Brunner: growing and nursing outdoors. Brunner large-leaved: planting and care in the open field, photo

A shady corner of the garden is not a sentence yet, by choosing the appropriate plants correctly, you can make it bright and attractive. One of my favorites shade-tolerant plants is brunner. She deserves many compliments for her sophisticated beauty, unpretentiousness and ease of growing. But first things first…

The plant got its Latin generic name - Brunnera - in honor of the Swiss botanist Samuel Brunner, and the second name - forget-me-not - because of the similarity with forget-me-not flowers. However, there are still differences with forget-me-not - these are the larger size of the flower, the presence of a white, not yellow spot in the middle, and the absence of smell.

Brunner has a second name - forget-me-not - because of the similarity with forget-me-not flowers. However, there are still differences with forget-me-not - these are the larger size of the flower, the presence of a white, not yellow spot in the middle, and the absence of smell.

Brunner belongs to the family of borage (Boraginaceae), the genus has only 3 species, of which only 2 are used in floriculture. This is a large-leaved brunner and a Siberian brunner. The first species is the favorite, especially its wonderful decorative varieties, which we will talk about below.

Brunner large-leaved (Brunnera macrophylla)

A perennial rhizome plant native to the Caucasus. In one place, without a Brunner transplant, the large-leaved can live up to 15 years, which makes it a profitable plant for the garden.

The height of the large-leaved brunner reaches 40-60 cm, the stems are erect, pubescent, and the leaves are green, rather large, about 20 cm long, cordate with a sharp tip, rough to the touch. The flowers are small, sky-blue with a white center, in loose paniculate inflorescences. Brunner blooms in May - June for about 25 days. The seeds ripen in mid - late June.

Brunner's large-leaved has long found application in gardening, it has been known in culture since 1827. Received a lot interesting varieties, differing mainly in the color of the leaves and the shade of the flowers. Of course, this plant is very effective during flowering, but the beauty of the leaves is more appreciated. Large, dense, textured, they are consistently decorative throughout the season. By choosing the variety you like, or even better several at once, you can create a wonderful composition.

Varieties by groups

Varieties with, in which there is a border of various widths and colors on a green background:

Is a well-known and popular variety with large, dark green, heart-shaped leaves and an uneven, creamy border. The embossed texture of the leaf looks very decorative. The bush is tall and about 50 cm wide;

- leaves are light green with a wide white border around the edge. Bush up to 40 cm high;

- the leaves are large, rough and embossed, light green in color with an uneven narrow cream border along the edge. The bush is up to 45 cm high and about 50 cm wide.

Varieties with silver leaves:

- a very popular variety, its leaves seem to be silvered with hoarfrost, only veins and a border along the edge of the leaf remain green. The bush is about 50 cm high;
Looking Glass- the variety is similar to Jack Frost, but the silvery leaves are even more intense. They look very light, like steel, much less green veins. Bushes about 30 cm high and wide;
Kings Ranson- one of the new original varieties. Silvery green leaves with dark green veins and a wide creamy yellow border. The height and width of the bush is about 50 cm;
- on a dark green background of the leaf, closer to its edge, several rows of silvery specks. The height and width of the bush is 30–45 cm;
- a modern variety of the Belarusian breeder Alexander Zuykevich is characterized by very large silvery leaves with green veins. The bush is powerful, up to 40-50 cm high and up to 70 cm wide;

Millennium silber- leaves are dark green with large silvery spots;
- on a green background, small silvery specks along the edge of the leaf;
– new variety(2010) with silvery spots on a green background, which are located symmetrically relative to the central vein.

Varieties with yellow leaves , for example, - the variety is interesting in the yellow-green color of the leaves. Forms a compact bush 20 cm high.

Varieties with original color of flowers:

- an original variety with white flowers and solid green leaves. Bush up to 40 cm high and up to 45 cm wide;
- a new variety (2008) combining silvery leaves with white flowers, which makes it especially attractive;
- a variety with a two-tone color of flowers, white with a blue stripe;
Henry, s Eyes- a variety with a two-tone color of flowers, blue with a white stripe along the edge.

