The Ultimate Guide to Brunnera Companion Plants
Brunnera Companion Plants: An
Brunnera macrophylla, also known as Siberian bugloss or false forget-me-not, is a shade-loving perennial plant that produces beautiful blue flowers in the spring. While it looks great on its own, planting it alongside other complementary plants can enhance its beauty and make for a stunning garden display.
In this guide, we'll explore some of the best brunnera companion plants, how to care for them, and what makes them such great additions to your garden.
Top Brunnera Companion Plants
Here are some of the top plants to pair with brunnera:
1. Hostas (Hosta sp.)
Hostas are one of the most popular shade-loving plants, and for good reason. They come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and textures, and they pair beautifully with brunnera. Hostas have a similar leaf shape and size to brunnera, but their foliage comes in shades of green, blue, yellow, or variegated.
Care Tips:
Plant hostas in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. They prefer shade to partial shade, and they should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Slug and snail control may be needed, as they can be a common pest for hostas.
2. Heuchera (Heuchera sp.)
Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is another shade-loving perennial that pairs perfectly with brunnera. They come in a variety of colors, from deep burgundy to lime green, and their delicate flowers add a pop of color to the garden.
Care Tips:
Heuchera prefers well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. They do best in partial shade, but they can tolerate full sun if given enough moisture. Water regularly, but be careful not to overwater, as they are susceptible to root rot. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
3. Astilbe (Astilbe sp.)
Astilbe is a shade-loving perennial that produces fluffy plumes of pink, white, or red flowers in early summer. Their fern-like foliage pairs perfectly with brunnera, adding texture and interest to the garden.
Care Tips:
Plant astilbe in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. They prefer partial shade, but they can tolerate full sun if given enough moisture. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
4. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
Bleeding heart is a classic shade-loving perennial that produces heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white. Its delicate foliage pairs beautifully with brunnera, creating a romantic and whimsical garden display.
Care Tips:
Plant bleeding heart in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. They prefer partial shade, but they can tolerate full sun if given enough moisture. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Additional Brunnera Companion Plants
Here are some additional plants that pair well with brunnera:
- Ferns (Dryopteris sp.)
- Lungwort (Pulmonaria sp.)
- Coral bells (Tiarella sp.)
- Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)
- Wild ginger (Asarum sp.)
- Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)
- Solomon's seal (Polygonatum sp.)
How to Care for Brunnera Companion Plants
Here are some general care tips for brunnera companion plants:
- Plant them in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
- Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Provide partial shade to full shade, depending on the plant.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Fertilize once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brunnera Companion Plants
Q: Can brunnera grow in full sun?
A: While brunnera prefers partial shade to full shade, it can tolerate some sun if given enough moisture.
Q: Do brunnera companion plants require special care?
A: Most brunnera companion plants have similar care requirements to brunnera itself, such as well-draining soil, regular watering, and partial to full shade.
Q: What is the best time to plant brunnera companion plants?
A: The best time to plant brunnera companion plants is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are cooler and there is more moisture in the soil.
Q: How often should I fertilize my brunnera companion plants?
A: Fertilize your brunnera companion plants once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Q: Do brunnera companion plants attract pollinators?
A: Many brunnera companion plants, such as bleeding heart and astilbe, are great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Brunnera is a beautiful shade-loving perennial that pairs perfectly with a variety of other plants. By planting it alongside complementary plants like hostas, heuchera, astilbe, and bleeding heart, you can create a stunning garden display that will thrive for years to come. Remember to provide your companion plants with the right care, including well-draining soil, regular watering, and partial to full shade, depending on the plant. With a little TLC, your brunnera companion plants will reward you with a spectacular show year after year.
Post a Comment for "The Ultimate Guide to Brunnera Companion Plants"