A stunning perennial with dense clumps of heart-shaped, heavily-silvered foliage with distinct grey-green veining from late spring until autumn. Bears delicate sprays of pale blue flowers in spring. A lovely low maintenance ground cover plant for part or full shade. Moist, well drained soil. Height 45cm. Spread 60cm. Hardy.
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Silver Heart’ is a striking perennial admired for its heart-shaped, heavily silvered leaves with green veining and sprays of delicate pale-blue flowers in spring. Ideal as ground cover, this hardy perennial thrives in shaded borders and adds long-lasting foliage interest from spring to autumn. Follow this planting guide to enjoy the very best results from your Brunnera macrophylla ‘Silver Heart’.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The best time to plant Brunnera macrophylla ‘Silver Heart’ is in spring, allowing the roots to establish before the growing season begins.
Autumn: Alternatively, plant in early autumn to give the perennial time to settle before winter, ensuring strong growth the following year.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Brunnera macrophylla ‘Silver Heart’ prefers partial to full shade, making it perfect for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or areas under trees. Avoid strong midday sun, which can scorch the leaves.
Soil: Plant in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Adding organic matter such as compost will improve soil structure and ensure steady moisture levels without waterlogging.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth.
Soil Preparation: Work in compost or leaf mould to enrich the planting site and improve drainage.
Planting: Place your Brunnera in the hole with the crown level to the soil surface. Backfill and gently firm the soil around the plant.
Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to help the plant settle and encourage strong root growth.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Keep soil consistently moist during spring and summer. While Brunnera macrophylla ‘Silver Heart’ tolerates short dry spells, prolonged dryness may cause the foliage to wilt.
Dormant Season: Reduce watering in autumn and winter but never allow the soil to completely dry out.
Feeding
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to support foliage development and spring flowers.
A second light feed in mid-summer will keep your Brunnera vigorous and healthy.
Pruning
Deadheading: Remove faded flower stems after spring to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage fresh leaf growth.
Tidying Foliage: Cut away damaged or tired leaves during the growing season to maintain the striking silver appearance of Brunnera macrophylla ‘Silver Heart’.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a layer of organic mulch such as bark or compost to retain soil moisture, enrich the soil, and suppress weeds.
Winter: Mulching in colder months helps insulate roots and protects Brunnera macrophylla ‘Silver Heart’ from frost damage.
Supporting the Plant
Staking is not usually necessary, as Brunnera macrophylla ‘Silver Heart’ has a naturally compact and clump-forming growth habit.
Final Tips
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Silver Heart’ is a low-maintenance perennial that brings both beauty and resilience to shaded areas of the garden. With its silvered foliage and delicate spring flowers, it provides year-round interest and makes an excellent choice for ground cover. Plant in part to full shade, keep the soil moist but well-drained, and enjoy this hardy perennial for many years to come.
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