Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’

Description

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ is an exquisite perennial known for its striking silver foliage and delicate blue flowers that resemble a forget-me-not. This guide will help you plant, care for, and maintain your Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ to ensure it thrives in your garden.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ is in early spring when the soil is beginning to warm. This gives the plant ample time to establish roots before the hot summer months.
• Autumn: If you prefer, you can plant  in early autumn. This allows the plant to settle in before winter, ensuring healthy growth the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ flourishes in partial to full shade. This plant does not do well in direct sunlight, so choose a location that provides some dappled shade or indirect light to prevent the leaves from scorching.
• Soil: This variety of Brunnera thrives in well-draining, moist, but not waterlogged soil. To improve soil quality, incorporate organic matter such as compost, which enhances both moisture retention and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball of your Brunnera. This provides plenty of room for the roots to grow and establish.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or other organic matter into the soil to improve both fertility and drainage. Brunnera benefits from rich, well-drained soil.
3. Planting: Place the plant into the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting. This helps to settle the soil and encourages the roots of your Brunnera to establish quickly.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ prefers consistently moist soil, particularly during the growing season. Ensure the soil stays damp but not waterlogged. Water deeply, especially during dry spells.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering once the plant goes dormant in late autumn. Only water if the soil becomes overly dry, as Brunnera needs less moisture during the winter months.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertiliser in early spring to give Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ a strong start to the growing season. This will support healthy foliage and flowering.
• Mid-Summer: A light feed in mid-summer can help your plant continue to thrive and produce its stunning blue blooms. However, avoid over-fertilising, as this can result in leggy growth.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage a tidy appearance and prolong the blooming period. While Brunnera is primarily grown for its foliage, deadheading can help maintain the plant’s overall health.
• Autumn Pruning: Once the growing season has ended, you can cut back the foliage to ground level. This prepares the plant for the winter months and promotes new growth in the spring.

Mulching

• Spring: Applying a layer of mulch around the base of your Brunnera in spring will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Winter: A layer of mulch applied in winter will protect the plant’s roots from frost and prevent the soil from freezing. This helps your Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ survive through the colder months.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ has a compact growth habit, so staking is generally not necessary. However, in windy areas or where the plant becomes top-heavy, consider adding a small support to prevent damage.

Final Tips

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ is a low-maintenance perennial that adds a touch of elegance to any garden with its unique silver leaves and charming blue flowers. By planting it in the right spot with partial shade, well-drained soil, and providing proper care throughout the seasons, your Brunnera will thrive. This stunning plant will enrich your garden with its beauty, offering year-round interest from its foliage and delicate blooms.

RHS Details

See more Brunnera from Proctors