Brunnera macrophylla ‘Silver Heart’

Description

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

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth.
2. Soil Preparation: Work in compost or leaf mould to enrich the planting site and improve drainage.
3. Planting: Place your Brunnera in the hole with the crown level to the soil surface. Backfill and gently firm the soil around the plant.
4. 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.