Brunnera 'Silver Heart'

Brunnera macrophylla 'Silver Heart': Enduring Elegance in Every Shade

Refined and resilient, Brunnera 'Silver Heart' stands out for its bold silver leaves and exceptional tolerance of heat and humidity. Each thick, heart-shaped leaf is heavily overlaid in shimmering silver with crisp green veining—retaining its lustre even in summer conditions that challenge other silver-foliaged perennials. In early spring, clouds of sky-blue flowers appear above the foliage, bringing a delicate lift to its solid form. Compact and long-lived, this cultivar is equally at home in woodland edges and sophisticated shade plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 30–40 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, forming a dense, mounded clump
• Flower Colour: Sky blue
• Flowering Period: Early to mid-spring
• Foliage: Thick, heart-shaped, silver with dark green veining; holds colour in heat and humidity
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil; tolerant of dry shade once established

Uses and Benefits: Brunnera 'Silver Heart' brings lasting brightness and durable texture to shaded gardens, forming a dependable backbone in border edges, underplantings, or massed displays. Its thick foliage resists damage from sun and drought, making it one of the most garden-tough selections in the genus. Pollinator-friendly, deer-resistant, and low maintenance, it adds elegance that endures all season long.

Companion Plants: Pair with the golden-tipped fronds of Dryopteris affinis, the chartreuse sprawl of Lysimachia aurea, and the sharply cut leaves and spring flowers of Tiarella 'Cutting Edge' for a layered, light-reflective planting full of contrast and subtle movement.

Care Instructions: Plant in part to full shade in moist, well-drained soil. Water during dry spells, especially in the first growing season. Remove damaged or faded leaves in late summer to keep the plant looking fresh. Divide every few years in spring to maintain vigour and clump shape.

History: Developed in the Netherlands, 'Silver Heart' is a hybrid selected for improved leaf substance, weather resistance, and overall garden performance. As a cousin to the celebrated 'Jack Frost', it represents a refined evolution of silver-foliaged Brunnera bred to withstand real-world conditions without sacrificing beauty.

Final Thoughts: Luminous, reliable, and quietly bold, Brunnera 'Silver Heart' shines through the seasons—bringing light and strength to even the darkest corners of the garden.