Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. If you live in a warm climate, are on a limited budget, or are willing to wait longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. There’s really no such thing as “maximum spacing”: if you don’t want your plants to touch, you can space them as far apart as you’d like. All plant spacing is calculated on center, or in other words, the centers of the plants are spaced one half of their eventual width apart:
Unless you are planting in a straight line, as you might for hedges or edging, space your plants in a staggered or zig-zag pattern for a more interesting and naturalistic look:
The queen of hearts plant, also known as the heartleaf brunnera, is a stunning foliage perennial perfect for shady gardens. With its heart-shaped leaves boasting silver overlays and blue forget-me-not blossoms, it’s easy to see why this plant is called the queen of hearts! Here’s a complete guide to growing and caring for this beautiful perennial.
An Overview of Queen of Hearts
The queen of hearts is a variety of Brunnera macrophylla, a species native to Siberia and the Caucasus It’s a clump-forming perennial that typically reaches 16-18 inches tall and spreads 28-36 inches wide
The foliage is the real showstopper on this plant. The heart-shaped leaves have a frosted silver-gray overlay covering the surface. Dark green veining creates a striking contrast against the silver
In mid to late spring, clusters of small baby blue flowers resembling forget-me-nots rise above the foliage on delicate stems. The blooms add a touch of color and provide pollen for visiting bees
Queen of hearts thrives in hardiness zones 3-8 and prefers part to full shade exposure. It performs best in rich, moist soil but still tolerates average soils. Once established, it can tolerate some drought.
How to Plant Queen of Hearts
Queen of hearts can be planted in spring or fall. Spring planting should be done after the last frost date once the soil has warmed. Fall planting can take place until early winter.
Select a planting area with partial shade to full shade exposure. Dappled sunlight in the morning is acceptable, but afternoon sun should be avoided. The soil should be moist and hummus-rich with a near neutral to alkaline pH.
Amend the soil with 2-4 inches of compost or other organic material to improve nutrient levels before planting. Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows or groupings. Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same level it was growing in the pot. Water thoroughly after planting.
Container-grown queen of hearts can be planted anytime during the growing season. Gently remove the plant from its pot, loosen the roots, and place it in the planting hole at the proper depth. Water well after planting.
Growing Conditions for Queen of Hearts
- Sun: Part shade to full shade
- Soil: Consistently moist, hummus-rich, neutral to alkaline
- Water: Moderate, avoid wet feet
- Zones: 3-8
- Temperature: Average summer temperatures
Once planted, queen of hearts requires minimal care. Here are the key growing conditions to provide:
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Watering: Keep the soil moist but not wet, watering during droughts as needed. Use mulch to retain moisture.
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Fertilizer: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilization.
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Light: Ensure the plant receives morning sun or dappled sun at most. Afternoon sun will scorch the foliage.
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Soil: Replenish the soil with compost each spring to boost nutrients. Avoid wet, compacted soil.
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Maintenance: Cut back dead growth in late winter. Divide congested plants every 2-3 years in spring.
Tips for Care and Maintenance
Caring for queen of hearts is quite simple once planted in an appropriate site. Follow these tips to keep your plants healthy and looking their best:
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Mulch around the plants each spring with 2-3 inches of shredded bark or leaf litter to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.
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Water during dry spells to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Drought stress can cause foliage browning.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer or nutrient-rich compost in early spring to support growth. Avoid over-fertilization which causes floppy growth.
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Cut back any dead, damaged foliage to the ground in late winter before new growth emerges.
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Divide congested clumps every 2-3 years in early spring. Replant divisions to refresh plantings.
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Monitor for pests like aphids or slugs and treat any infestations immediately. Preventive slug bait can help.
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Propagate by dividing established clumps or by removing and rooting stem cuttings in summer.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Queen of hearts is relatively pest and disease resistant when provided with proper care and growing conditions. Here are some potential problems and solutions:
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Scorched foliage: Ensure the plant receives only morning sun or filtered light. Afternoon sun will burn the leaves.