Brunner Siberian (Brunnera sibirica)

A perennial plant native to the forests of Siberia. Its horizontal rhizome is up to 1 m long and about 1 cm thick. Plant height is 40-60 cm, stems are erect, leaves are large, heart-shaped, pubescent. Flowers in racemose inflorescences, blue with a white center, 0.5 cm in diameter. Blooms in early May and blooms until early July. During flowering, it looks very decorative, grows quickly, forming thickets. It is used in horticulture, appreciated for its unpretentiousness and wonderful flowering.

Growth features of Brunner species

Despite the external similarity of the large-leaved and Siberian brunner, the plants have significant differences that must be taken into account so that later there will be no misunderstandings. I will highlight the features of each type.

So, large-leaved brunner forms rather compact bushes, does not creep over the site, and can grow in one place for a long time without transplanting and dividing the bush. It retains its decorative effect throughout the season due to the formation of new leaves. While the Siberian brunner, which has powerful superficial rhizomes, grows in a continuous mass and quickly spreads over the site. Its growth must be limited! In addition, in the middle of summer, the leaves often turn brown and dry, the plant loses its attractiveness. It is better to cut them off so that the foliage is restored over time.

flowers brunner siberian

How to grow brunner correctly

Site selection and soil. As we have already said, brunner is a shade-tolerant plant, therefore, it can and should be placed in shady areas of the garden. But all the same she needs the sun, it is better not direct, but scattered. In full shade, the plants stretch out and their decorative effect decreases. A good place will be a place illuminated in the morning hours, and in the afternoon and in the afternoon falling into the shade.

For varieties with variegated foliage, as well as yellow-leaved, openwork penumbra is suitable, subject to regular watering.
Brunner large-leaved prefers moderately rich and moderately moist soils. Siberian loves clay and wet soils.

Care. When growing a brunner, you should always remember to water regularly, especially in hot and dry weather. If the brunner grows in areas where the sun is too much for her, then watering needs to be increased. Otherwise, the leaves quickly lose their turgor, and the plant will lose its decorative effect.

Brunner large-leaved needs to be weeded periodically. It is recommended to mulch the bushes to retain moisture and reduce the frequency of weeding.

Brunner Siberian does not need weeding, its dense thickets will not give a chance to grow weeds. Both types of brunners have excellent frost resistance, so there will be no problems with wintering. The only thing that is required is to cut off the leaves in late autumn and slightly mulch the bushes.

Plants are resistant to diseases and pests. Sometimes, in conditions of too humid and cool summer, they can get sick with powdery mildew and brown spot.

Reproduction. The large-leaved Brunner species is usually propagated by dividing the bush, and Siberian by dividing the rhizome. In addition, the species Brunner can be propagated by seed. As for the varieties, they need to be propagated only vegetatively.
Thus, cultivation is not difficult. And this is another reason to have a forget-me-not flower in your garden!

Application in garden design

Such a wonderful plant as brunner, with its beautiful leaves and flowers, like forget-me-nots, is widely used in the garden. As already mentioned, various varieties of large-leaved brunners are most often grown. It is suitable for creating borders and mixborders. I grow several varieties at once, picking them to my liking. I especially like the combination of varieties with different flower colors. By placing the bushes alternately, in May - June, you can enjoy light blue, white and blue-white clouds hovering above the bushes. Combinations of varieties with different leaf colors are also good. In addition, it is easy to find partners for the brunner - these are ferns, and others. Brunner Siberian can be used to fill empty spaces with clay soils, and also as a framing of reservoirs.

When looking for decorative perennials for the garden, pay attention to Brunnera, this unpretentious flower from the Borage family can grow in one place for more than 10 years, without degenerating and without losing decorativeness. Let's deal with garden views, go over the varieties, and decide on the requirements for planting and care.

Brunner's flower: photo and description of species and varieties

The plant is named after the famous Swiss traveler, fascinated by botany Samuel Brunner. The popular name - forget-me-not was given for the similarity of flowers with forget-me-nots, they are really almost the same, the only difference is the core, for forget-me-nots it is yellow, and for brunner it is white.

In the garden, an unpretentious and frost-resistant forget-me-not flower forms decorative thickets, care for it is minimal, but it should be protected from heat and drought, and the plant copes with frosts on its own without any shelter, calmly tolerates subzero temperature up to 30 ° C.

