The best tips for caring for and planting Brunnera. Brunnera macrophylla Brunnera flower - planting and care in open ground

Description: 3 species are known, found in the Caucasus, Western and Eastern Siberia. Rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with large entire leaves and forget-me-not-shaped flowers collected in paniculate or corymbose inflorescences.

In decorative floriculture, 2 types are used.

Brunnera sibirica- V. sibirica Stev. Plant of the Altai and Sayan forests. One of the best spring plants, larger and more spectacular than Brunnera macrofolia. The rhizome is long, up to 1 cm thick. Single stems up to 60 cm tall with sparse, glandular drooping. Brunnera sibirica does not form a separate bush, but a thicket of leaves. The basal leaves are on long petioles, dense, wrinkled on top, heart-shaped, the stem leaves are almost lanceolate, sessile. Dark blue flowers with a white eye, up to 0.5 cm in diameter, are collected in complex paniculate inflorescences rising above the leaves. Blooms in May - June for 25 days. The fruits are nuts. It is interesting that, unlike Brunnera macrophylla, the leaves of this species become covered with dark spots and dry out after the end of flowering. But at the end of summer (mid-August), new leaves begin to grow, which last until the first frost. Like any forest plant, Brunnera sibirica prefers moist, shady places. This plant is often damaged by brown spot. Photos of EDSR.

Вrunnera macrophylla "Hadspen Cream" Photo Nursery "Northern Flora"	Вrunnera macrophylla "Variegata" Photo Nursery "Northern Flora"	Brunnera macrophylla "Jack Frost" Photo Mikhail Polotnov
Brunnera macrophylla "Mr. Morse" Photo by Andrey Ganov	Brunnera "Langtrees" Photo by Andrey Ganov	Brunnera "Looking Glass" Photo by Olena Ukleina

Location: When placing varietal Brunner in the garden, you should choose a location where they will be illuminated by the morning rays of the sun and fall into the shade in the afternoon. In full shade, plants stretch out and lose their decorative appearance, and when grown in the sun, brunners need to ensure constant soil and air moisture, which is only possible if there is a reservoir. In hotter climates, planting them in full sun is generally not a good idea.

Brunnera "Mr. Morse"
Photo by Andrey Ganov

The soil: Brunnera sibirica prefers clayey, constantly moist soils. It grows very well on the north side of the house, where it flows from the roof. rainwater. With a lack of moisture, the leaves droop and by mid-summer the plant completely loses its decorative effect. For Brunnera macrophylla, a site with moderately moist soils is best suited. Too rich soils, especially those fertilized with fresh manure, cause active, prolonged growth of leaves, which disrupts the natural rhythm of seasonal growth and development characteristic of these species.

Care: It should be noted that Brunnera macrophylla, in which, as already noted, new leaves appear throughout the season, is decorative from spring to late autumn. After flowering, the leaves of Brunnera sibirica dry out quite quickly and become covered with brown spots, so it is better to cut them off in July. And already in mid-August new leaves grow, which last until frost. But neither of the brunneras have leaves that overwinter.

Caring for brunnera plantings is simple. In dense thickets of Brunnera sibirica, whose powerful rhizomes, intertwined, do not allow weeds here; care consists of cutting off leaves that have lost their decorative effect. In the conditions of Central Russia, properly planted (shade and moisture), they do not need watering. Brunnera macrophylla is less resistant to weeds. Its bush grows slowly, and weeds such as gooseberry, butterwort and other long-rhizome perennials can overwhelm it. Therefore, timely weeding is the basis for the good growth of this plant. It does not need watering or fertilizers. It is not recommended to loosen the plantings, since the rhizomes are located close to the surface. No illnesses were noted.

Brunnera "Spring Yellow"
Photo by Andrey Ganov

Brunneras do not weed, but Brunnera sibirica grows so quickly due to its long rhizomes that limiting its invasive tendencies is the gardener's concern.

Reproduction: dividing rhizomes, cutting rhizomes and sowing seeds. Self-seeding possible. Brunners bloom in the spring, and therefore division and replanting are done in late summer, when the plants have already formed flower buds for next year. Planted in late July - August, divisions take root in the fall, overwinter well and bloom in the spring of next year. Please note that Siberian Brunnera is not replanted in the spring; large-leaved Brunnera is replanted only with big lump land.

