Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass' (Siberian bugloss)

Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass' Photo/Illustration: Bill Johnson



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass' brun-ERR-ah mak-roe-FY-lah Common Name: Siberian bugloss Synonyms: Anchusa myosotidiflora, B. myosotidifolia Genus: Brunnera

Moist, rich, well-drained soil This is the only brunnera cultivar that has a true silvery tone to its leaves. Delicate blue flowers emerge in spring on top of heartshaped leaves, which are mostly evergreen. Drought tolerant once established, ‘Looking Glass’ brunnera requires minimal watering and is fairly resistant to pests.

The silvery leaves of 'Looking Glass' brunnera light up a shady area. Often, very little green shows at all. Blue flowers that resemble forget-me-nots (Myosotis) bloom in spring. This cultivar grows to a little more than a foot tall and almost as wide. Use it in a woodland or shade garden, in a container, or at waterside.


Noteworthy characteristics: Silvery leaves and blue, forget-me-not flowers.
Care: Grow in part to full shade and moist, well-drained, humusy soil.
Propagation: Divide plants or start seeds in a cold frame in early spring, or take root cuttings in winter.
Problems: Usually problem-free.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 6 in. to 12 in.
Growth Habit Runs
Light Part Shade to Full Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Late Spring; Spring
Foliage Color Variegated Foliage
Flower Color Blue Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Ground Covers, Waterside
Style Shade, Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest, Summer Interest
Type Perennials

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