Types and varieties

The Brunner genus has only three species, growing in the east and west of Siberia, in the Caucasus and in Asia Minor, where it can be found near the shores of various reservoirs, on forest edges and even in the mountains, at an altitude of 2300m. In decorative gardening of plots, two types are used - large-leaved (B. macrophylla) Brunner and Siberian (B. sibirica).

Brunner large-leaved

Perennial native to the Caucasus, grows in the mountains. In Germany it is called Brunnera Kaukasus-Vergissmeinnicht, which means Caucasian forget-me-not. The large-leaved brunner has a thick superficial root, the aerial part looks like a sprawling bush about a meter wide with branching rough-pubescent leafy stems about 40 cm high.

Basal foliage on elongated petioles, oblong-cordate shape with a pointed top, maximum size leaves 25 cm long. The paniculate-corymbose inflorescence contains dark blue flowers no larger than 0.7 cm in diameter. The flowering period is short from about the end of May to the second half of June. Dry fruit - 4 nuts, small few seeds ripen at the end of June.

The large-leaved brunner bush does not lose its elegant and fresh appearance from April until significant frosts. Young leaves grow throughout the season, but the main decorative value of the plant lies precisely in the foliage.

Let's run through the most popular garden variegated forms and varieties of the species:

• Betty bowring- the variety is distinguished by white flowers;
• Hadspen Cream- thin cream edging, the height of the bush does not exceed 15 cm;
• MillenniumSilber and Silver Wings- large silvery-white spots on the leaves;
• Variegata or Dawson "s White- leaves with a wide cream edging, deep white tongues overlapping the green canvas. It is not advisable to plant in the sun, as the foliage will take on a white color;

• Blaukuppel – hallmark grade is large inflorescence in the form of a dome;
• Jack frost- silvery foliage with thin green veins and a border around the edge;

• King "s Ransom- bluish-silvery foliage with a pale yellow edging;
• Silver heart- silvery foliage with green veins. The variety is picky about moisture and soil fertility, loves the sun;
• Langtrees. Dark green leaves with white-silvery blotches, forms a powerful bush and is particularly unpretentious;

• Looking Glass- undersized (up to 30 cm) variety with silvery, marbled leaves;
• Diane "s Gold- lemon-yellow foliage, loves the sun.

Brunner siberian

Unlike its Caucasian relative, a native of Western and Eastern Siberia does not form bushes, but dense thickets. The Siberian forget-me-not has its pros and cons - more spectacular foliage than the previous species, but after flowering, the decorativeness of the entire bush is lost.

This species has an elongated rhizome and single glandular-pubescent stems 50-60 cm in height. Strong, wrinkled basal foliage on long heart-shaped stalks, and stem, sessile leaves closer to lanceolate. Sky blue flowers up to 5 mm in diameter make up a complex paniculate inflorescence. Blooms throughout May.

Brunner: growing and care

In hot regions, it is advisable to place varietal brunners in places where they will be illuminated by the sun in the morning and in partial shade in the afternoon. Critical shade adversely affects the development of the plant, the stems stretch out and the bush loses its decorative effect. A forget-plant plant can grow in the sun, but only under the condition of a mild climate, constant soil and air humidity, that is, the plant can be planted near a reservoir.

Large-leaved brunner, due to its slow development, it is difficult to tolerate the neighborhood with weeds, weeding is required, long-rooted plants such as wheatgrass, willow or fat are especially dangerous. A species with a shallow root system, so it is undesirable to loosen the ground around the bush. The large-leaved forget-me-not is unpretentious to the composition of the soil.

In Siberian brunner, after flowering, the leaves acquire a brown hue, dry quickly, and can be removed immediately. In mid-August, new leaves will grow and hold out until frost. Tightly woven root system plants leave no chance for weeds to take root in their dense thickets. Siberian brunner grown in the shade on clay, moist soil does not need additional watering.

As for fertilizers, they are only appropriate for spring, to stimulate vegetation and the growth of fleshy, large foliage with a distinct, rich color. If the fertilizer is taken in granules, it can be sprinkled on the melting snow.

On a note:

1. When choosing a location, rely primarily on the special preferences of the variety;
2. The specific brunner, in contrast to the varietal one, exhibits enviable resistance to unfavorable growing conditions;
3. Any type of Brunner is prone to overgrowth, you need to monitor the plantings all the time.

Breeding brunner

Large-leaved brunner multiply dividing the bush, it should be dug, cut off the aerial part and remove excess soil from the roots by lowering them into water. Now the bush can be divided into several parts (each new seedling must contain a renewal bud), and it is advisable to try not to damage the roots, a garden knife is used only as a last resort.

The transplant is carried out at the end of summer, during the fall the bush will take root and easily endure the winter, it is possible in the spring, but care will be more difficult - you need to constantly monitor the moisture content of the soil, protect it from the scorching sun.

Siberian brunner can be propagated by dividing the root, it should be dug out, old or damaged areas should be removed and broken into several pieces of 4–6 cm, as in the first case, each piece of root should be with a bud of next year's flowering. This species can be propagated only in autumn; when planting in a new place, the roots should not be deeply buried.

The most reliable breeding method is considered to be dividing the bush, especially in the case of varietal brunners growing in the shade.

Possible and self seeding, but variegated Brunner forms retain the characteristics of the parent plant only when vegetative propagation. Seedling method It is also acceptable, but it should be borne in mind that long-term stratification (at least 3 months) is necessary for the seeds of the forget-me-not, and a new plant will bloom only 2 years after planting.

Diseases and pests

In general, both plant species are extremely rarely affected by pests and diseases, but in long rainy periods there is a risk of infection of the Siberian brunner with brown spot and powdery mildew, the large-leaved species shows great resistance to these ailments. The forget-plant is attractive to aphids, whitefly, miner moths and slugs.

It is easy to fight ailments - pests can be driven away by spraying, and fungal diseases disappear with the timely removal of the affected parts of the bush. By the way, the brunner in the garden can be called a certain guarantee of the absence of mice, because the succulent roots of the plant attract rodents, but for them the roots are poisonous.

Brunner in garden design

Unpretentious perennials always in demand in landscape design, the forget-me-not is universal in landscaping territories, it is beautiful, unpretentious and easy to care for.

With Brunner, you can create a variety of spectacular compositions, her decorative bushes will successfully fit into any landscape projects. Siberian brunner is suitable for shady garden, where good neighbors for her there will be fern, hosta, lungwort, hellebore, hydrangea, some varieties of juniper, astilba, rogersia and geychera.

In the flower compositions of the Brunner, flowers such as primrose, Goryanka Colchis, ornamental onion, dicentra, hyacinths, spurge, doronicum, tulips, muscari, swimsuit, aquilegia, geychera and daffodils will make a good company.

When choosing companions, rely on shades of flowers - it is better to select plants with yellow, white, purple and blue flowers.

1. Primrose 'Millers Crimson';
2. Host ‘Mama Mia’;
3. Mnogoryadny mnogoryadny Polystichum polyblepharum;
4. Brunner's ‘Looking Glass’;
5. Geuchera ‘Raspberry Ice’;
6. Orchid primrose;
7. Host ‘American Halo’.

This moisture-loving perennial will successfully decorate the shores of various reservoirs. The large-leaved Brunner flower does not lose its decorative effect all season, so feel free to use it in permanent group compositions, and undersized species will effectively emphasize the path with a chic non-growing border.

Brunner large-leaved is a perennial herbaceous plant 45-50 cm high with branched pubescent stems, large whole broad-heart-shaped leaves on long petioles and blue, forget-me-not-like flowers with a diameter of 5-10 mm, collected in corymbose or paniculate inflorescences, because of which the people it is called the forget-me-not. Brunner blooms from April for a month, but can bloom again in the fall. However, unlike the forget-me-not, the Brunner flower inside does not yellow spot and white. Brunner's fruit is a nut. Brunner forms beautiful thickets, it is unpretentious, very attractive and winter-hardy, but does not like heat and drought. In one place, the plant can grow up to 15 years.

Choosing a place for planting large-leaved brunner

How ornamental plant, the large-leaved brunner is planted in flower beds, along the paths, in a word, where you want to decorate the site. When choosing a location, pay attention to the variety and recommendations for the light regime. Some varieties can grow equally well in the sun and in the shade, for others, partial shade is recommended, and the third even need to look for a place in the shade. On the sunny place the plant feels best near a pond.

Shade varieties can be planted along the fence or near the wall of the house, where the sun rarely looks. Near the house, a place where there is a drain of rainwater is suitable for her. The most the best place for planting brunners will be where it is sunny in the morning, and then there is a shade. Then it will retain the beauty of its leaves throughout the season.

Planting brunner large-leaved

The most optimal time for planting brunners in open ground is from July to early August. Brunner does not require any specific soil for his planting, but it is still better if the soil is moist, loamy and heavy.

Brunner is strictly forbidden to plant in the spring, since during this period it is extremely susceptible to various diseases and pests. But if you still decide to plant the brunner in the spring, then it is better to do this together with the clod of earth in which it grew before the transplant. It is better to plant a brunner on a cloudy day or any other, but in the evening.

When planting a flower, it must be divided - this will rejuvenate the plant. After flowering, the ground part of the brunners is cut off, and the roots are dug up. Rinse the dug roots well and remove rotten and old parts. Next, the main root is cut into pieces. Delenki must have buds of future sprouts.

Cut parts of the root (delenki) are laid out in pre-prepared holes and buried in them. It is very important not to forget to water the buried roots well. The soil can be mulched so that the young growth does not suffer from a lack of moisture and overheating.

Landing is carried out as follows:

• The aboveground part is cut off, leaving 10-12 cm.
• The rhizome is dug up and washed in large capacity with water.
• Defective root areas are removed.
• With a sharp knife, carefully divide the rhizome (easier along the line of the natural collapse of the bush) so that there is at least one bud on each part.
• Delenki are seated in the soaked holes and dug in with earth so as not to fill up the root collar.

How to care for large-leaved brunner outdoors

All kinds of weeds are very fond of the flower. They grow freely among the bushes, enjoying the shade and coolness. Care is complicated by constant weeding, since the weeds take from the ground the minerals necessary for the growth of the large-leaved brunner. Experienced gardeners immediately after planting, soil mulching is carried out. You can use any material for this: tree needles conifers, hay, straw, leaves, high or low peat. The amount of weeds after mulching is significantly reduced. Advice! At proper care weeding and loosening are done with great care. The root system of the flower almost lies on the surface of the soil. Do not use too sharp objects, as well as deepen them more than 2-3 cm.

Brunner grows very quickly and can shade neighboring plants. When landing and further care you need to keep this in mind, leaving free space on the flower bed. To prevent the occurrence of fungal infections, constant thinning of herbaceous bushes is necessary. Timely removal of dried stems and inflorescences will also prevent the development of various putrefactive processes. If the soil meets all the requirements of the flower, then the care does not imply the introduction of fertilizers. Only planting brunners on depleted or scarce soils may require additional fertilizing. It is best to use complex fertilizers, the concentration of the solution of which should be two times less than the prescribed one. They feed the flower a couple of times throughout the summer. Excessive saturation of the soil with mineral salts will immediately affect the state of the leaves - ugly rusty spots will appear on them.

Watering large-leaved brunners

Planted under spreading trees, Brunner does not need constant watering, it is produced only a few times per season. Since the flower does not require transplanting for more than 10 years, the choice of a shady area will reduce the care of the large-leaved brunner to a minimum. Direct sunlight quickly evaporates the moisture of the herbaceous plant, so it must be watered abundantly and often. Watering, in the absence of natural precipitation, should be regular and abundant. Mulch will help keep moisture around the plant longer. Unlike most colors, Brunner does not require certain hours adoption of water procedures. Even during the day, the wide leaves will keep the moist soil from cracking.

Caring for a large-leaved brunner in winter

Planting and caring for Brunner in open ground do not imply any difficulties, there will be no problems when preparing the plant for wintering. Brunner large-leaved is one of those perennials that is highly cold-resistant, therefore it tolerates frosts up to -30 degrees Celsius well. Brunner leaves themselves do not die off for the winter, so the above-ground shoots are cut off (leaving 10-15 cm of stumps), and the soil is mulched with peat, fallen leaves or compost. The perennial does not need additional shelter. If you wish, you can transplant it for the winter in a tub or flowerpot. With the onset of frost, it is transferred to the room. In such conditions, it can bloom in December.

Spring cherry pruning for beginners: in pictures, step by step

Pests and diseases of large-leaved brunner

The flower is not prone to disease. Sometimes a brown spot may appear on it. It arises from too frequent watering or during a rainy summer. Brunner can also be affected by powdery mildew. To combat these diseases, fungicides are used, for example, Bordeaux mixture. Before processing the plant, all parts affected by the disease must be removed from it. Brunner pests are whiteflies and aphids, but they rarely attack the plant. If they nevertheless choose a flower, they fight with them with solutions of "Karbofos" or "Actellic", or tar soap.

Both planting and caring for a Brunner require a minimum of effort. But spectacular appearance plants will be able to delight others from spring to the very frost. The fact is that after flowering, the culture does not lose its leaves, thereby maintaining its attractiveness throughout the season. Withered flower stalks and inflorescences can be removed so as not to spoil the beauty of the decorative foliage.

Care: Brunner belongs to perennial rhizome plants that do not require special care.

Planting and flowering dates: the plant is planted in the second half of summer, and its flowering period falls on the end of April - beginning of May.

Frost resistance: tolerates winter well.

general description

Brunner naturally grows in the Caucasus, and in some countries it is called the Caucasian forget-me-not. Brunner represents

sprawling bush. Its branching stems reach a height of 30-40 cm. The stems are pubescent and densely covered with oblong leaves. Leaves with long petioles at the bottom of the stem. Brunner flowers are small, dark blue with a white center. They form inflorescences that resemble panicles and scutes. This plant blooms for a long time in spring (for a month) and can bloom again in autumn.

Brunner. Varieties

Most often in gardening they use large-leaved brunner. Various varieties of this plant differ from each other mainly in the shape and color of the leaves (table).

Table. Brunner varieties

Growing conditions and care

Brunner grows well in moist clayey soil. With an excess of organic matter in the soil, the plant begins to grow actively and is knocked out of the natural biorhythm.

Brunner prefers places where in the morning good lighting, and in the second - a shadow. In such conditions, it maintains its decorative effect for a long time. If you plant this plant in a place open to the sun, then the leaves will burn. In full shade, the plant lacks sunlight and stretches a lot. Grows well near water bodies.

The plant is suitable for planting along the northern walls of buildings, especially in places where rainwater flows from the roof.

⇒ The name "Brunner" is associated with the name of the Swiss botanist Samuel Brunner, who described all its species. This plant resembles a forget-me-not, for which it received the name of the forget-me-not among the people. In nature, there are 33 species of this plant.

Brunner's care is simple. At the right choice the planting site does not need watering. The overgrown rhizomes of the Siberian Brunner do not allow weeds to grow. Brunner's large-leaved plant grows less, so the soil where it grows must be weeded. It is not necessary to loosen the soil, as this can damage the superficially located rhizomes. Top dressing is also not needed.

Reproduction and growth features

In one place, a brunner can grow up to 15 years. Moreover, it does not need to be divided and seated. After a period of flowering, young leaves continue to appear on the brunner bushes. That is why the plant is decorative for a long time - from spring to autumn.

Under favorable conditions for the growth of brunner, large-leaved decorates flower beds until the temperature drops significantly the environment... Brunner's Siberian is less decorative. After a period of flowering, its leaves become stained and dry out. Therefore, the plant is cut in July. By mid-August, it is again covered with leaves and decorates flower beds before the onset of frost.

Brunner large-leaved is propagated by dividing the bush. It is first dug up from the ground, then the stems are cut and excess soil is removed from the roots. To facilitate this work, the plant is pre-immersed with roots in a container of water. Further, the bush is divided into several parts. Most often, the rhizomes are easily divided, and the bush easily disintegrates. If necessary, you can use a knife to separate the rhizomes. On each segment of the rhizome, buds must be located, then the plant will grow next year. The resulting new bushes are planted in flower beds in a permanent place.

Brunner large-leaved can be dug up along with the soil and transplanted into a flowerpot. In order for it to take root, it is necessary to add loose nutrient soil there. The pot is placed in a shaded place. If the plant is watered periodically, it will grow well. With the onset of frost, the flowerpot is brought into a cool room, and the plant when good watering will continue to grow. In December, it can bloom again.

