Brunnera m.

Brunnera macrophylla, commonly called Siberian bugloss, is a rhizomatous, clump-forming perennial that is primarily grown in shady areas for its attractive heart-shaped, dark green, basal foliage. Small, forget-me-not-like flowers of light blue with yellow centers bloom in airy, branched racemes rising well above the foliage on slender stems to 18" tall in spring. Basal leaves form a foliage mound which remains attractive throughout the growing season. Smaller upper leaves are elliptic.

LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 10 through 11

CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Keep soil moist but not soggy.

FERTILIZER: Fertilize every 2 weeks with Bordine's Better Blooms or similar, 20-20-20.

FLOWERING: April to May with intense blue flowers.

SOIL: Prefers rich soil that is kept moist but not soggy.

DISEASE: No serious insect or disease problems. Slugs and snails are occasional visitors.