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Description
Brunnera Macrophylla Diane’s Gold is a stunning perennial plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. This plant is commonly known as Siberian Bugloss and is native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is a clump-forming plant with heart-shaped leaves that come in a bright green and gold variegated color. This plant produces delicate blue flowers that bloom in the early spring, making it an excellent addition for gardeners who want to add color to their garden during the early spring months.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Brunnera |
Appearance
Brunnera Macrophylla Diane’s Gold grows up to 12-18 inches tall and 18-24 inches wide. Its heart-shaped leaves have a bright green and gold variegated color that stands out in the garden. The plant produces delicate blue flowers that bloom in the early spring and last for several weeks. The flowers are small and dainty, and they are held on stems that rise above the foliage.
Care Guide
Brunnera Macrophylla Diane’s Gold is an easy-to-care-for plant that will thrive in most garden conditions. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:
- Water: Brunnera Macrophylla Diane’s Gold needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Water the plant deeply once a week, but make sure not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer. This will provide the plant with the nutrients it needs to grow healthy and strong.
- Soil: Brunnera Macrophylla Diane’s Gold prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It will not tolerate soggy soil, so make sure the soil is well-drained.
- Sunlight: This plant grows best in partial shade to full shade. Too much sun can scorch the leaves, so make sure to plant it in a spot that gets plenty of shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Brunnera Macrophylla Diane’s Gold is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Brunnera Macrophylla Diane’s Gold is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues that you may encounter:
- Slugs and Snails: These pests can eat the leaves of the plant, causing damage to its appearance. Use slug and snail bait to keep them at bay.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause white powdery spots to appear on the leaves of the plant. To prevent this disease, make sure the plant has good air circulation and is not crowded with other plants.
Habitat
Brunnera Macrophylla Diane’s Gold is native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It grows in woodland areas and prefers moist, well-draining soil. This plant is commonly grown in gardens and is a popular choice for adding early spring color to the garden.
Question and Answer
Q: Does Brunnera Macrophylla Diane’s Gold attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, the delicate blue flowers of this plant are attractive to bees and butterflies.
Q: Can Brunnera Macrophylla Diane’s Gold grow in full sun?
A: No, this plant prefers partial shade to full shade. Too much sun can scorch the leaves and cause damage to the plant.
Q: How often should I water Brunnera Macrophylla Diane’s Gold?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week to keep the soil moist. However, make sure not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.
Q: Can I grow Brunnera Macrophylla Diane’s Gold in a container?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in a container as long as the container has good drainage and is filled with well-draining soil.
Related Plants
- Brunnera Macrophylla Jack Frost
- Brunnera Macrophylla Silver Heart
- Brunnera Macrophylla Variegata
References
- BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine. (n.d.). Brunnera macrophylla ‘Diane’s Gold’. Retrieved from https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/brunnera-macrophylla-dianes-gold/
- Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Brunnera macrophylla Diane’s Gold. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/240543/brunnera-macrophylla-diane-s-gold/details
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension. (n.d.). Siberian Bugloss: A Plant for Shade with Blue Flowers in Spring. Retrieved from https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/siberian-bugloss-a-plant-for-shade-with-blue-flowers-in-spring/
