Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass')

Overview

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ is celebrated in the shade garden primarily for its outstanding, highly reflective, silvery foliage. This characteristic makes it a superb vertical contrast plant, brightening dark corners where few other plants can compete aesthetically. As herbaceous perennial Siberian bugloss, it offers reliable performance across multiple seasons.

While treasured for its leaves, the plant also produces delicate sprays of small, true-blue, forget-me-not-like flowers in late spring. The combination of brilliant foliage and ephemeral blue blooms ensures that Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ remains an evergreen favorite for woodland and shade borders. It forms dense clumps suitable for ground cover, slowly expanding via rhizomes.

This cultivar requires consistently moist, rich soil and appreciates cooler summers, generally thriving best in USDA Zones 3 through 7. Gardeners value the low maintenance needs of Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’, often utilizing it to cover large shady expanses reliably.

Fast Facts

Plant Family: Boraginaceae
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-7
Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.5-1.5 ft
- Spread: 0.5-1.5 ft
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Description: Blue
Sun Exposure: Part shade
Water Needs: Medium
Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

For optimal growth, plant Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ during the spring or fall when temperatures are cool. Locate these plants in areas receiving part shade; too much intense afternoon sun can cause the stunning silver leaves to scorch, especially as summer heat intensifies. They perform best when grown in average, organically rich soils that offer good drainage but retain consistent moisture.

Watering should be consistent, meeting the “medium” needs of the Siberian bugloss. While it possesses slightly better tolerance for dry spells than some shade-loving alternatives, avoiding severe soil dryness is key, particularly during initial establishment and hot summers. Fertilizing is rarely necessary if the soil is rich in organic matter; simply amending the soil annually with compost usually suffices. Minimal maintenance is required.

In early spring, clean up any dead foliage remaining from the previous season before new growth emerges. Clumps of Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ will slowly spread via creeping rhizomes, forming dense ground covers over time. Be aware that if self-seeding occurs, the resulting seedlings of variegated cultivars like ‘Looking Glass’ may revert to a less silvery form, meaning division is the best way to maintain cultivar purity.

Landscape Uses

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ excels when used to define the edges of woodland gardens or banked along streams where consistent moisture is present. Its dramatic, reflective foliage makes it an excellent specimen plant when placed against dark mulch or deep green hostas, offering brilliant contrast. It functions beautifully in groups or mass plantings to create an effective, low-growing ground cover solution for large shady areas.

For borders, position the Brunnera toward the front or middle, allowing taller shade plants to emerge behind its mound of silver. Due to its easy-going nature, it naturalizes well with spring bulbs like daffodils and snowdrops, which complete their cycle before the Siberian bugloss reaches its full summer stature. It is also perfectly suited for container culture, provided adequate shade and consistent watering are supplied throughout the season.

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. Small, blue, forget-me-not-like flowers with white centers bloom in airy, branched racemes rising well above the foliage on slender stems to 18” tall in spring. ‘Looking Glass’ is noted for its silvery, heart-shaped basal leaves (3-5” wide) and is distinguished from relatives like ‘Jack Frost’ by having much less prominent green veining as the leaves mature.

Tolerances

Rabbit

Potential Problems

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ generally proves quite robust, exhibiting no serious, consistent insect or disease issues under proper cultural conditions. The main occasional nuisances gardeners might encounter are slugs and snails, which can chew holes in the foliage, especially when conditions are damp and cool. Rabbits are known to avoid this plant, adding to its dependable appeal.

To manage slugs and snails, employ routine scouting, particularly in the early spring and after heavy rains. Physical barriers, diatomaceous earth, or baits specifically approved for use against these pests can effectively protect the attractive leaves of your Siberian bugloss. Providing excellent air circulation near the plant can also reduce excessive dampness that invites these pests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Siberian bugloss suitable for?

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ thrives in USDA Zones 3 through 7, making it a reliable perennial for cold and temperate climates.

How large does Siberian bugloss grow?

This cultivar typically reaches a height and spread between 0.5 and 1.5 feet, forming a low mound perfect for ground cover applications.

When does Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ bloom?

The plant produces its characteristic blue, forget-me-not-like flowers during the shoulder season, generally blooming from April to May.

What sun exposure does Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ need?

This Siberian bugloss cultivar requires part shade to thrive; intense, hot afternoon sun must be avoided to prevent foliage scorch.

Conclusion

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ delivers exceptional year-round value through its stunning silver foliage, complemented by classic blue spring flowers. Its low maintenance requirements cement its status as a must-have for shaded landscapes. Before planting, confirm that your site offers the consistent moisture and protection from harsh afternoon sun that this beautiful Brunnera cultivar demands.

Companion Planting

When selecting neighbors for Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’, focus on plants that share its preference for consistent moisture and part shade conditions. Darker foliage plants, such as deep purple or black Heuchera varieties, provide a striking chromatic contrast against the plant’s reflective silver leaves. Consider pairing it with Hosta varieties featuring heavy blue or green textures.

Spring-flowering bulbs like Scilla or Fritillaria are excellent companions, as they emerge and bloom early, finishing their display before the Siberian bugloss reaches its mature size, minimizing competition. For summer interest, ferns that enjoy moist, shady spots, such as Japanese Painted Ferns, will complement the texture of the Brunnera well into the hottest months.

Design Ideas for Shade Gardens

The intense reflectivity of Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ makes it an ideal “light source” when designing deeply shaded areas. Use it liberally near pathways or patios where its sheen can catch available ambient light, offering subtle illumination where direct sunlight does not penetrate. It performs best when planted in drifts rather than as isolated specimens, maximizing the visual impact of the foliage.

Consider using this plant where you need to transition between taller elements and the ground plane. Its uniform height of about 1 to 1.5 feet serves as a perfect vegetative edging along shaded foundation plantings or under mature deciduous trees. For a woodland effect, allow small groups of Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ to naturalize beneath taller shrubs.