False Forget-Me-Not Brunnera
False Forget-Me-Not Brunnera
Clouds of True-Blue Spring Flowers for the Shade
False Forget-Me-Not (Brunnera macrophylla) is the classic green-leaved species brunnera — airy sprays of tiny, true-blue forget-me-not flowers dance above bold, heart-shaped green leaves in spring. After bloom, the lush foliage forms a handsome groundcover that fills shaded beds all season. Tough, deer-resistant, and reliably hardy, it's a dependable woodland staple for shaded borders in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
False Forget-Me-Not Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Brunnera macrophylla |
| Mature Size | 12–18 in. tall, 18–24 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 |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Shade groundcover: Its bold green leaves fill shaded beds and suppress weeds after the spring bloom. Space 18–24 inches apart.
Woodland borders: The early blue flowers shine with spring bulbs and bleeding heart. Pair with hostas and ferns.
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 False Forget-Me-Not 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 18–24 inches apart.
Watering False Forget-Me-Not 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; the green-leaved species tolerates a bit more sun and dry than the silver types but still prefers cool, moist shade.
Q: How is this different from Jack Frost?
This is the plain green-leaved species — just as tough and free-flowering, and a bit more sun- and drought-tolerant than the fancy silver-leaved selections.
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.
Q: Will it self-sow?
It may self-sow lightly in moist shade, gradually expanding the planting — easy to manage.
You May Also Like
Jack Frost Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla): The silver-leaved award-winning selection.
Hosta: A bold-leaved shade companion.
Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos): A classic spring shade partner.
How Many False Forget-Me-Not Brunnera Do I Need?
At about 18–24 in. spacing, use this guide for hedges, drifts, and mass plantings:
| Run length | Plants needed |
|---|---|
| 10 ft | 6 plants |
| 20 ft | 12 plants |
| 30 ft | 18 plants |
| 40 ft | 24 plants |
As a shade groundcover, space 18–24 in. apart; for a quick weed-smothering carpet, plant in groups of 3–5 toward the tighter end of that range.
False Forget-Me-Not Brunnera Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Airy sprays of true sky-blue forget-me-not flowers dance above emerging heart-shaped green leaves.
- Summer: Bold green foliage forms a handsome, weed-suppressing groundcover that fills shaded beds.
- Fall: The lush leaves persist, holding the bed together into the cool season.
- Winter: The plant dies back to the crown; a light mulch carries it through to spring.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Shade-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Jack Frost Brunnera — the award-winning silver-leaved sister selection for contrast.
- Japanese Painted Fern — a silvery fern that lights up the same shaded soil.
- Bleeding Heart — a classic spring shade partner with arching pink lockets.
- Fanal Astilbe — deep blood-red plumes for early-summer contrast in the shade.
Is False Forget-Me-Not Brunnera Right for Your Yard?
False Forget-Me-Not is happiest in part to full shade with moist, rich soil, and the fuzzy leaves keep deer and rabbits away. Not a fit in hot, dry, full-sun beds, where the green leaves scorch and crisp at the edges.