Brunnera macrophylla 'Queen of Hearts' (Siberian Bugloss 'Queen of Hearts') is a standout for shade gardens, prized for its oversized, heart-shaped leaves washed in silver and traced with deep green veining. In spring, airy stems rise above the foliage with clusters of small, forget-me-not-like blue flowers that brighten woodland edges and shaded borders.
Plant it where you can enjoy the foliage up close: along paths, at the front of a shady bed, or as a broad, mounding ground cover beneath trees. Mature plants typically reach about 16-18 inches tall and form a wide clump, with a spread around 28-36 inches when well established.
For best performance, give it consistently moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Morning sun is usually fine, but protect it from hot afternoon sun and dry conditions, which can scorch the leaves. In warm, humid summers, good air circulation and steady moisture help keep the foliage looking its best.
Basic care is simple: water during dry spells, top-dress with compost or mulch to conserve moisture, and remove any tired leaves as needed to keep the clump neat. Slugs and snails may nibble the foliage in damp sites, so monitor early in the season and take action if you see damage.