Brunnera macrophylla is a plant with a short vertical rhizome, propagated by dividing the bush. The bush is dug up, the above-ground part is cut off, the roots are cleared of soil, lowered into a bucket of water. Then the bush is divided into separate parts. It is better to follow the natural collapse of the rhizome, but if the bush is difficult to divide, use a sharp knife. But in any division there must be a renewal bud for next year and a section of rhizome. Then the division is planted in the designated place in the flower garden. It is advisable to put a label with the name next to it, so as not to forget about the plant later.

Brunnera sibirica is a plant with a branched rhizome; it reproduces by cuttings of rhizomes. The rhizome, located close to the surface of the earth, is dug up, freed from old rotten parts and broken into separate pieces by hand. Each segment should contain a living (not rotten or dried out) renewal bud. In Brunnera Siberia it is dark, shiny, dense - this is the basis for future successful growth. A section of rhizome (4-6 cm long) with a bud is planted in a designated place to a depth of 2-3 cm and lightly sprinkled with soil. A label with the name of the plant is placed near the planting.

Brunnera "Jack Frost" & Viola labradorica
Photo by Olga Bondareva

Usage: To create stable decorative groups as part of mixborders, it is good to use Brunnera macrophylla. Brunnera macrophylla can also be used in borders, since it does not grow, keeps its shape all season, its leaves are neat, and no diseases have been noted. It can also be used for planting in shady rockeries, but in their most humid part.

Brunnera sibirica is less valuable for flower beds, as it loses its decorative effect in mid-summer. But at the same time, this is not a capricious, quickly growing plant that forms a dense thicket (up to 50 cm in height) and is indispensable for decorating shaded, waterlogged areas in the depths of the garden or in the background of flower beds. Its advantages are rapid growth and stability. Growing does not require much time or expense.

Partners: a dense, beautiful bush of brunnera with a cloud of blue flowers above it looks great next to serrated primrose, hellebore, Colchian horny weed, bear's onion, female fern (female moth fern), etc.

Brunnera macrophylla – perennial, unpretentious plant, characterized by high winter hardiness and shade tolerance. Growing quickly under the crowns of trees or in the shade of shrubs, brunnera bushes remain decorative and attractive all season long, until frost. The most spectacular foliage of the perennial is: silvery, with green veins or green, with light splashes and a bright border, depending on the variety.

The plant is so hardy and resilient that it requires almost no care. There are only some rules of agricultural technology for growing a crop related to its morphological characteristics and preferences. All tips for planting, propagating and caring for Brunnera macrophylla are in this collection of material.

Brunnera macrophylla, plant description

Brunnera macrophylla or, as it is also called, forget-me-not, is an unpretentious perennial of the Borage family. When comparing it with forget-me-nots, they mean a similar pale blue flowering, differing only in the color of the core of the flowers.

The plant was named after the botanist and traveler from Switzerland Samuel Brunner. The species received the second part of its name thanks to its large and beautiful lower leaves culture.

The perennial is easy to care for, winter-hardy, moisture-loving and very attractive. In one place, a crop can grow for up to 15 years.

Beautiful, spreading bushes grow quickly and reproduce easily.

Brunnera macrophylla – owner decorative leaves, heart-shaped and lanceolate, reaching up to 20 cm in width. The basal leaves are much larger than those located on top, and, towards the top of the shoot, the foliage becomes smaller. Petioles large leaves- long, in small ones - short or completely absent. The leaf blade is slightly pubescent, dark green above, lighter below.

• The rhizome of the forget-me-not is short, thick, horizontal. Adventitious roots are thin, thread-like.
• The stem of Brunnera is straight and single, reaching a height of up to 60 cm. The entire length of the shoots is covered with short hairs.
• Peduncles develop from the axils of the apical leaves. Small flowers collected in inflorescences - a loose panicle or shield. The corollas are blue or dark blue, with a white core. Flowering begins in April-May and lasts about a month. Sometimes Brunnera blooms a second time in the fall.

• The fruit of Brunnera is very small (up to 3 mm), represented by a nut.
• The natural habitat of the plant is the Caucasus region. Most often, Brunnera grows in shady forests or meadows, along rivers or lakes. In most countries it is cultivated as an ornamental plant.

Brunnera macrophylla, varieties

The genus Brunner includes only three species: large-leaved, Siberian and eastern. The type of Brunnera macrophylla is considered the most attractive for gardening. Breeders most often use this type for breeding new varieties. Intervarietal differences, as a rule, come down to different shapes and leaf color. Let's look at the most popular varieties of Brunnera macrophylla.

Brunnera macrophylla Jack Frost

Translated, the word “frost” means “frost”. Indeed, the variety is distinguished by light, silvery leaves (as if covered with frost) with pronounced green veins and a border along the edge of the leaf blade. The bushes are large and spreading, up to 60 cm in height. The variety has increased frost resistance and moisture-loving properties.

Brunnera macrophylla Silver Wings

The variety is distinguished by large decorative leaves, densely planted with silvery spots. The bushes are neat, compact, and do not grow. The height of the bush does not exceed 40 cm. The variety prefers shaded and moist growing areas.

Brunnera macrophylla Hudspen Cream

The variety is characterized by the presence of wide, heart-shaped leaves, up to 15 cm long. The leaf blade is colored green color, with a thin light border around the edge.

Brunnera macrophylla King's Ransom

It has large light gray leaves with pronounced dark green veins. The bush grows up to 40-50 cm in height, differs abundant flowering. The culture grows well in partial shade, in well-moistened soil.

Brunnera macrophylla Langtrees

The Langtrees variety is characterized by dark green leaves with silver speckles.

• Brunnera macrophylla Variegata

A low variety, reaching no more than 35 cm, with green leaves and a pronounced wide light cream border. The plant does not like bright sun, where the foliage loses its attractiveness and turns white. Drought can cause the plant's leaves to drop.

• Brunnera macrophylla Millennium Silber

The emerald leaves of this Brunnera variety are covered with white spots. Growing conditions are similar to other varieties.

• Brunnera macrophylla Looking Glass

The variety is distinguished by light, silvery leaves with green veins. Small flowers - soft blue shades. The bush is short (up to 35 cm), compact, holds its shape well. Ideal for borders and rockeries.

• Brunnera macrofolia Silver Hut

The name of the variety translates as “silver heart” and fully reflects appearance brunnera leaves. The silvery tint of the entire leaf plate, with a narrow green border, gives the bushes an unusual decorative look. The height of the plant does not exceed 40 cm, and the diameter of the bush is about 50 cm.

Brunnera macrophylla, planting features

Brunnera macrophylla - perennial herbaceous plant, perfectly suited for planting and growing in open ground.

Place for planting Brunnera macrophylla

Taking into account the morphological characteristics of the crop, it is important to choose the optimally favorable place for planting it.

• A place for planting perennials is chosen in partial shade (for example, near trees or near the northern part of the house). Strong shade, just like direct sunlight, negatively affects the development of brunnera, significantly reducing its decorative qualities. In the shade, the shoots begin to thin and elongate, and in the sun, the leaves turn pale and fall off.

• Brunnera is a moisture-loving plant. This should be taken into account when planting the plant. Lowlands, partially shaded areas near water bodies, and water flowing from the roof are the best options.
• The soil for the unpretentious brunnera is clayey, dense, moist, without excess fertilizer. Too rich and nutritious soils, paradoxically, disrupt the natural biorhythm of the plant.

Agricultural technology for planting Brunnera macrophylla

• Planting brunnera usually coincides with the process of dividing it. After the bush has completely bloomed, cut off its entire above-ground part (leaving 10 cm of shoots). Then the plant is dug up and, having cleared and washed the roots from the soil, the bush is divided into several parts. The main condition is the presence in each division of a part of the rhizome with a bud for renewal next year. To plant parts of the bush, prepare holes in advance and sprinkle them tightly young plant soil and water it abundantly with water. The root collar of the plant correct landing must be level with the ground surface.

• Brunnera macrophylla also reproduces successfully using part of the rhizome. The perennial rhizome has a horizontal surface arrangement, so it is easy to dig up. The rhizome is divided into several parts (about 5-6 cm long) with a bud for renewing the future shoot. Such sections of rhizome are placed in shallow (up to 3 cm) holes, the soil is compacted and watered. It is better to mulch the planting site with sawdust or bark, which will maintain a humid microclimate for a long time.

• The perennial can be replanted in spring or summer (after flowering), in cloudy weather or in the evening. For successful replanting, it is necessary to keep as large a lump of earth as possible near the roots of the plant. According to gardeners, the most successful period for replanting is the end of summer.
• Considering that Brunnera grows quickly, when planting, you should maintain a distance between plants of 30 to 50 cm.

Brunnera macrophylla, plant care

Both planting and caring for the Brunner require a minimum of effort. But the spectacular appearance of the plant can delight others from spring until frost. The fact is that after flowering the crop does not lose its leaves, thereby maintaining its attractiveness throughout the season. Withered peduncles and inflorescences can be removed so as not to spoil the beauty of the decorative foliage.

