Brunnera macrophylla 'Silver Heart'

Silver Heart Siberian Bugloss

Family: Boraginaceae
Height: 12 to 18 inches tall
Width: 18 to 24 inches wide
Flower color: Small, bright blue flowers
Foliage color: Heart-shaped, silvery-gray leaves with green veins and a subtle blue tint
Bloom time: Early spring
Light: Partial to full shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; occasional division every few years to maintain vigor
Growing zone: USDA Zones 3 to 8
Wildlife: Attracts bees and butterflies

About this plant

Brunnera macrophylla 'Silver Heart' is admired for its heart-shaped leaves, which are silvery-gray with a contrasting green veining, offering a soft, shimmering effect in shady garden spots. In early spring, it produces small, bright blue flowers in loose clusters, creating a gentle contrast against the foliage. These blooms, while small, add a pop of color and provide a subtle yet attractive focal point during the early part of the growing season.

Native to Eastern Europe and Asia, 'Silver Heart' thrives in woodland and shaded garden environments. The plant's unique foliage persists throughout the growing season, providing a reliable, low-maintenance ground cover that brightens up darker areas. It pairs well with other shade-loving perennials, making it a versatile choice for garden beds, borders, and woodland gardens.

Works well in

Containers · Woodland Gardens · Borders · Deer-Prone Areas

Companion plants

Hellebores · Japanese forest grass · Epimedium · Hostas · Ferns · Toad lilies

Design tip

Position this selection where afternoon shade softens the garden, allowing its cool-toned foliage to create a calming visual retreat. Repeating the silvery leaves at intervals leads the eye comfortably through shaded planting beds without relying on flowers alone.

Where to see it

This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.