Brunnera 'Alexander's Great'

Brunnera 'Alexander's Great': Silver Hearts, Supersized

Big leaves with a name to match. 'Alexander's Great' grows silver hearts as big as dinner plates and isn't shy about it. Tiny sky-blue flowers drift above in spring. THE EGO IS EARNED.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great'
• Common Name: Siberian Bugloss, Heartleaf Brunnera
• Height: 35–40 cm (14–16 in)
• Spread: 60–75 cm (24–30 in)
• Flowers: Tiny sky-blue, forget-me-not-like flowers in airy sprays
• Bloom Time: Spring (April to May)
• Foliage: Very large, heart-shaped leaves, heavily silvered with fine green veining
• Features: Bright foliage all season

Where to Plant: Use it as a focal point in a shade bed, along a woodland path or beneath deciduous trees. A few planted together make a bold silver groundcover that stays bright all season.

Companion Plants: Give the big silver leaves of 'Alexander's Great' a moist, shady bed with red and silver partners. Hosta 'Mini Skirt' edges the front at 13 cm with tiny rippled leaves. Heuchera 'Fire Chief' adds wine-red foliage at 23 to 30 cm. Athyrium 'Ghost' brings silvery fern fronds at 60 cm, echoing the brunnera's leaves. Carex grayi adds glossy blades at 60 to 90 cm with spiky, mace-like seed heads.

Plant Care: Plant in part to full shade in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Morning sun is fine, but hot afternoon sun can scorch the leaves. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially in the first season and in dry summers, and add mulch to keep the roots cool. Remove spent flower stems after blooming to keep the clump tidy. Trim tattered leaves as needed. Leave the foliage in place over winter and clean it up in early spring as new growth appears. Divide in spring if the clump gets crowded.

History: 'Alexander's Great' was found by Alexander Zuikevich in a private garden in Minsk, Belarus, and its exact parents are unknown. The species, Brunnera macrophylla, grows wild in mountain forests of the Caucasus and Turkey despite the common name Siberian bugloss.

Final Thoughts: Drop it into a dark corner and let it light the place up all season. The deer won't touch it. GREAT IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT.