Alexander's Great Heartleaf Bugloss

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Sun

(0 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

1 Foot

Mature Spread

2 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Alexander’s Great Heartleaf Bugloss is undoubtedly great in size and great for shady corners of the garden. Even though this variety of Brunnera macrophylla is slow to spread, it does naturalize in woodland settings well. The giant heart-shaped leaves are silver with the darkest green veins and ribs. The silver glows in deep shade and will tolerate early or late afternoon shade. The dainty, pale-blue flowers bloom from late spring to early summer and closely resemble Forget-Me-Nots. The leaves and flowers are perfect for flower arrangements and last a long time in a vase.

Alexander’s Great Bugloss's mounding growth habit helps shade out and discourage weed growth when planted in large numbers or close to other plants. Deer refuse to browse on the thick and scratchy leaves or flowers. Bugloss is the type of perennial that needs little upkeep. Dividing every 3-4 years and cleaning up dead stems in the spring is all that is required to keep this plant looking its best. 

Alexander’s Great Heartleaf Bugloss Care

Any type of soil is acceptable for Brunnera if it is free draining all year long and can hold moisture during the summer months. Mulching with organic compost or shredded leaves helps the soil retain moisture longer and will add nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. Regular watering during the hottest months of the year is necessary. Brunnera can start to look faded and limp from mid-summer but will have a second wind once the temperature falls in autumn. Alexander’s Great Heartleaf Bugloss expends a lot of energy supporting such foliage and will benefit from a yearly application of a slow-release granular fertilizer. Choose a balanced ratio of NPK and feed in the spring as the new growth emerges.

Deadheading is the only maintenance required during the spring and summer growth periods. Cut back the flowers all of the way to the ground. This results in a tidier plant without a lot of ‘naked’ stems showing. Dividing is best done in the spring when growth starts and there is far less foliage to support. Dig up the root ball and divide it with a sharp spade or garden knife. The new plants will establish quickly when replanted as soon as possible and kept well watered until new growth starts.

Alexander’s Great Heartleaf Bugloss Spacing

The mature size of Alexander’s Great is a height of 18 inches and a spread of up to 3 feet. Space these plants 24 inches apart on center when planting a large grouping.