Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great'
Best robust perennial for adding striking foliage to shaded areas.
Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great', also known as False Forget-me-not or Siberian bugloss, is a striking perennial prized for its large, heart-shaped leaves. These leaves are adorned with a metallic silver sheen, intricate dark green veins, and a thin green margin, creating a captivating display. In early spring, delicate sky-blue flowers emerge, adding a touch of color to the shade garden. This cultivar boasts significantly larger leaves compared to its relatives. It thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions and is well-suited for mass planting, containers, or as a groundcover. Its low maintenance needs and deer-resistant nature make it a popular choice for many garden settings.
$32.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
986
/ 4677
#986 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
+19%
Above average
Sunlight
Partial to Full Shade
/ Partial to Full Shade
Who it's for
- Gardeners desiring striking, season-long visual interest in their shaded landscapes.
- Homeowners with difficult shady spots seeking reliable, beautiful, and impactful plants.
- Gardeners in rural or suburban areas battling persistent deer and rabbit populations.
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in arid regions or those preferring low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant selections.
- Gardeners in humid climates or those who prefer plants less prone to common garden pests.
- Impatient gardeners desiring rapid groundcover or immediate, mature plant presence.
Performance breakdown
Foliage Impact
Oversized, metallic silver leaves provide a dramatic focal point for shade.
Shade Adaptability
Thrives in low-light environments where many other perennials struggle to bloom.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal intervention once established, perfect for low-effort garden designs.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deer-resistant, keeping your garden safe from common browsing wildlife.
Versatility
Adapts well to containers, mass plantings, or as a textured groundcover.
Growth Rate
Slow development requires patience to reach full, mature landscape coverage.
Key Specs
Sunlight
Partial to Full Shade
Hardiness Zones
4-8
Mature Size
18 inches tall, 30 inches wide
Bloom Time
Early Spring
Flower Color
Sky Blue
Foliage
Heart-shaped, metallic silver with dark green veins
Deer Resistant
Yes
Drought Tolerant
No
Features
- Large, metallic silver leaves with dark green veins
- Delicate sky blue flowers in early spring
- Thrives in shade and partial shade conditions
- Deer resistant for worry-free gardening
- Low maintenance requirements
- Suitable for containers and mass planting
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great' plants received. Many highlight the robust health and impressive size of the plants upon arrival, often exceeding expectations. This contributes significantly to an easy planting experience and successful establishment in gardens. Gardeners appreciate the strong growth and vibrant foliage, finding them a valuable addition that thrives with minimal fuss. The overall consensus points to a highly satisfying purchase due to the superior plant quality and straightforward care.
Know before you buy
The primary distinction is the size of the foliage. This cultivar produces significantly larger, heart-shaped leaves than standard varieties, making it a more dramatic focal point in the shade garden.
Yes, it is not drought-tolerant. You should keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the warmer summer months, to prevent the large leaves from wilting or scorching.
It thrives in partial to full shade, so morning sun is generally acceptable as long as the plant is protected from the harsh, direct afternoon heat. If you live in a hotter climate, aim for a spot with deeper shade.
Yes, it is considered deer resistant, which makes it a reliable choice for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern. However, no plant is completely deer-proof if food sources are scarce.
Since this variety reaches a mature width of 30 inches, you should space them at least 24 to 30 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and to accommodate their full growth.
Yes, 'Alexander's Great' is hardy in zones 4 through 8, meaning it is well-equipped to handle the cold winters of zone 4.
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$33