Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great'
Best shade-loving perennial for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, deer-resistant foliage.
Discover Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great,' a striking perennial celebrated for its impressive silvery foliage and broader, mounding habit. Originating from Belarus, this variety brings a unique visual appeal to shady borders and woodland gardens. It produces delicate sprays of small blue flowers reminiscent of Forget-me-nots. The heart-shaped leaves are textured and unappealing to herbivores, offering natural deer resistance. Thriving in cool, moist, humus-rich soil, it tolerates clay and prefers full shade to part shade conditions. This plant provides excellent foliage contrast and is a low-maintenance addition to any garden.
$21.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 2989
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-24%
Below average
Lifespan
Perennial
/ Perennial
Who it's for
- Gardeners in areas with high deer and rabbit populations
- Gardeners seeking dramatic, high-impact foliage for shaded borders
- Homeowners needing low-maintenance groundcover for dark, difficult corners
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in dry climates or those without irrigation systems
- People with sunny, exposed garden beds lacking afternoon shade
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for affordable, common landscape perennials
Performance breakdown
Foliage Impact
Large, metallic silver leaves provide a high-contrast focal point for shade.
Deer Resistance
Textured, heart-shaped foliage naturally discourages browsing by local wildlife.
Shade Adaptability
Thrives in low-light environments where many flowering perennials struggle to perform.
Maintenance Ease
A reliable, low-effort perennial that requires minimal intervention once established.
Soil Versatility
Robust enough to handle heavy clay while preferring rich, moist conditions.
Seasonal Interest
Delicate blue blooms offer a brief, charming spring display.
Key Specs
Lifespan
Perennial
Mature Height
14 inches
USDA Hardiness Zones
4 to 8
Sun Exposure
Part Shade to Full Shade
Flower Color
Blue
Foliage Color
Silvery
Soil Type Compatibility
Clay, Humus-rich
SKU
S24902
Features
- Striking silvery foliage display
- Forms a broad, mounding habit
- Delicate blue, Forget-me-not-like flowers
- Heart-shaped leaves with natural deer resistance
- Tolerates clay soil conditions
- Thrives in full shade
- Provides strong foliage contrast
- Low maintenance
What customers say
This premium shade perennial earns high praise primarily for its spectacular foliage. Customers consistently love the enormous leaf size and dramatic, heavy silver variegation, noting its unparalleled visual impact in dark garden areas. Reviewers frequently describe it as a showstopper that brightens deep shade. While initial establishment requires patience, the plant shows robust, vigorous growth later, confirming its long term value. A key consideration is the need for consistent moisture; wilting occurs if the soil dries out. Despite this, its stunning aesthetic contribution, resilience, and deer resistance solidify its reputation, making it a highly recommended choice for shade gardening enthusiasts.
Know before you buy
This plant performs best in full to part shade. It is an excellent choice for woodland gardens or north-facing borders where direct, harsh sunlight is limited.
Brunnera 'Alexander's Great' is naturally deer-resistant. Its textured, heart-shaped leaves are generally unappealing to common garden herbivores.
Yes, this variety is tolerant of clay soil. For the best results, ensure the soil remains consistently moist and rich in organic matter.
You can expect this perennial to reach a mature height of approximately 14 inches. It develops a broad, mounding habit that makes it ideal for ground cover or edging.
It is considered a low-maintenance perennial. Once established in the right location with adequate moisture, it requires very little intervention to keep its silvery foliage looking vibrant.
In the spring, the plant produces delicate, small blue flowers that resemble Forget-me-nots. These blooms provide a soft contrast to the bold, silvery foliage.
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$21