Caring for perennials is simple and comes down to basic measures: weeding, watering, pest control. Let's look at some of the features of cultivating this herbaceous plant.

• Weeding must be done carefully, not deeply, taking into account the superficial location of the roots of the Brunnera. It would be better to pull out the weeds by hand and then mulch the area. This will help avoid the growth of weeds and injury to the brunnera rhizome.
• Watering, in the absence of natural precipitation, should be regular and plentiful. Mulch will help retain moisture around the plant longer. If the soil is moist, there is no need to water the plant additionally. Constant stagnation of moisture can lead to rotting of the plant roots.

• To rejuvenate adult bushes, when the middle of the bush noticeably thins out, they are periodically divided and transplanted to a new location.
• Of the fungal diseases that affect perennials, you should be wary of “brown spot,” when characteristic spots appear on the foliage. Powdery mildew can also attack the leaves and shoots of Brunnera. Most often, rainy, damp weather provokes the development of these fungal diseases. Removing damaged parts of the plant and treating them with a fungicide (for example, Bordeaux mixture or phytosporin) will help in the fight against them.
• Among the pests that pose a danger to brunneras are insects such as whiteflies and aphids. When attacking a plant, pests are destroyed with a solution of Karbofos, Actellik or tar soap.
• When preparing a plant for winter, above-ground shoots are cut off (leaving 10-15 cm of stumps), and the soil is mulched with peat, fallen leaves or compost. The perennial does not need additional shelter.
• Once planted, Brunnera grows very quickly, “clogging” surrounding plants. Therefore, you should periodically limit and control the growth of bushes, and when planting, leave enough space for growth.

Reproduction of Brunnera macrofolia

• The most popular and simple types vegetative propagation brunners (part of the bush and rhizome) were discussed in the section “Agrotechnics of planting”.
• There is another method of propagation - seed. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to collect seed material yourself, since they often do not have time to ripen properly due to the onset of frost. Sometimes, under favorable weather conditions, perennial self-seeding occurs.
• Brunnera macrophylla seeds can be purchased in specialized stores or nurseries.
• The seed method of propagation does not always preserve morphological characteristics maternal individual.
• Another disadvantage is the rather long period of development from a seed into an adult bush, which can bloom only in the 3-4th year of life.
• If the seeds are sown in the fall, they are sown in open ground, in holes or grooves. When sowing in spring, the seeds are pre-stratified (hardened) for 3-4 months.

Application of Brunnera macrofolia in landscape design

• Decorative brunner bushes fit perfectly into the design of borders, paths or rockeries. At first, during the flowering period, the sky-blue cloud of inflorescences touches and pleases the eye. But even after flowering, the unusually attractive foliage makes the brunnera bush no less spectacular.

• In flower beds, mixborders and alpine slides, perennials are used as the lower tiers of plants. And given the unpretentiousness and hardiness of the perennial, it becomes one of the favorites when landscaping a site.

• The unusual color of the leaves sets off Brunnera macrophylla favorably against the background of other plants: ferns, junipers, wild garlic, etc. The silver-colored leaves look especially bright against the background of the usual green mass.

• Brunnera feels most comfortable near bodies of water, thereby decorating the shores and nearby landscapes. Rocky hills with brunner bushes planted between the stones will look exotic.

• When designing a landscape, it is important to use such properties of Brunnera as shade tolerance, unpretentiousness and moisture-loving properties. Perennials planted under trees or shrubs will be able to grow and expand well, while many other (sun-loving) plants in the shade will slow down their growth and may die.

conclusions

• Brunnera macrophylla has high decorative qualities thanks not so much to its flowers, but to the unusual shape and color of the foliage.
• The perennial herbaceous plant is unpretentious and resilient, grows quickly and reproduces easily.
• Planting and caring for Brunnera macrophylla does not require special knowledge or skills. This plant is ideal for growing by novice gardeners.

Brunnera macrophylla, photo

Video: “Brunnera macrophylla planting and care”

Video: “Brunnera flower - planting and care in open ground, types and varieties of Brunnera”

Care: Brunnera is a perennial rhizomatous plant that does not require special care.

Planting and flowering dates: The plant is planted in the second half of summer, and its flowering period occurs at the end of April - beginning of May.