Brunner's Siberian reproduces differently. She has very branching rhizomes, and their segments are used for reproduction. The rhizomes are first dug out, then freed from old and decaying areas, and then broken into several parts 4-6 cm long. Each part of the rhizome should have a living kidney. Rhizomes are planted in the soil to a depth of 2-3 cm.

After transplanting, Brunner is watered abundantly. The plant, planted in the second half of summer, manages to take root before the onset of frost, tolerates winter well and blooms the next year.

Problems when growing brunner

At high humidity Brunner's environment suffers from brown spotting. Many varieties are often affected by powdery mildew. When grown in flowerpots and excessive watering, rhizomes rot in Brunners. Plant pests are whiteflies and aphids.

Use in design

Brunner large-leaved is used to create mixborders, borders, rockeries. It does not oppress other plants, since it does not grow and is always decorative, rarely gets sick.

Brunner Siberian is planted in flower beds in the background, as well as in shady remote areas of the garden. It grows quickly and creates decorative thickets.

The partner plants for the Brunner are hellebore, bear onion, toothed primrose, fern, horned goat weed.

Plant brunner (lat.brunnera), or brunera, belongs to the genus of perennial herbaceous plants of the Borage family, numbering only three species, whose representatives grow in Eastern and Western Siberia, in Asia Minor and the Caucasus. Brunner's flower got its Latin name in honor of the Swiss traveler and botanist Samuel Brunner. In culture, two types of brunner are grown - large-leaved and Siberian. Brunner's landscape design is usually used for curbs and stable decorative groups in mixborders.

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Planting and caring for a brunner (in short)

• Landing: late July or early August.
• Bloom: from late April to late May.
• Lighting: bright light in the morning, and in the afternoon - partial shade.
• The soil: clayey, moderately moist to moist.
• Watering: only during a prolonged drought.
• Top dressing: Not needed.
• Reproduction: variegated forms - only vegetatively: by dividing a bush or rhizome, the species brunner can be propagated by seeds, subsequently it gives self-seeding.
• Pests: aphids and whiteflies.
• Diseases: powdery mildew, brown spot.

Read more about growing Brunner below.

Brunner flower - description

Brunner is a perennial herbaceous plant 45-50 cm high with branched pubescent stems, large whole broad-heart-shaped leaves on long petioles and blue, forget-me-not-like flowers 5-10 mm in diameter, collected in corymbose or paniculate inflorescences, because of which her is called a forget-me-not. Brunner blooms from April for a month, but can bloom again in the fall. However, unlike the forget-me-not, the Brunner flower inside is not a yellow spot, but a white one. Brunner's fruit is a nut. Brunner forms beautiful thickets, it is unpretentious, very attractive and winter-hardy, but does not like heat and drought. In one place, the plant can grow up to 15 years.

Brunner's landing

When to plant Brunner

In nature, Brunner grows in forests, so he loves moisture and tolerates shade well. Based on this, you should choose a site for her. In hot regions, it is better to plant Brunner in the shade so that the plant does not die from the strong sun. In cooler areas, you can plant the plant in partial shade or in places that are not illuminated by the sun in the afternoon. In direct sun, Brunner can grow only near bodies of water. The soil for the plant needs clayey, moist, and the Siberian brunner is much more demanding in this regard than the large-leaved brunner. Planted and transplanted to Brunner in late July or early August. In the spring, transplanting is fraught with diseases for the plant, since it is most vulnerable at this time of the year. It is possible to transplant in the spring only a large-leaved Brunner, and only with a large clod of earth. Brunners land on a cloudy day or in the evening.

How to plant a brunner

Planting of large-leaved brunner is carried out, as a rule, simultaneously with the division of the plant. The faded bush is dug up, the ground part is cut off, the roots are cleaned from the soil by soaking them in a bucket of water, and then the bush is divided into parts, following the natural collapse of the rhizome. If necessary, you can cut the roots with a sharp, sterile knife. In each cut, there must be a part of the rhizome and a renewal bud of the next year. Delenki are planted in wells prepared in advance, not forgetting to water the plants abundantly after planting.

