Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla 'Mr. Morse')

Overview

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Mr. Morse’ is a spectacular herbaceous perennial prized for providing luminous contrast in shaded garden areas. This cultivar of Siberian bugloss distinguishes itself with its heavily silvered, heart-shaped basal leaves that feature subtle green veining, offering texture long after the blooms fade. It forms a low-growing mound that serves as excellent ground cover throughout the season, making it a foundational plant for dark corners.

The spring display of Brunnera macrophylla ‘Mr. Morse’ features delicate racemes of airy white flowers, reminiscent of forget-me-nots, held just above the foliage. This plant is celebrated for its low maintenance requirements, thriving when given consistent moisture and protection from harsh afternoon sun. It offers year-round visual interest, blending the best attributes of foliage gardening with charming seasonal blooms.

As a rhizomatous perennial, Siberian bugloss slowly spreads to create dense, attractive mats, making it wonderfully effective for naturalizing under deciduous trees or along woodland paths. Gardeners value Brunnera macrophylla ‘Mr. Morse’ for its reliable performance in the cooler sections of its hardiness range, transforming shady spots into bright, inviting landscapes.

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: White
• Sun Exposure: Part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Spring is the ideal time to plant Brunnera macrophylla ‘Mr. Morse’ once the danger of severe frost has passed. Site these perennials where they receive part shade, ideally protected from intense afternoon sun which can cause leaf scorch. Brunnera macrophylla ‘Mr. Morse’ prefers organically rich soils with average, medium moisture levels; ensure the drainage is good, as wet, soggy winter conditions can be detrimental.

Consistent watering is key, especially during dry spells, as this Siberian bugloss cultivar generally dislikes drying out completely, though it tolerates slight inconsistency better than some other varieties. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the soil is rich; otherwise, a light application of compost in spring is sufficient. Deadheading the spent flower stalks is optional and primarily aesthetic.

As clumps slowly spread via creeping rhizomes, you can divide them in early spring or early fall if you wish to propagate or manage their size. Be aware that if plants self-seed, the resulting seedlings may revert and lose the distinct silvery variegation of the ‘Mr. Morse’ cultivar. Plants generally handle cold well, thriving in cooler climates, but they often struggle in the hot, humid summers of the far South.

Landscape Uses

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Mr. Morse’ excels as a versatile ground cover, effectively masking the fading foliage of spring bulbs while providing permanent silver accents. It looks best planted in groups or masses, forming a continuous carpet beneath taller shrubs or along the edges of woodland gardens. This quality makes it perfect near streams, ponds, or shaded borders where lush texture is desired.

For formal designs, use Brunnera macrophylla ‘Mr. Morse’ to line shady paths or define the foreground of deeper borders, contrasting beautifully with deep green hostas or ferns. Since it remains attractive all season, consider pairing it with early bloomers like bleeding hearts or late bloomers like Astilbe for continuous seasonal interest. Containers are also suitable, provided they are kept consistently moist and placed in a location shielded from the strongest sun.

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. The cultivar ‘Mr. Morse’ is specifically noted for its silvery, heart-shaped basal leaves (3-5” wide) and tiny white flowers, making it a white-flowered counterpart to other popular garden varieties. These striking silvery leaves feature distinctive green veining, providing excellent contrast in the dappled light of a shade garden.

Tolerances

• Rabbit

Potential Problems

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Mr. Morse’ is generally regarded as robust, facing few significant insect or disease threats when grown in its preferred conditions. Slugs and snails can occasionally become an issue, leaving unsightly holes in the soft foliage, especially in very moist environments. The main cultural concern involves heat and dryness; foliar scorching frequently occurs if the plant is exposed to hot summer sun or prolonged drought.

Management for slugs and snails should involve preventative measures such as applying diatomaceous earth early in the season or using slug baits near vulnerable foliage. To prevent scorching, ensure the soil remains evenly moist and site the plant where it receives morning sun only or filtered light throughout the day, mimicking its native woodland habitat. Rabbits are known to typically avoid consuming this Siberian bugloss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Siberian bugloss suitable for?

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Mr. Morse’ performs best in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7.

How large does Brunnera macrophylla ‘Mr. Morse’ grow?

At maturity, this perennial typically reaches a modest height between 0.5 to 1.5 feet, with a similar spread of 0.5 to 1.5 feet.

What sun exposure does Siberian bugloss need?

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Mr. Morse’ requires part shade for optimal health, as direct, hot sun can scorch its attractive leaves.

When does Brunnera macrophylla ‘Mr. Morse’ bloom?

This variety produces its charming white flowers in airy sprays from April through May.

Conclusion

The striking silvery foliage and delicate white spring blooms ensure that Brunnera macrophylla ‘Mr. Morse’ remains a high-value addition to shaded gardens. Its low maintenance profile and capacity to form a dense, attractive ground cover confirm the enduring popularity of Siberian bugloss. Before planting, verify that your location provides the necessary part shade and consistent moisture for your new Brunnera macrophylla ‘Mr. Morse’ to truly shine.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for Brunnera macrophylla ‘Mr. Morse’, focus on plants that complement its need for consistent moisture and shade while offering contrasting textures or colors. Hostas planted nearby provide bolder forms and varied leaf colors, creating depth in a shaded border. Ferns, with their fine, delicate fronds, offer an excellent textural foil to the broader, heart-shaped leaves of the Siberian bugloss.

Consider pairing this variety with Hellebores (Lenten Rose) for extended seasonal interest, as they bloom around the same time or slightly earlier, sharing similar cultural needs for well-drained moisture. For a woodland effect, Lungwort (Pulmonaria) varieties also thrive alongside Brunnera, although be mindful of spacing, as all three can form dense mats over time.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring care focuses on waking up the clump; clear away any old leaf debris from winter and divide overgrown clumps once new growth begins. This is also the best time to amend the soil with compost to replenish organic matter, supporting the medium water needs of Brunnera macrophylla ‘Mr. Morse’.

Summer care is primarily about monitoring moisture levels, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains evenly damp to prevent the foliage from wilting dramatically or scorching. In hotter climates (Zones 6-7), providing afternoon shade cover is crucial for plant protection.

As autumn approaches, minimal intervention is required for this perennial. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after the first significant frost; there is usually no need for fall cleanup unless removing diseased material is necessary. In winter, established clumps of Brunnera macrophylla ‘Mr. Morse’ are hardy and require no special protection in their suitable zones.