Frost resistance: tolerates winter well.

general description

Brunnera grows naturally in the Caucasus, and in some countries it is called the Caucasian forget-me-not. Brunner represents

spreading bush. Its branching stems reach a height of 30-40 cm. The stems are pubescent and densely covered with oblong-shaped leaves. At the bottom of the stem there are leaves with long petioles. Brunnera flowers are small, dark blue with a white center. They form inflorescences resembling panicles and corymbs. This plant blooms for a long time in the spring (for a month) and can bloom again in the fall.

Brunner. Varieties

Brunnera macrophylla is most often used in gardening. Different varieties of this plant differ from each other mainly in the shape and color of the leaves (table).

Table. Brunner varieties

Growing conditions and care

Brunnera grows well in clay, moist soil. If there is an excess in the soil organic matter the plant begins to actively grow and breaks out of its natural biorhythm.

Brunner prefers places where in the morning good lighting, and in the second - a shadow. In such conditions, she maintains her decorativeness long time. If you plant this plant in a place exposed to the sun, the leaves will burn. The plant lacks complete shade sunlight and stretches out a lot. Grows well near water bodies.

The plant is suitable for planting along the northern walls of buildings, especially in areas where rainwater drains from the roof.

⇒ The name “brunner” is associated with the name of the Swiss botanist Samuel Brunner, who described all its species. This plant resembles a forget-me-not, which is why it was popularly called forget-me-not. There are 33 species of this plant in nature.

Caring for Brunnera is easy. At making the right choice The plant does not need watering at the planting site. The overgrown rhizomes of Brunnera sibirica do not allow weeds to grow. Brunnera macrophylla grows less, so the soil where it grows must be weeded. There is no need to loosen the soil, as this can damage the superficial rhizomes. Feeding is also not needed.

Reproduction and growth characteristics

Brunnera can grow in one place for up to 15 years. At the same time, it does not need to be divided and seated. After the flowering period, young leaves continue to appear on the brunner bushes. That is why the plant is decorative for a long time - from spring to autumn.

At favorable conditions Brunnera macrophylla grows decorate flower beds until the temperature drops significantly environment. Brunnera sibirica is less decorative. After the flowering period, its leaves become stained and dry out. Therefore, the plant is pruned in July. By mid-August it is covered with leaves again and decorates flower beds before frost sets in.

Brunnera macrophylla is propagated by dividing the bush. It is first dug up with soil, then the stems are cut off and removed extra land from the roots. To facilitate this work, the plant is first immersed with its roots in a container of water. Next, the bush is divided into several parts. Most often, the rhizomes are easily divided, and the bush easily falls apart. If necessary, you can use a knife to separate the rhizomes. There must be buds on each section of the rhizome, then the plant will grow next year. The resulting new bushes are planted in flower beds in a permanent place.

Large-leaved Brunnera can be dug up along with the soil and transplanted into a flowerpot. In order for it to take root, it is necessary to add loose nutritious soil there. The flowerpot is placed in a shaded place. If the plant is watered periodically, it will grow well. With the onset of frost, the flowerpot is brought into a cool room, and the plant good watering will continue to grow. It may bloom again in December.

Brunnera sibirica reproduces differently. It has very branching rhizomes, and sections of them are used for propagation. The rhizomes are first dug up, then freed from old and decaying areas, and then broken into several parts 4-6 cm long. Each part of the rhizome must have a living bud. Rhizomes are planted in the soil to a depth of 2-3 cm.

After transplanting, Brunnera is watered generously. Planted in the second half of summer, the plant manages to take root before the onset of frost, tolerates winter well and next year already blooming.

Problems when growing Brunnera

When the ambient humidity is high, the Brunner suffers from brown spotting. Many varieties are often affected powdery mildew. When grown in flowerpots and excessive watering Brunnera's rhizomes rot. Pests of the plant are whiteflies and aphids.

Use in design

Brunnera macrophylla is used to create mixborders, borders, and rockeries. It does not oppress other plants, since it does not grow and is always decorative, rarely getting sick.

Brunnera sibirica is planted in flower beds in the background, as well as in shady, remote areas of the garden. It grows quickly and creates decorative thickets.

Partner plants for brunnera are hellebore, bear's onion, serrated primrose, fern, and mountain weed.

Planting large-leaved Brunnera will become a real lifesaver for a gardener whose plot is covered in shadow in the afternoon and where plants accumulate in the lowlands. groundwater. In a word, the flower will grow well where the root system of many plants rots.

Often such places are empty, the flower beds are bare, and some owners resort to tricks and plant artificial bushes. But the modest Brunnera has long been known to landscape designers, who use its unpretentiousness when landscaping parks. Recently, this plant has been widely used for decoration. alpine slides, it is planted on the banks of ponds and lakes.

