Brunera macrophylla(Brunnera macrophylla) is an interesting perennial, valued for its longevity, winter hardiness and attractive appearance. It is perfect for growing in damp and shady places, which it fills with lush clumps of large, heart-shaped leaves with an amazing color. See what thecultivation of large-leaved brunera looks likeand what requirements must be met for it to grow well. We present interestingvarieties of large-leaved brunerathat are worth planting in the garden!
Brunera macrophylla - Brunnera macrophylla
Fig. pixabay.com
Brunera macrophylla(Brunnera macrophylla) is a tufted perennial plant belonging to the borage family (Boraginaceae). Reaches an average of 40 cm in height and 60 cm in width.
"Another,common name of brunery is Caucasian forget-me-notNo wonder, becausebrunery flowers are deceptively similar to forget-me-not flowersThey appear from April to May, sometimes even more in June. They are gathered in umbels and come in blue or white. "
However, thebrunera large-leaved is grown primarily for its large, heart-shaped leaves decorated with interesting patternsTheir colors are mostly green, silver and white. They are often two-colored, with clearly marked innervation. They are covered with fluff on the underside.Brunnera leaves are decorative from spring until severe frosts and snowfall Brunner's large-leaved plant looks great in combination with such plants as: funkia (hosta), cranberry, bamboo grass, garden ferns.
Numerousvarieties of large-leaved brunnera with interesting patterns on the leavesare available for sale. Here are the most interesting of them:
Bruner's large-leaved 'Jack Frost'
Fig. © Asterka, forum.PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Bruner's large-leaved 'Jack Frost'- silvery leaves with bright green veins and rim,
Brunera large-leaved 'Variegata'- green leaves with almost white, wide and irregular margins,
Bruner's large-leaved 'Variegata'
Fig. Wouter Hagens, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons
Bruner's large-leaved 'Silver Wings'- the leaves are all covered with numerous large silver-gray spots,
Brunera large-leaved 'Hadspen Cream'- light green leaves with a wide, irregular cream border, which turns yellow at higher temperatures,
Bruner's large-leaved 'Emerald Mist'- olive-blue leaves with a silver pattern along the edge of the leaf,
Brunera large-leaved 'Sea Heart'- silver-green leaves with olive-green veins and rim,
Brunera large-leaved 'Dianes Gold'- yellow-green leaves,
Brunera large-leaved 'Alba'- variety with green leaves and white flowers,
Brunera wielkolistna 'Looking Glass'- silvery-white leaf blades with delicate green veins.
Brunera wielkolistna 'Looking glass'
Fig. depositphotos.com
Large-leaved Brunera is best planted at a distance of 7-9 pcs / m2. This plant is also great for growing in containers.
Brunner large-leaved soil requires fertile, humus and moist soil to develop properly.In too dry a soil, brunera leaves dry and die. However, brunettes should not be grown in excessively humid terrain, because the wet ground may lead to root rot, especially in winter.
Bruner's large-leaved plant is an excellent shade plant.In sunny places, the edges of the leaves turn brown, so it should be grown only in shaded placesBrunnera large-leaved grows well even in very shady places, but in such a location the leaves change color less and the plant blooms less profusely . Brunnery varieties with silvery leaves (e.g. 'Silver Heart') tolerate stronger sun better.
Brunnera large-leaved she likes fertilization with compost and other organic fertilizersEven before planting brunera, it is worth enriching the soil with compost. Then, regularly fertilize the brunera with organic fertilizers every year.During the growing season, vermicompost works well, which should be diluted and watered over the plant.
During the season, remember to regularly remove weeds andwatering brunnery if necessary, especially in hot and dry summers .
Although the large-leaved brunner is considered a completely frost-resistant species (frost resistance zone 3), some varieties may freeze.In autumn, it is worth leaving the drying leaves of the brunneraas a natural protection against frost and remove them only in spring. Plants can also be covered with conifer branches for the winter.
To reproduce the large-leaved brunera, split the carp with a spade in early spring.Division of plants should be carried out regularly every 3-5 years to maintain their nice appearance and habitIn favorable conditions, brunera can spread by itself and cover larger and larger spaces in the garden.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach