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A beautiful brunnera that lasts through the season

Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Plants Nouveau
Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Skagit Gardens
Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Plants Nouveau
Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Skagit Gardens

'Silver Heart' brunnera
Brunnera 'Silver Heart'

Zones: 4 to 8
Conditions: partial to full shade; prefers moist, well-drained soil
Size: 10 to 12 inches tall; 24 inches wide

What is new? Unlike other brunnera, which melt out in summer, 'Silver Heart' can handle heat and humidity better than other cultivars, and the leaves get quite large, too. This cultivar has proven resistant to foliar nematodes, which normally plague brunneras. The breeders surmise that because the foliage of 'Silver Heart' is so tough and thick and hairy, the nematodes can't get through the cells. 

What does someone who has grown it say? Julia Hofley, plant tester for Plants Nouveau, says,
"'Silver Heart' brunnera is one of the most asked about plants we have growing in our garden by garden visitors in the fall. That's unusual for any brunnera as they usually have 'melted' margins by that time and get cut back. This one is still going strong. We are building a Victorian fernery in our garden and this plant is the perfect companion to the frilly ferns and lights up the garden path with bright silver and noticeable venation on a big paddle-like leaf. The bright blue flowers are pretty in the spring, but that's not unusual. It's the dishy foliage with super-strong infrastructure that goes the distance of spring, summer and fall that I like most about B. 'Silver Heart'. It's built to last, and does."

Sources:

Brent and Becky's Bulbs
Klehm's Song Sparrow Nursery

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