Modest beauty from the Caucasus

The Borage family, and botanists have classified Brunnera (Brunera) as one of them, includes only three species of this flower. But the breeders tried their best - several varieties and many hybrids were born. The beauty of the herbaceous plant is not immediately noticeable; being in the mountains, you can pass by and not see its modest charm: large pubescent stems with huge silver leaves in the shape of a heart grow right out of the ground. Below, the leaf blade is even more pubescent, appears gray in appearance, but velvety to the touch.

Advice! Upon registration garden paths You can use two types of Brunnera (Brunella): large-leaved and Siberian. Small differences between the types will only emphasize the individuality of each, but at the same time, their combination will give the composition a logical completeness.

The plant's homeland is the slopes of the Caucasus mountains. It has long gained popularity among gardeners European countries, as well as on other continents. It is grown not only to cover shady, marshy areas, but because of its short, memorable flowering. It begins at the end of April and lasts only a month: among the wide silver leaves sprout peduncles with delicate lilac buds, collected in graceful inflorescences (panicle or scutellum). The most popular varieties among breeders:

• Millennium Silber - has leaves with neat inclusions of white spots.
• Langtrees is the owner of transparent silvery “dewdrops” on the rims of the leaves.
• Hadspen Cream - famous for the openwork cream pattern on the edges of huge leaf plates.

Brunnera macrophylla differs from other species in the minimal loss of decorative leaves. Some of them dry out and die along with the inflorescences, but after a short time the plant grows green mass again. And the end of August or the beginning of September will delight you with the second wave of the formation of lilac buds. IN Western countries the plant is dug up late autumn, and transplanted into flowerpots - flowering will occur on Christmas Eve.

Convenient location

To make caring for the plant easier in the future, you need to choose for its cultivation suitable site. Places richly flavored with organic matter will not be suitable - Brunnera macrophylla will grow a powerful leaf mass, and flowering will be scanty or disappear completely. The most successful landing will be in heavy clay soil, which retains moisture. Typically, such soils are located in shady places, where the sun peeks only at sultry noon.

Advice! The flower is so unpretentious that it grows even in direct sunlight. Its wide sheet plates evaporate a large number of moisture, so in such areas watering should be done daily.

The tender leaves of Brunnera respond well to high air humidity. The plant will be a real boon for owners of gardens with ponds on their territory: their banks will be decorated with luxurious bushes with delicate inflorescences. Some gardeners plant in large flowerpots and place them near pools and recreation areas. Considering the pleasant aroma emitted by the inflorescences, a walk through such a garden will be remembered for a long time.

Reproduction methods - it couldn't be simpler

After flowering, Brunnera produces fruits with small seeds. If they are not collected, independent sowing on the ground will occur and further thickening of the planting. Therefore, gardeners prefer to remove the boxes from the bushes in advance. For sowing the right time comes in late autumn. The fact is that successful cultivation involves stratification of the seeds; they need to be in the cold for several months.

Advice! If planting is planned for the summer, you should put the seeds in the refrigerator for several months. Before doing this, you need to wrap them in cotton cloth.

Few flower lovers propagate Brunnera macrophylla by seeds. The rhizome of the plant is thick, fleshy and perfectly divided into several parts without any stimulants for root formation. Mid-summer, when flowering has ended, is suitable for division. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. Dig the flower out of the ground and cut off all the leaf mass.
2. The rhizome is thoroughly washed under running water and soaked briefly.
3. Using a sterile instrument, divide into several parts (each of them should have a kidney).
4. Plant pieces of rhizomes in prepared areas.
5. Water generously.

If the original plant has grown powerful root system, do it even simpler. With the brunners removed from the soil, the remaining soil is washed off and soaked for several hours. And then they are divided by the natural collapse of the rhizome. The resulting parts are planted in flower beds.

Secrets of proper care

Planted under spreading trees, Brunnera does not need constant watering; it is done only a few times per season. Since the flower does not require replanting for more than 10 years, the choice shady area will reduce the care of Brunnera macrophylla to a minimum. Direct sunlight quickly evaporates the moisture of a herbaceous plant, so it needs to be watered abundantly and often. Unlike most flowers, Brunnera does not require specific adoption hours. water procedures. Even during the day, wide leaves will protect the moist soil from cracking.

