Brunnera Looking Glass

Planting Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’

Brunnera ‘Looking Glass’ is a beautiful shade-loving perennial, prized for its striking silvery leaves with delicate green veining and sprays of small, forget-me-not-like blue flowers in spring. It is perfect for brightening shady borders and woodland gardens.

Choosing the right position

• Prefers partial shade to full shade
• Tolerates some morning sun but avoid strong afternoon sun
• Ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and underplanting
• Excellent for brightening darker areas of the garden
• Choose a sheltered position protected from strong winds

Soil requirements

• Thrives in moist, well-drained soil
• Prefers fertile, humus-rich conditions
• Suitable for loamy or slightly clay soils if improved
• Does not tolerate very dry conditions
• Improve soil with compost or organic matter before planting

How to plant

• Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and similar depth
• Position the plant so the crown is level with the soil surface
• Backfill with enriched soil and firm gently
• Water thoroughly after planting
• Space plants around 40–50cm apart
• Apply a mulch to retain moisture

Planting in containers

• Use a pot with good drainage holes
• Fill with a moisture-retentive, free-draining compost
• Choose a container with room for growth
• Water well after planting
• Place in a shaded or partially shaded position

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Brunnera ‘Looking Glass’ is low maintenance and ideal for shady areas where many plants struggle.

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods
• Water regularly during the growing season
• Container plants require more frequent watering
• Avoid letting the soil dry out completely
• Ensure good drainage to prevent root problems

Feeding

• Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring
• Mulch annually with compost or well-rotted organic matter
• Helps maintain soil fertility and moisture
• Container plants may benefit from occasional liquid feeding

Pruning and tidying

• Remove faded flower stems after blooming if desired
• Cut back any damaged or tired leaves
• Tidy foliage through the season to keep plants looking fresh
• Cut back fully in late autumn or early spring

Mulching

• Apply a mulch in spring to retain moisture
• Helps suppress weeds and improve soil structure
• Keep mulch away from the crown

Seasonal Care and Common Issues

With proper care, Brunnera ‘Looking Glass’ will provide season-long interest with minimal effort.

Seasonal performance

• Produces sprays of small blue flowers in spring
• Large, silvery leaves provide striking foliage all season
• Excellent for adding contrast and brightness to shade
• Forms a neat, spreading clump over time

Winter care

• Fully hardy and dies back in winter
• Mulch in autumn to protect roots in colder areas
• Regrows strongly in spring
• Ensure soil remains well-drained during winter

Common problems

• Leaves may scorch in too much sun or dry conditions
• Slugs and snails may damage young growth
• Poor growth may result from dry or poor soil
• Generally pest and disease resistant
• Foliage may become tired late in the season but can be refreshed by cutting back

Brunnera ‘Looking Glass’ is a standout foliage plant that brings light and elegance to shaded areas of the garden. Its silvery leaves and delicate blue flowers make it an excellent choice for woodland borders and containers. With moist, fertile soil and a sheltered position, it will thrive and provide long-lasting visual interest year after year.

Standard Delivery per parcel*	€7.95
* parcels up to 30kg or within dimensions volume
* free delivery over €250 on standard items (excludes large/bulky items)
* multiple purchases qualify for combined delivery
For large items please ring us on 069-64084 to discuss delivery.

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via DPD Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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