Variegata Brunnera
Variegata Brunnera
Cream-Edged Leaves That Brighten Deep Shade
Variegata Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla 'Variegata') brings bold contrast to the shade garden with green, heart-shaped leaves widely edged in creamy white, topped by airy sprays of true-blue forget-me-not flowers in spring. The bright variegation illuminates dark, shaded corners. Deer-resistant and reliably hardy, it's a striking choice for cool, moist woodland borders in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove — just keep it out of hot sun, which scorches the cream margins.
Variegata Brunnera Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Brunnera macrophylla 'Variegata' |
| Mature Size | 12–16 in. tall, 15–20 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 3–8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Part shade to full shade (variegation scorches in sun) |
| 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 | Green with wide creamy-white margins |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Brightening deep shade: The cream-edged leaves light up the darkest beds. Space 15–18 inches apart.
Woodland borders: Pairs beautifully with dark hostas and green ferns for striking contrast. Spring blue flowers add early color.
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 Variegata 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 15–18 inches apart. Site it in cool shade out of hot sun.
Watering Variegata 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 cream margins scorch in dry or sunny conditions, so keep it cool and moist.
Q: Why does it need deep shade?
The creamy-white leaf margins are sensitive to sun and heat — a cool, shaded, moist spot keeps the variegation crisp.
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: How are the flowers?
Airy sprays of true-blue forget-me-not flowers appear in spring above the bright foliage.
You May Also Like
Jack Frost Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla): A silver-leaved classic that tolerates a bit more light.
Hosta: A dark-leaved companion that sets off the cream variegation.
Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina): A native fern for cool, moist shade.