Brunnera 'Sea Heart'

Brunnera 'Sea Heart': Silver Leaves Tough Enough for August

Most silver brunneras panic the second the sun peeks around the corner. 'Sea Heart' has thicker skin. Rounded silver leaves and blue flowers that start pink in bud, with the calm of a week at the cottage. UNFAZED BY A LITTLE SUNSHINE.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Brunnera macrophylla 'Sea Heart'
• Common Name: Siberian Bugloss
• Height: 30 cm (12 in)
• Spread: 40–45 cm (16–18 in)
• Flowers: Sprays of tiny, forget-me-not-style blue flowers, pinkish in bud
• Bloom Time: Mid to late spring (April to May)
• Foliage: Large, thick, rounded heart-shaped leaves, heavily silvered with green veins
• Features: Rabbit resistant, more resistant to sun scorch than older silver cultivars
• Plant Patent: USPP 24,684

Where to Plant: Plant it along a shady path, at the front of a woodland border, or in groups in a shady bed. The silver leaves brighten dark corners long after the flowers finish, and it makes a tidy edging for the north side of a house.

Companion Plants: Uvularia grandiflora opens yellow bells in April and May, right alongside the blue flowers. Geranium macrorrhizum 'Ingwersen's Variety' follows with pink flowers from May to July and makes a tough groundcover. Heuchera 'Autumn Bride' brings white flowers from August to October. Together they cover spring, summer and fall in the shade.

Plant Care: Give it part shade or full shade, with protection from hot afternoon sun. It likes fertile, humus-rich soil that stays evenly moist but drains well. Work compost into heavy clay before planting. Water during dry spells, especially in the first season. Dry soil is what stresses Brunnera most. Cut the flower stems back after blooming to keep the clump neat. Remove any tired leaves in fall or early spring. Clumps can be divided in early spring if needed, but it's happy to stay put for years.

History: 'Sea Heart' was found in 2010 by Peter Jan Willemsen in the Netherlands as a natural sport of Brunnera 'Silver Lace', and was patented in 2014. It was selected for its large, strong leaves and better resistance to sun scorch than 'Jack Frost'.

Final Thoughts: Deer pass, rabbits pass, you get to relax. Plant it where your old brunnera fried. SECOND CHANCES LOOK GOOD ON YOU.