Brunnera macrophylla Queen of Hearts

Brunnera macrophylla Queen of Hearts is a stunning herbaceous perennial known for its large, heart-shaped leaves and delicate, sky-blue flowers. This cultivar was first introduced in the 1980s by the Dutch nurseryman Coen Jansen, and has since become a popular choice for gardeners looking to add texture and color to their landscape.

Product Characteristics:
• Height: 30-40cm/12-16in
• Spread: 30-40cm/12-16in
• Flower color: sky-blue
• Flowering period: April-May
• Foliage: large, heart-shaped, dark green leaves with silver veins
• Sunlight requirements: partial to full shade
• Soil requirements: moist, well-draining soil, enriched with organic matter
• Hardiness Zone: 4

Uses:
Brunnera macrophylla Queen of Hearts is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of settings, from shaded borders to woodland gardens. It also makes a great groundcover and is suitable for planting under trees or alongside paths.

Benefits:
In addition to its attractive foliage and delicate flowers, Brunnera macrophylla Queen of Hearts is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that is resistant to deer and rabbits. It also tolerates wet soils and is drought-tolerant once established.

Companion Plants:

• Astilbe chinensis 'Vision in Red' - The bold red flowers of this Astilbe complement the blue blooms of the Brunnera while adding height to the planting.
• Hosta 'Guacamole' - The yellow and green variegated foliage of this Hosta provides a lovely contrast to the blue and silver foliage of the Brunnera.
• Ligularia dentata 'Othello' - The dark foliage of this Ligularia provides a lovely contrast to the silver-green leaves of the Brunnera while adding height to the planting.

Care Instructions:
Brunnera macrophylla Queen of Hearts prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, but be careful not to overwater. This plant is low-maintenance and requires no pruning, but deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms.

Final Thoughts:
Overall, Brunnera macrophylla Queen of Hearts is a must-have plant for any shade garden. Its striking foliage and delicate flowers make it a standout addition, while its hardiness and low-maintenance nature make it an easy choice for even novice gardeners.