Alexander's Great Brunnera
Alexander's Great Brunnera
Supersized Silver Leaves for a Bold Shade Statement
Alexander's Great Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great') is the giant of the silver brunneras — enormous, heart-shaped leaves frosted in silver with fine green veining, forming a bold mound up to 2 feet wide. Airy sprays of true-blue forget-me-not flowers float above in spring. The dramatic foliage lights up shade all season. Deer-resistant and reliably hardy, it's a showstopper for woodland and part-shade borders in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Alexander's Great Brunnera Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great' |
| Mature Size | 14–18 in. tall, 24–30 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 3–8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Part shade to full shade |
| Bloom Time | Mid to late spring |
| Flower Color | True sky-blue (forget-me-not) |
| Soil | Moist, rich, well-drained; amend clay with compost |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to -30°F once established |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed — fuzzy foliage deters deer and rabbits |
| Foliage | Extra-large, silver-frosted, heart-shaped |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Bold shade focal point: Its oversized silver leaves anchor a shaded bed and light up dark corners. Space 24–30 inches apart for full size.
Woodland borders: Stunning with hostas, ferns, and bleeding heart. Spring blue flowers add an early lift.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September) into rich, moist, shaded soil. Keep moist through establishment.
How to Plant Alexander's Great Brunnera
Dig a hole twice the root ball width at the same depth, mixing in compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water well, and mulch 2 inches deep. Space 24–30 inches apart. Site it out of hot afternoon sun so the silver foliage doesn't scorch.
Watering Alexander's Great Brunnera
First year: Keep evenly moist — water every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Prefers steady moisture in shade; large leaves scorch in dry or sunny conditions.
Q: How big does it get?
It's the largest silver brunnera — a bold mound up to about 30 inches wide with oversized leaves.
Q: Does the foliage need shade?
Yes — give it part to full shade with steady moisture; hot sun scorches the leaves.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Easily — hardy to zone 3, returning each spring.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — the fuzzy leaves are disliked by deer and rabbits.
You May Also Like
Jack Frost Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla): The famous silver-leaved classic.
Hosta: A bold-leaved shade companion for contrast.
Astilbe: Plumed flowers for layered shade color.