Brunnera 'Queen of Hearts'

Brunnera 'Queen of Hearts': Big Silver Hearts Holding Court

'Queen of Hearts' rules the shade with silver leaves and a strict dress code. Baby-blue flowers float overhead like courtiers. Dull plants in her bed? OFF WITH THEIR HEADS.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Brunnera macrophylla 'Queen of Hearts'
• Common Name: Siberian Bugloss, Heartleaf Brunnera
• Series: A Proven Winners® perennial
• Height: 41–46 cm (16–18 in)
• Spread: 71–91 cm (28–36 in)
• Flowers: Tiny baby-blue, forget-me-not-like flowers in clusters above the foliage
• Bloom Time: Mid to late spring (April to May)
• Foliage: Large heart-shaped leaves with a heavy silver overlay and narrow bands of dark green veining
• Plant Patent: USPP 32,737 / Can 7,066

Where to Plant: Use it as a centrepiece in a shade bed, in groups along a woodland edge, or in large containers on a shaded patio. Its silver leaves brighten the north side of a house.

Companion Plants: Polygonatum multiflorum rises behind the brunnera on arching stems to 90 cm, with white bells in May and June that follow on from the blue spring flowers. Tuck Heucherella Fun and Games® 'Red Rover' along the front, a low 15 to 20 cm mound with white flowers in late spring. For the back of the bed, Cimicifuga 'Atropurpurea' reaches 150 to 180 cm and blooms white from August to October, long after the brunnera has finished. It's a layered shade planting with interest at every height and in every season.

Plant Care: Grow it in part to full shade, in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. In northern gardens it can take morning sun if the soil stays moist; avoid hot afternoon sun. Water through dry spells and mulch to keep the roots cool, especially in the first year. Remove flower stems after bloom to keep the mound tidy. Trim any damaged leaves during the season. Leave the foliage for winter and clean it up in early spring as new leaves emerge. Divide in spring when clumps get crowded. It's patented, so propagation for sale isn't allowed.

History: 'Queen of Hearts' was bred by Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan, from a 2015 cross between 'Alexander's Great' and a seedling of 'Diane's Gold', and it inherited the big leaves of its seed parent. The species grows wild in mountain forests of the Caucasus and Turkey.

Final Thoughts: The deer have been banished from the kingdom and the bees have royal passes. Bow, then plant three. LONG MAY SHE REIGN.