All kinds of weeds love the flower. They grow freely among the bushes, enjoying the shade and coolness. Care is complicated by constant weeding, since weeds take from the ground the minerals necessary for the growth of Brunnera macrophylla. Experienced gardeners Immediately after planting, mulch the soil. For this, you can use any material: needles of coniferous trees, hay, straw, leaves, high or low peat. The number of weeds after mulching is significantly reduced.

Advice! At proper care Weeding and loosening are done with great care. The root system of the flower almost lies on the surface of the soil. Do not use objects that are too sharp, or bury them more than 2-3 cm.

Brunnera grows very quickly and can shade neighboring plants. When landing and further care you need to keep this in mind when leaving free space in the flowerbed. To prevent the occurrence of fungal infections, constant thinning of herbaceous bushes is necessary. Timely removal of dried stems and inflorescences will also prevent the development of various putrefactive processes.

If the soil meets all the requirements of the flower, then care does not imply the application of fertilizers. Only planting brunners on depleted or poor soils may require additional fertilizing. It is best to use complex fertilizers, the solution concentration of which should be half that prescribed. Feed the flower a couple of times throughout the summer. Excessive saturation of the soil with mineral salts will immediately affect the condition of the leaves - unsightly rusty spots will appear on them.

However, such spots often indicate the occurrence of other types of problems. Various rots occur on plants from neighboring plantings or due to improper care:

• Powdery mildew. The leaf blade and stem seem to be strewn with small whitish crystals. The plant dries out and dies.
• Brown rot. Spreading brown spots begin with upper leaves and gradually covers the entire plant, leading to its death.

Severely damaged flowers should be removed from the ground and then burned far from the planting site. Surviving specimens should be treated with a modern fungicidal preparation. Comprehensive care involves a weekly preventive examination to detect:

• Aphids.
• Spider mite. Often attacks flowers when planted incorrectly or when watering is poor. It is easy to detect the pest by the traces left behind - thin shiny cobwebs.

On at this stage No maintenance or destruction of plants is required. It is necessary to spray the brunner with a solution of a drug that has insecticidal activity. When growing flowers next to potato plantations or tomato beds, the likelihood of rot increases. For prevention, you can treat plants with fungicides a couple of times during the summer.

Growing perennial brunnera on garden plots will not require special preparations for the upcoming winter. The flower is frost-resistant; the owner will only need to cut off the leaves. It is better not to allow repeated flowering in August, so that the plant does not waste energy on setting buds, but prepares for winter. If the soil has not been mulched before, it must be done before the onset of frost.

If a gardener wants to surprise his loved ones with Brunnera macrophylla blooming near the New Year tree, then the bush is transplanted into a flowerpot. It should be kept in a cool place at a temperature of 6-7°C for about a month. And then move it to a warm room and wait for flowering. The surprise will be great.

Growing Brunnera provides the breeder with many opportunities to use it. Care for an unassuming plant will be kept to a minimum. When composing compositions in flower beds, lungwort and various varieties of ferns will be excellent neighbors for the flower. Planting Brunnera will be a good reason to get your own pond.

Brunnera macrofolia is very popular among gardeners for mixborders and flower groups. This is an ornamental herbaceous perennial plant. Its native places are the forests of Siberia, Asia and the Caucasus. Reaches 30 cm in height and 90 cm in width. It has large heart-shaped leaves of dark green color, oblong and basal. Small (up to 7 mm in diameter) blue inflorescences appear in the middle or end of spring; flowering lasts about a month. Sometimes it blooms again in warm autumn. There is a slight similarity of flowers with forget-me-nots. After flowering, fruits appear - nuts. Valued by designers for its unpretentiousness and resistance to temperature changes. A transplant is required no earlier than after 10 or more years.

Thanks to the developed root system, brunnera bushes are not afraid of weeds. It is recommended to plant in shade or partial shade, and water in dry weather. In gratitude for your care, the plant will decorate the garden with its beautiful leaves and flowers. It makes beautiful borders, flower groups, and a background for flower beds. Before and after flowering, Brunnera does not lose its decorative functions. After the flowers have fallen, the foliage begins to grow and increase in size, filling the necessary space.

Application in landscape design

If there is a free places under spreading trees that are considered problematic, you can safely plant Brunnera. Unlike many other plants, it blooms beautifully without sun rays and doesn't get sick. She wakes up early after winter and blooms almost immediately. Such a plant announces the arrival of spring and is the first to decorate the garden with bright small flowers against the backdrop of lush green foliage, like a cloud.