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Leggy growth: Increase light levels and avoid over-fertilization which causes weak growth.
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Few blooms: This can result from too much shade or over-fertilization. Only morning sun is needed for good flowering.
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Browning leaves: Drought stress causes foliage browning. Ensure consistent soil moisture.
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Leaf spots: Improve air circulation and avoid wet foliage to prevent fungal disease. Remove and destroy affected foliage.
The Perfect Companion Plants
Choose companion plants that enjoy the same growing conditions as queen of hearts. Some great options include:
- Ferns
- Coral bells
- Astilbe
- Lungwort
- Japanese painted fern
- Hostas
- Wild gingers
- Hellebores
- Carex
- European ginger
These shade-loving perennials complement the form, texture, and color of queen of hearts beautifully. Plant in drifts among the queen of hearts for a cohesive design.
Enjoying Queen of Hearts in the Garden
The queen of hearts plant is a garden gem perfect for shady beds, borders, woodland gardens, and patio containers. Pair it with other shade perennials and annuals like impatiens for color and interest.
Cut the flowers to add delicate blue accents to spring floral arrangements. Its medium growth rate makes it a great groundcover too. For optimal health, provide this brunnera with the preferred growing conditions outlined above. With proper care, you’ll enjoy the queen of hearts’ beauty for many years!
More Information Description Queen of Hearts’ Siberian Bugloss is a perennial that wears its heart on its leaves! Also known as heartleaf brunnera, Brunnera macrophylla has long been a go-to shade for perennial. This variety from Proven Winners Perennials is an updated version of the classic ‘Jack Frost’ that boasts bigger, bolder leaves, with a more pronounced heart shape and stronger silver color. In spring, sweet blue flower stalks emerge from the mound of foliage – enjoy their intense color in the garden or in a vase. This deer resistant, rabbit resistant, slug resistant perennial will light up your shade garden with color and texture. Details
Say goodbye to your winter blues! With sunny days and warm temperatures on the horizon, we can tell that spring is right around the corner. When you see these flowers, you know spring is in full swing. Here’s a list of our favorite tried-and-true spring-blooming plants to help celebrate the seasonal transition.
ENTER YOUR ZIP CODE:
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Not sure just how many plants will fit in your garden? Our calculator gives you the exact amount of plants required for your space. Area Foot Length
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- Queen of Hearts Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera)
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- Big, heart-shaped leaves with silver accents!
- Perfect for shade gardens.
- Exceptionally deer resistant perennial from Proven Winners.
- Sweet blue flowers in spring.
- Zones 3-8, part sun/shade, 18″ tall x 36″ wide at maturity.
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Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. If you live in a warm climate, are on a limited budget, or are willing to wait longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. There’s really no such thing as “maximum spacing”: if you don’t want your plants to touch, you can space them as far apart as you’d like. All plant spacing is calculated on center, or in other words, the centers of the plants are spaced one half of their eventual width apart:
Unless you are planting in a straight line, as you might for hedges or edging, space your plants in a staggered or zig-zag pattern for a more interesting and naturalistic look:
Hand-picked at our greenhouse
Shipped to your door
Arrives as young plant
QUEEN OF HEARTS BRUNNERA | Brunnera macrophylla | Inspiration for Your Garden
FAQ
How do you take care of a queen of hearts plant?
Gardening Tips
Brunnera is a woodland plant that should be grown in full shade and consistently moist soil in southern regions. In the north, morning sun is acceptable as long as the soil remains moist. They will grow the fastest and strongest in rich soil. Little care is needed once Brunnera is established.
Does Queen of Hearts spread?
This annual plant will grow to be 10 to 12 inches high, and will spread approximately 14 to 18 inches when fully matured.
How often should I water the Queen of Hearts?
Watering. Water only when the substrate has dried on the surface (one or two centimeters).
Where is the best place to plant brunnera?
Brunnera needs little care once established and is virtually free of pests and diseases. Use this versatile plant as a ground cover, in shady woodland borders, containers, or mass plantings.