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Description
Brunnera Macrophylla Alexanders Great, commonly known as Siberian Bugloss, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to the Caucasus Mountains region in Eurasia. The plant grows up to a height of 18 inches and spreads up to 24 inches. It produces clusters of small, delicate, blue flowers in the spring season, which bloom for about a month. The plant’s foliage is its highlight – heart-shaped, silver-green leaves with green veins that grow up to 9 inches long and 7 inches wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Brunnera |
| Species | Brunnera Macrophylla |
| Cultivar | Alexanders Great |
Appearance
Brunnera Macrophylla Alexanders Great has heart-shaped, silver-green leaves with green veins that grow up to 9 inches long and 7 inches wide. The foliage appears in an attractive rosette pattern. The plant produces clusters of small, delicate, blue flowers that bloom for about a month in the spring season. The flowers grow on upright stems that rise above the foliage. The plant grows up to a height of 18 inches and spreads up to 24 inches.
Care Guide
Water
Brunnera Macrophylla Alexanders Great requires moderate watering. The plant prefers damp soil, but it should not be waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during the summer season. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause the plant to rot.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant in the early spring season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. This will help the plant to grow and produce more flowers. Avoid overfertilizing, as it can lead to excessive growth and weak stems.
Soil
Brunnera Macrophylla Alexanders Great prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral in pH. Add compost or peat moss to the soil to improve its quality.
Sunlight
Brunnera Macrophylla Alexanders Great prefers partial to full shade. It can tolerate some morning sun, but it should be protected from the hot afternoon sun.
Hardiness Zones
Brunnera Macrophylla Alexanders Great is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Brunnera Macrophylla Alexanders Great is relatively pest-free. However, it can be affected by slugs, snails, and spider mites. To control these pests, use a pesticide or a natural remedy such as diatomaceous earth or neem oil.The plant can also be affected by powdery mildew, which appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To control this disease, remove the infected parts of the plant and spray it with a fungicide.
Habitat
Brunnera Macrophylla Alexanders Great is native to the Caucasus Mountains region in Eurasia. It grows in woodland areas, along streams, and in other moist, shaded locations. The plant prefers cool, moist climates.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Brunnera Macrophylla Alexanders Great a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Brunnera Macrophylla Alexanders Great is a relatively easy plant to grow. It requires minimal care and can tolerate a range of soil and light conditions.
Q: Can Brunnera Macrophylla Alexanders Great be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Brunnera Macrophylla Alexanders Great can be grown in containers. However, the container should be large enough to accommodate the plant’s spreading habit, and it should have drainage holes to prevent overwatering.
Q: Does Brunnera Macrophylla Alexanders Great attract bees?
A: Yes, Brunnera Macrophylla Alexanders Great attracts bees and other beneficial insects with its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Can Brunnera Macrophylla Alexanders Great be propagated by division?
A: Yes, Brunnera Macrophylla Alexanders Great can be propagated by division in the spring or fall season. Divide the plant into smaller sections and replant them in well-draining soil.
Related Plants
- Brunnera Macrophylla Jack Frost
- Brunnera Macrophylla Sea Heart
- Brunnera Macrophylla Variegata
- Brunnera Macrophylla Silver Heart
References
- “Brunnera macrophylla ‘Alexander’s Great’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 13, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=263232.
- “Brunnera macrophylla ‘Alexander’s Great’.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed October 13, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/269753/Brunnera-macrophylla-Alexander-s-Great/Details.
- “Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla ‘Alexander’s Great’).” Gardenia. Accessed October 13, 2021. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/brunnera-macrophylla-alexanders-great-siberian-bugloss.
