Brunnera 'Queen of Hearts'

Brunnera macrophylla 'Queen of Hearts': Regal Silver for the Shaded Garden

Majestic and finely detailed, Brunnera 'Queen of Hearts' impresses with enormous heart-shaped leaves cloaked in silver, intricately veined with deep green. In spring, clusters of small, true-blue flowers rise above the foliage, adding a soft, floral layer to its commanding presence. This newer selection boasts both exceptional foliage and a refined, vigorous habit—perfect for anchoring shaded beds with elegance and resilience that lasts through the growing season.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 40–45 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm, forming a broad, mounding clump
• Flower Colour: Sky blue
• Flowering Period: Mid to late spring
• Foliage: Extra-large, silver with dark green veining; heart-shaped and bold
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, rich, well-drained soil; tolerant of dry shade once established

Uses and Benefits: Brunnera 'Queen of Hearts' makes a stunning focal point in shaded borders, underplantings, and woodland gardens. Its large, luminous leaves hold up beautifully through the heat of summer, while its spring flowers provide early-season nectar. Deer-resistant and low-maintenance, it offers season-long impact with very little upkeep—an ideal choice for textural contrast and foliage-driven design.

Companion Plants: Pair with the lustrous, arching fronds of Polystichum polyblepharum, the finely cut leaves and delicate blooms of Tiarella 'Spring Symphony', and the soft, white flower spikes of Liriope muscari 'Monroe White' for a layered, luminous composition that thrives in dappled light.

Care Instructions: Plant in part to full shade with consistently moist, humus-rich soil. Water regularly during establishment; mulch to conserve moisture. Remove spent flowers and tidy foliage as needed. Divide every few years in spring to refresh growth and manage size.

History: Bred by Walters Gardens, 'Queen of Hearts' is part of a new generation of Brunnera cultivars developed for bold leaf size, improved vigour, and long-lasting colour. It descends from the renowned 'Looking Glass' line and sets a new standard for silver foliage in the shade garden.

Final Thoughts: Bold, elegant, and enduring, Brunnera 'Queen of Hearts' reigns supreme in shady settings—bringing a silvery glow and stately charm that elevate every planting it graces.