Brunnera macrophylla aka Great Forget Me Not

Brunnera macrophylla is a perennial in the borage family. Gardeners know it as Siberian bugloss or great forget-me-not. It comes from northeastern Turkey and the Caucasus. There, it grows in forests on mountain slopes. It forms leafy clumps and spreads through creeping rhizomes. Garden plants reach about 1–1.5 feet (0.3–0.46 m) tall. The RHS gives an upper height of 1.6 feet (0.5 m). Clumps can spread to 2.5 feet (0.76 m) wide. The RHS lists a smaller spread of 1.6 feet (0.5 m).

The large leaves make a low mound near the ground. They are dark green, with a heart-shaped outline. Rough hairs cover their surface, and the veins look sunken. Each leaf can reach 0.5 feet (0.15 m) long and wide. The lower leaves are larger than those on the stems. Upper leaves have a more oval shape. The RHS describes the foliage as deciduous. The leaf mound adds interest through the growing season.

Small blue flowers rise above the leaves on thin stems. Each flower has five petals around a pale centre. Their shape recalls the flowers of forget-me-nots. Branched racemes hold loose groups of these small blooms. Flowering starts in spring and can last into early summer. Chicago Botanic Garden lists a March to June bloom season. Bees and other pollinators visit the flowers. Chicago also lists birds and butterflies among its wildlife visitors.

Grow this plant in partial or full shade. Shield its leaves from strong afternoon sun, which can scorch them. It needs moist soil that drains well. Rich soil with humus suits it best. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and chalk. It also tolerates acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. Mulch helps hold moisture and keeps the soil cool. Dry soil, heat, and high humidity can cause poor growth. Cool summers suit it better. Listed hardiness ratings are USDA zones 3–7 and RHS H6.

Use it beneath trees, beside shaded paths, or in borders. Groups can form ground cover in woodland or cottage gardens. It also suits containers and planting near streams or ponds. Plants may seed themselves when conditions suit them. Divide clumps in early spring, or take root cuttings in winter. Routine pruning is not needed. Serious pest and disease problems are rare. Slugs and snails may visit, but deer and rabbits tend to avoid it.