perennial · design plant record

Brunnera macrophylla

Siberian bugloss

Spring blue flowers above broad leaves; the foliage carries the later growing season.

Height at maturity
0.3–0.46 m (1–1.5 ft)
Spread at maturity
0.46–0.77 m (1.5–2.5 ft)
Light
Part shade / Shade
Moisture
Moist, draining soil
Source-reported USDA zones
3–8 · verify subzone and cultivar
Principal seasonal role
Spring, Summer, Autumn

Fit it to the site

Fertile, moist, draining soil; shade from afternoon sun.

NC State specifically advises against southeastern US hot, humid conditions. Reject persistently dry soil and scorching sun.

Keep the care in the decision

Check moisture and watch for slug or snail damage. Choose a named cultivar for silver or variegated leaves.

Origin & safety checks

Turkey and the Caucasus; not a universal native choice.

Toxicity not assessed here; do not infer food or pet safety.

Check current invasive restrictions with your local plant-health or extension authority. For pets, use the exact botanical name in a veterinary toxicity reference; for potential ingestion or exposure, get appropriate professional advice rather than relying on a design guide.

Factual source · checked 8 October 2026

NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Brunnera macrophylla

Ranges are rounded metric conversions of the source's dimensions. Growth varies with cultivar and conditions. Linked source photographs can help verify identity; our concept garden images cannot.