Brunnera macrophylla Alexander's Great
Best low-maintenance choice for gardeners looking to brighten shady outdoor spaces.
Discover the dramatic beauty of Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great', a perennial plant perfect for adding flair to shady gardens. This variety boasts exceptionally large, silver, heart-shaped leaves with deep veins, complemented by delicate blue flowers in early spring. It thrives in part-sun to full shade and prefers moist soil, yet remains drought tolerant once established. Requiring low maintenance and offering resistance to deer, 'Alexander's Great' is also ideal for container planting, making it a versatile and attractive choice for various garden settings.
$14.92
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1692
/ 3066
#1692 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-46%
Below average
Mature Height
1218
/ - inches
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking dramatic, high-contrast foliage for shaded spaces
- Landscapers designing woodland gardens or north-facing beds
- Busy homeowners wanting deer-resistant, low-maintenance perennials
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in hot climates with intense afternoon sun
- Plant owners unwilling to manage slug and snail populations
- Budget-conscious buyers needing fast-growing, affordable landscape fillers
Performance breakdown
Foliage Impact
Massive silver leaves create a high-contrast focal point in shady beds.
Shade Adaptability
Thrives in low-light conditions where most flowering perennials struggle to bloom.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal intervention once established, making it perfect for busy gardeners.
Pest Resilience
Natural resistance to deer and rabbits protects your investment from wildlife.
Container Versatility
Mounding habit works beautifully in pots for patio or porch displays.
Pollinator Value
Early spring blooms provide a reliable nectar source for emerging pollinators.
Key Specs
Mature Height
12-18 inches
Mature Spread
24-30 inches
Growing Zones
USDA Zones 3-8
Soil Type
Loamy, Sandy, Well-Drained
Ships As
Potted Plant
Planting Time
Spring / Summer
Neonicotinoid Free
Yes
Life Cycle
Perennial
Features
- Large, silver, heart-shaped leaves
- Delicate blue spring flowers
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Ideal for shady gardens
- Suitable for containers
- Low maintenance
- Forms attractive clumps
What customers say
Customer satisfaction centers on the spectacular aesthetic of Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexander's Great'. Reviewers consistently praise the massive, highly variegated silver leaves, noting the plant dramatically brightens deep shade and acts as a garden showstopper. Its ability to maintain striking foliage color throughout the season is a major highlight. While plants arrive healthy, patience is sometimes required as the mature size develops over a season or two. Once established, the plant proves hardy and low maintenance. Gardeners consider this a premium investment, highly recommending it for exceptional visual impact, unique texture, and reliable perennial return in woodland settings.
Know before you buy
This variety is highly versatile and performs well in partial sun, partial shade, or full shade. In hotter climates, it is best to provide more shade to protect the large silver leaves from scorching.
Yes, 'Alexander's Great' is considered resistant to both deer and rabbits. While no plant is entirely immune to hungry wildlife, its foliage is generally unappealing to them.
Absolutely. Its mounding growth habit and striking foliage make it an excellent choice for containers. Just ensure the pot has good drainage and keep the soil consistently moist.
While it prefers moist, well-drained soil, it develops a degree of drought tolerance once its root system is fully established in the garden. However, it will look its best with regular watering during dry spells.
You can expect this perennial to reach a height of 12 to 18 inches with a spread of 24 to 30 inches. Its mounding habit creates a dense, attractive clump that fills out nicely over time.
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