The splendor of brunnera is actively used for planting in rockeries, multi-level flower beds, and mixborders. In and Chinese styles, where water is an obligatory element, is planted on both sides of the reservoir. As if turning the shores into a green blanket. If there is a bridge on the site, then the Brunnera beautifully highlights the paths leading to it.

In rocky gardens, the plant is planted near huge boulders or paths made of flat stones. It grows and covers all available space, skillfully hiding the imperfections of the relief. When planting plants in the bonsai style, Brunnera is combined with rhodedrons, driftwood and objects garden interior. The territory for her is prudently fenced off.

Brunnera played a role in decorating artificial and natural deciduous slopes and ridges. Combining texture and color style, combined ensembles from a combination of deciduous plants are reproduced. Brunnera is used for decoration and shaping, depending on the place of growth. Any stable group becomes more colorful with the appearance of this plant. If necessary, brunners are forced out. The procedure is not complicated, and the plant becomes more beautiful and impressive.

An excellent solution for decorating a border is to plant a green beauty. It keeps its shape perfectly, diseases and pests avoid it, and it does not grow in a clearly defined area. If there are trees around and the open rays of the sun meet with the brunnera only in the first half of the day, then the plant will certainly thank the gardener with beautiful flowering and originality of decorative leaves.

Compatibility with other plants

Brunnera, with proper planting and proper care, grows quickly. Often plays a background role for flowering tall perennials. Pairs well with blue flowers and green leaves of juniper, bitterweed, wild garlic, fern. Having created a composition of perennials, you don’t have to worry about it, because it decorates for a long time and faithfully personal plot. A mixed flower garden and its creation may seem simple at first glance, but it is not so.

You should stock up on certain knowledge and skillfully apply it in practice:

1. Harmonious and beautiful combination plants, taking into account their size and agricultural characteristics. The landing should not be chaotic.
2. Correctly placed accents and smooth transitions. Combining tall and short, bright and colorful groups, you cannot do without a background and transitions.
3. Flowering time. Flowering of plants of the same shade should not occur at the same time. As well as a combination of a composition that will lose its decorative appearance after flowering.

In a mixed flowerbed with delphinium, which is cut after flowering, the brunnera is covered with its lush growth by a completely cut representative of the flora. By clearly separating the area for the blue-eyed beauty, it can be combined with annual flowers and plants. Brunnera can be planted along the edge of the terrace or along the house in combination with roses. The “Queen of the Garden” is planted in the open sun, which she loves so much, and Brunnera in the shade.

Species and varietal diversity

At the moment, breeders and gardeners know about only three types of Brunnera. Actively used in landscape design, in addition to Brunnera macrophylla, there is another one - Brunnera sibirica. The first difference that catches your eye is the size of the plant. Siberian is larger in size than large-leaved. Due to the long rhizome, dense deciduous jungle is formed. Single stems are slightly pubescent to the touch. The Siberian Brunnera grows up to 70 cm in height. Unlike the large-leaved variety, the leaves of the Siberian plant become less decorative after flowering. They lose their attractiveness due to dark brown spots and seem to dry out. The plant transforms in August, new leaves decorate the garden until frost. Among the popular varieties of Brunnera macrofolia, the following should be noted:

The blue-eyed beauty reproduces by dividing the bush or planting seeds. It is better to replant in August or September, then the root system does not have time to dry out. If, due to the condition of the plant, it has to be divided in the spring, then young seedlings are protected from the heat in summer time, covering them with coniferous branches or a special shelter. Seeds are purchased or collected independently from the fruits. They are planted shortly before winter to speed up their growth and provide shelter from the external environment. A full-fledged plant from seeds is obtained in 2-3 years.

Caring for the plant is easy and does not take much time. To do this, it is important to select a site for planting and take into account external factors (shade, humidity, neighborhood, etc.). The plant does not tolerate direct sunlight. The ideal area is where the sun shines for the first half of the day, and the so-called lace shadow descends in the second. In too dark places, Brunnera loses its decor. Preparation for winter includes pruning right to the root. New shoots appear almost immediately after the snow melts.

The plant is most susceptible to diseases and pests in the spring. That is why it is advisable not to replant it at this time of year. In order not to damage the plant’s root system, you should not loosen the soil underneath it. During the rainy season, Brunnera is susceptible to fungal infections. For example, powdery mildew or brown spot. Affected leaves and branches are removed, and the remaining parts of the plant are treated with a solution of chemicals. As a preventive measure against aphids, a solution of tar soap is used.

Video - Brunera macrophylla