The false forget-me-not, Heartleaf brunnera and Siberian bugloss are three common names for the plant brunnera.
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Brunnera has a lot going for it, from its attractive flowers to how easily it grows.
The flowers are in sprays of blue, the flowers are small, five-petaled and sit above the foliage.
They look very similar to the flowers on the true forget-me-nots.
Brunnera is reasonably slow growing but forms clumps, which look great, particularly if you have one of the variegated varieties such as ‘silver heart’ or ‘Jack Frost’.
The leaves are heart-shaped and beautifully variegated, making it a very attractive plant for a shady spot.
Talking about spots, this plant is extremely hardy and will grow in almost any location.
It will grow in full sun but prefers partial shade to full shade, they don’t get much better than that.
Our summers can get a bit much for the brunnera, especially if we have multiple days above 40 degrees celsius, so a full sun position might not be the best choice in our region.
This isn’t a large plant, the clumps formed are about 30 to 50 centimetres high and about the same wide.
The flowers are produced mid to late spring.
Its uses are many.
This is a wonderful plant for shady gardens, woodland beds and even as a potted plant.
As a ground cover this plant excels and if you put it along a border or a pathway it stands out beautifully.
This plant may not be particular about how much sun or shade it receives, but it is fussy about the soil you plant it in.
Brunnera needs a rich soil that is kept moist.
Incorporate lots of organic matter into the soil to keep this plant healthy.
When first planted, brunnera requires very regular watering but this can be cut back as the plant becomes established.
There are few pests or diseases that bother this plant, it’s a great choice for many locations.
Diary
Wodonga TAFE’s Horticulture department is running a half day course on getting ready for pruning.
Hosted by Alister Rhook, this course will look primarily at rose and fruit tree pruning, with a look at what to do with summer flowering plants.
From 9am to noon on Tuesday, May 23. Cost is $50.
For more information call 1300 MY TAFE (I300 698 233) or email AgHort@wodongatafe.edu.au.
Feel free to call into the Agriculture/Horticulture Department in University Drive, West Wodonga.
To have your event listed email ddelahunty@wodongatafe.edu.au.