Brunner Siberian reproduces by segments of the rhizome, which lies very close to the surface. The rhizome is dug up, old and decayed areas are removed, broken into pieces 4-6 cm long so that each has a living bud of renewal, after which the parts of the rhizome are planted to a depth of 2-3 cm and watered abundantly.

After planting, the plot of land around the Brunners is mulched with sawdust, limestone, tree bark, you can even use coffee grounds or ashes as mulch.

Brunner's care in the garden

How to care for a Brunner

Cultivation of Siberian brunners and large-leaved brunners have their own differences. Brunner large-leaved decorative throughout the growing season, and with correct fit(in the shade, in damp soil) one could not think about it until autumn. But this type of brunner has problems with weeds, so it has to be weeded regularly, and it is not recommended to loosen the ground around it, since the root system of the brunner is located very close to the surface. As for the Siberian brunner, after the end of flowering, it quickly loses its decorative effect, on its leaves appear brown spots, they dry out, and it is better to remove them, of course, in July, especially since in mid-August new leaves will appear on the Brunner, which will last until frost. Siberian Brunner is not afraid of weeds, it is not necessary to loosen the land around it for the same reason as in the area with large-leaved brunner, and it does not need watering - natural precipitation will be enough. However, in an abnormally dry summer, both Brunner species need watering - the state of its leaves will tell you that it is time to water the plant.

Breeding brunner

In the section on planting brunners, we told you about the methods of plant propagation by dividing the bush and dividing the rhizome. By the way, variegated Brunner forms reproduce in these very ways - vegetative. It is also possible to reproduce the species Brunner by the seed method, however, the plant sets seeds poorly - it does not have time due to frosts. Therefore, for growing brunners from seeds, it is better to purchase seed in the store. Small Brunner seeds are sown in open ground before winter, but if you decide to sow seeds in spring, keep in mind that they need three to four months of stratification, for which the Brunner seeds must be placed in a refrigerator or sown in a box and buried in the snow for the winter ... However, there is no point in cultivating Brunners from seeds, since it easily reproduces vegetatively, and besides, self-seeding of Brunners happens very often.

Brunner pests and diseases

If the summer is rainy, the brunner in the garden can get sick with brown spot, from which spots will begin to appear on its leaves. It is also possible to damage the plant with powdery mildew. In the fight against these diseases, the timely removal of the diseased parts of the plant and the treatment of Brunner with a fungicide - Bordeaux mixture, for example, will help you.

Of the pests, aphids and whiteflies are dangerous to the plant, which are destroyed by treating brunners with Actellik or Karbofos solution.

Brunner after flowering

Preparing brunners for winter

Planting and caring for a brunner in the open field does not imply any difficulties, and there will be no problems when preparing a plant for wintering. Brunner leaves do not die off themselves for the winter, so they should be cut off. The plant hibernates well without shelter, however, on the eve of winter, it is better to mulch the soil on the site with brunner with compost, peat or humus.

Types and varieties of brunner

Brunner large-leaved (Brunnera macrophylla)

in nature it lives in the Caucasus Mountains, so the Germans call it “Caucasian forget-me-not”. It grows in a bush - branched, roughly pubescent leafy stems up to 30-40 cm high extend from the rhizome.The leaves are basal, oblong, heart-shaped with a sharp top, on long petioles, dark green on the upper side of the plate, rough and pubescent on the lower , and therefore grayish. Dark blue flowers up to 7 mm in diameter with a white spot in the middle, collected in apical corymbose-paniculate inflorescences, bloom in late April and fade in a month. Re-flowering may begin in warm autumn. This species has been cultivated since the 19th century. The best varieties large-leaved brunners:

• Millennium Zilber- the leaves of this brunner are covered with large spots of a silvery-white color;
• Brunner Jack Frost- a plant with almost white, or rather, silvery leaves, on which green veins and a narrow green border along the edge of the leaf are clearly visible;
• Hudspan Cream- brunner with wide heart-shaped leaves up to 15 cm long with a narrow white-cream border along the edges;
• Langtries- variety with dark green leaves in silvery dots along the periphery of the leaf plate and blue flowers;
• Brunner Variegat- the leaves of this variety are marked with a wide white-cream stripe that extends into the green field with deep tongues. In the bright sun, the leaves grow almost entirely white.