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Siberian Bugloss Plant Care
Brunnera macrophylla (Adams) I.M.Johnst.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Brunnera macrophylla, the Siberian bugloss, great forget-me-not, largeleaf brunnera or heartleaf, is a species of flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae, native to the Caucasus. It is a hardy, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial, that can reach from 12 to 18 inches in height, and carries basal, simple cordate leaves on slender stems.
Every 7–10 days
Part shade to full shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Siberian Bugloss?
Water Siberian Bugloss every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it part shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Siberian Bugloss Native To?
What Is the Siberian Bugloss?
Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Brunnera genus. Siberian Bugloss is native to the Caucasus. Siberian Bugloss is also known as Heartleaf Brunnera, Great Forget-me-not.
Siberian Bugloss displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Siberian Bugloss produces small, delicate blue flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Siberian Bugloss?
Brunnera macrophylla requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Siberian Bugloss Need?
Siberian Bugloss thrives in part shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Siberian Bugloss in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Part shade to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Siberian Bugloss Prefer?
Brunnera macrophylla grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Siberian Bugloss prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Siberian Bugloss?
Rich, moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Siberian Bugloss to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Siberian Bugloss?
Feed Siberian Bugloss every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Siberian Bugloss?
Divide and repot every 3-5 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Siberian Bugloss?
Siberian Bugloss can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Siberian Bugloss Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Siberian Bugloss, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Siberian Bugloss?
Siberian Bugloss is susceptible to slugs, snails, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Siberian Bugloss Need?
Siberian Bugloss grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Siberian Bugloss is native to the Caucasus.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Siberian Bugloss is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Brunnera genus — compare its care with other Brunnera species on PlantoScan.
Brunnera is part of the Boraginaceae plant family — browse all Boraginaceae genera and species.
Siberian Bugloss copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Brunnera macrophylla (Adams) I.M.Johnst., family Boraginaceae (first published in Contr. Gray Herb. 73: 54 (1924)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Siberian Bugloss, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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