016.
  3. ↑ Daniel Atha, Donovan Bailey, Mauricio Bonifacino, Jan De Laet, Maria A. Gandolfo, Chris Hardy, Lawrence M. Kelly, Fabian A. Michelangeli, Robbin Moran, Kevin C. Nixon, Gustavo Shimizu, Dennis Stevenson, Hanna Tuomisto, eds. (19 December 2005), "Brunnera", Diversity of life, retrieved 19 March 2016
  4. 1 2 Smith, Ron (9 July 2012). "Perennial Plant of 2012 Named". Fargo, North Dakota: North Dakota State University (NDSU). Retrieved 19 March 2016.
  5. ↑ "2012 Perennial Plant of the Year". Perennial Plant Association. 2012. Retrieved 19 March 2016.
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