BRUNNERA mac. Silver Heart RE

Description and Characteristics

Brunnera macrophylla 'Silver Heart' RE is a refined, resilient cultivar of Siberian Bugloss, prized for its brilliant silver foliage and striking blue spring flowers. The "RE" typically refers to re-blooming or enhanced performance—and in this case, 'Silver Heart' stands out for its thicker, heart-shaped leaves and improved sun and heat tolerance compared to other varieties.

The leaves are a striking silver-white with pronounced green veining around the edges, creating a bold, reflective effect that adds brightness to shaded or partially shaded borders. In early to mid-spring, it produces clouds of tiny sky-blue, forget-me-not-like flowers, held aloft on wiry stems above the foliage. These blooms not only add charm and contrast but also attract early pollinators.

'Silver Heart' forms a compact, slowly spreading mound, reaching 30–40 cm in height and up to 60 cm wide, making it ideal for ground cover, woodland borders, or shaded containers.

• Intensely silver foliage with green-edged veining

• Delicate blue flowers from March to May

• Height: 30–40 cm; Spread: 50–60 cm

• Enhanced heat and humidity tolerance

• Excellent for brightening shaded borders, paths, or woodland gardens

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Brunnera 'Silver Heart' RE is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that thrives in moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Its durable foliage performs reliably even in warmer climates and sunnier positions than many other brunneras.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers partial to full shade

  • Tolerates morning sun or filtered light, especially with adequate moisture

  • Ideal for north- or east-facing sites

• Soil Preferences:

  • Best in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil

  • Performs well in loamy or clay soils with good drainage

  • Avoid dry or sandy soils unless regularly watered

• Watering Needs:

  • Requires consistent moisture, especially in warmer seasons

  • Mulch in spring to retain moisture and reduce summer stress

  • In containers, water more frequently to prevent drying out

• Feeding:

  • Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring

  • An annual topdressing of compost or leaf mould is beneficial

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Remove spent flowers after blooming for tidiness

  • Cut back damaged or tired foliage in mid- to late summer

  • Clear away old growth in late winter or early spring before new shoots appear

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 3–8 (RHS H7)

  • In mild climates, may remain semi-evergreen

  • No special winter protection needed, but mulch helps protect roots in colder regions

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Support

Brunnera 'Silver Heart' RE adds year-round foliage interest, particularly in shade gardens, while supporting pollinators with its early-season blooms. Its light-reflective foliage is perfect for brightening dark corners and creating a cool, serene atmosphere.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for woodland borders, shade gardens, and foundation plantings

  • Excellent for ground cover under trees or shrubs

  • Useful in shaded containers or raised beds

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with Hosta, Heuchera, Pulmonaria, Ferns, and Tiarella

  • Complements spring bulbs such as Scilla, Crocus, and Erythronium

  • Contrasts effectively with bold foliage plants like Rodgersia or Ligularia

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Valuable nectar source in early spring

  • An excellent addition to pollinator-friendly shaded gardens

• Container Use:

  • Thrives in shady pots and planters with adequate moisture

  • Use peat-free, moisture-retentive compost

  • Combine with other shade-tolerant perennials for seasonal texture

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Highly resistant to pests and diseases

  • May be affected by slugs or snails early in the season—use organic barriers if needed

  • Good air circulation helps prevent any foliar issues

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 Fastway 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.
 

Live Plants Delivery

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.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.