Brunnera 'Sea Heart'

Brunnera macrophylla 'Sea Heart': Silvery Waves with a Gentle Bloom

Exceptionally resilient and richly textured, Brunnera 'Sea Heart' brings shimmering silver foliage and spring softness to the shaded garden. Its large, heart-shaped leaves are heavily frosted in silver with deep green veining—more heat- and humidity-tolerant than older cultivars. In early to mid-spring, dainty sprays of clear blue flowers float above the foliage, echoing forget-me-nots and inviting pollinators. With its tidy form and tough constitution, this is a foliage-focused perennial that performs beautifully even in difficult conditions.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 30–40 cm
• Spread: 50–60 cm, forming a compact, rounded clump
• Flower Colour: Clear sky blue
• Flowering Period: Early to mid-spring
• Foliage: Thick, heart-shaped, silver with green veining; highly textured
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil; tolerates dry shade once established

Uses and Benefits: Brunnera 'Sea Heart' is perfect for adding bright foliage and early bloom to woodland borders, shaded pathways, and foliage-driven designs. Its thick leaves are more resistant to sun scorch and humidity than many other silver cultivars, making it a standout for longevity and resilience. Deer-resistant, pollinator-friendly, and low-maintenance, it holds strong from spring to frost.

Companion Plants: Combine with the glossy, architectural fronds of Cyrtomium fortunei, the soft lemon blooms and bronzed foliage of Epimedium versicolor 'Sulphureum', and the creeping texture of Thymus 'Elfin' at the edge for a balanced, finely layered planting that weaves together form and function in the shade.

Care Instructions: Plant in part to full shade in moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment, then as needed in dry periods. Cut back any tired foliage in late summer. Divide clumps every few years in early spring to refresh growth and maintain vigour.

History: Bred by renowned Dutch plantsman Marco van Noort, 'Sea Heart' is a descendant of the celebrated 'Jack Frost' line—selected for superior leaf texture, weather resistance, and bold colour. It represents the next generation of Brunnera breeding with a focus on both beauty and durability.

Final Thoughts: With its luminous foliage and tough spirit, Brunnera 'Sea Heart' brings a calm, cooling presence to the shaded garden—like a silver tide that never ebbs.