Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla 'Hadspen Cream')

Overview

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Hadspen Cream’ is highly valued in the landscape for providing consistent, attractive texture in shady garden areas. This herbaceous perennial, commonly known as Siberian bugloss, forms dense clumps of foliage that remain appealing throughout the entire growing season. Its value is further enhanced by a spring display of delicate, light blue, forget-me-not-like flowers held above the leaves.

The cultivar ‘Hadspen Cream’ is particularly sought after because its basal leaves offer striking visual interest separate from its blooms. Growing easily in average shade, Siberian bugloss spreads slowly via rhizomes, making it an excellent choice for filling in woodland borders or beneath deciduous trees. Its overall low maintenance requirement solidifies its role as a dependable foundational perennial.

Gardeners prize this plant for bridging the gap between spring bulb displays and summer perennials in deeply shaded spots. The combination of reliable blue flowers and persistent, cream-margined foliage ensures that Brunnera macrophylla ‘Hadspen Cream’ remains a favorite for adding light and pattern to dark corners of the garden.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Boraginaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-7
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 1.5-2 ft
• Bloom Time: April
• Bloom Description: Light blue
• Sun Exposure: Part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant Brunnera macrophylla ‘Hadspen Cream’ in the spring or fall when conditions are cool. This Siberian bugloss thrives best in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Ensure the location provides part shade; full sun, especially hot afternoon sun, will likely cause the foliage to scorch damaging the attractive leaves.

Watering should be consistent, maintaining medium moisture levels, as this plant is generally intolerant of dry soils. While it tolerates some dryness better than many other cultivars, consistently moist soil ensures the best performance. Fertilizing is usually unnecessary if the soil is organically rich.

Divide clumps every few years in the spring to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. Be aware that if you allow Brunnera macrophylla ‘Hadspen Cream’ to self-seed, the resulting seedlings may revert to the green-leaved form, meaning variegated plants may not “come true” from seed.

In hot, humid summers, particularly in the lower end of its range (USDA Zones 7-9), the foliage may struggle. Providing afternoon shade and copious organic mulch helps keep the roots cool, mimicking the preferred habitat of this plant native to cooler mountain slopes.

Landscape Uses

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Hadspen Cream’ excels when used as a ground cover or mass planting, creating a flowing carpet of variegated foliage beneath taller shrubs or trees. Its robust clumping nature makes it perfect for naturalized areas, woodland gardens, or along the edges of ponds and streams where moisture is reliable.

For borders, use the Siberian bugloss to anchor the middle or front layers, pairing it with plants that appreciate similar shady, moist conditions, such as Hostas, Ferns, or bleeding hearts (Dicentra). The light blue spring flowers beautifully contrast with deep green or burgundy foliage neighbors.

This cultivar also performs well in containers, adding reliable texture through the season, though container plants may require more diligent watering than in-ground specimens. Allow clumps to slowly spread to achieve a thick ground cover effect throughout the garden space.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Brunnera macrophylla, commonly called Siberian bugloss, is a rhizomatous, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial native to forested, mountain slopes in northeastern Turkey and the Caucasus. It is primarily grown in shady areas for its attractive heart-shaped, dark green, basal foliage. Specific epithet from Latin means large leaved, describing its significant leaf size relative to other species. The ‘Hadspen Cream’ variety brightens the spring scene with its signature light blue blooms alongside large, light apple-green leaves perfectly outlined by creamy white margins.

Tolerances

• Rabbit

Potential Problems

This plant generally avoids serious insect or disease problems, which contributes to its low-maintenance appeal. However, slugs and snails can occasionally target the leaves, especially during damp spring weather, so standard moisture management and physical barriers may be warranted.

The primary cultural challenge for Brunnera macrophylla ‘Hadspen Cream’ involves heat and sun exposure. Foliage depreciation, characterized by scorching or burning, is common if the plant is exposed to too much direct sun or placed in excessively hot, humid summer climates. Planting ensures deep part shade mitigates this risk effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Siberian bugloss suitable for?

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Hadspen Cream’ is suitable for USDA Zones 3 through 7.

How large does Siberian bugloss grow?

This perennial typically reaches a mature height between 1 and 1.5 feet tall, with a spread ranging from 1.5 to 2 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Brunnera macrophylla ‘Siberian bugloss’ need?

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Hadspen Cream’ requires part shade for optimal health and foliage quality.

When does Siberian bugloss bloom?

The Siberian bugloss blooms in April, producing masses of light blue flowers.

Conclusion

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Hadspen Cream’ remains an indispensable shade perennial due to its combination of reliable light blue flowers and long-lasting, vibrant variegated foliage. As a low-maintenance Siberian bugloss, it brings texture and brightness to dark garden corners. Before planting, confirm your site offers the consistent moisture and part shade that Brunnera macrophylla ‘Hadspen Cream’ requires for success.

Companion Planting

When designing beds for Siberian bugloss, focus on other shade-loving plants that share similar cultural needs for consistent moisture and rich soil. Consider pairing the cream margins of ‘Hadspen Cream’ with the deep golds or blues of Hostas, which accentuate the light afforded by the Brunnera.

Astilbes are excellent partners, offering contrasting feathery flower plumes later in the season, providing visual interest long after the Siberian bugloss has finished blooming. Ferns, such as Japanese Painted Ferns (Athyrium niponicum), also complement the heart-shaped leaves of Brunnera macrophylla ‘Hadspen Cream’ with their delicate, airy fronds.

Propagation Tips

The primary method for increasing your stock of Brunnera macrophylla ‘Hadspen Cream’ is division. This is best performed in early spring before active growth begins or in early fall. Carefully dig up the clump and gently separate the creeping rhizomes into smaller sections, ensuring each division has healthy roots and growing points.

Root cuttings can also be a successful propagation technique for this species, though division is generally simpler for the average gardener. Remember that while propagation through self-seeding is possible, seedlings of variegated cultivars like ‘Hadspen Cream’ often revert to a non-variegated form, making sexual reproduction unreliable for maintaining the desired look.