BRUNNERA macr. Alexandria

Description and Characteristics

Brunnera macrophylla 'Alexandria' is a striking and refined shade-loving perennial, prized for its brilliant silver foliage and classic forget-me-not-like blue flowers in spring. A more vigorous and shimmering cultivar than many others in its class, 'Alexandria' offers season-long beauty through its bold, heart-shaped leaves that appear almost entirely silver with delicate green veining at the margins.

Like other brunneras, this cultivar blooms in early to mid-spring, with masses of tiny, sky-blue flowers that rise above the foliage on slender, branching stems. The foliage, however, is the star of the show—remaining luminous and tidy from spring to autumn, even in deep shade.

Compact in size, 'Alexandria' typically reaches 30–45 cm tall and spreads up to 60 cm, forming a slowly expanding clump. It is ideal for adding light and contrast to shaded areas, woodland borders, and beneath shrubs, while also offering valuable pollinator support in the early season.

• Brilliant silver leaves with faint green margins

• Masses of blue forget-me-not-style flowers from March to May

• Height: 30–45 cm; Spread: 45–60 cm

• Excellent for shade, underplanting, and naturalistic plantings

• RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) pending or likely, based on parent lineage

• Deer and rabbit resistant; pollinator-friendly

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Brunnera 'Alexandria' is easy to grow, preferring cool, moist, shady environments with humus-rich soil. It requires minimal maintenance, making it a reliable and long-lasting choice for low-light garden areas.

• Light Requirements:

  • Grows best in partial to full shade

  • Can tolerate morning sun if the soil stays moist

  • Avoid hot, exposed locations where foliage may scorch

• Soil Preferences:

  • Requires moist, well-drained, organic-rich soil

  • Ideal in loam or clay-based soil, enriched with compost or leaf mould

  • Neutral to slightly acidic soil preferred

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly in dry weather, especially in early summer

  • Mulch in spring to retain moisture and protect roots

  • Avoid letting soil dry out or become waterlogged

• Feeding:

  • Apply slow-release fertiliser or compost mulch in early spring

  • No heavy feeding required; overfeeding can reduce flower production

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Deadhead spent flowers after blooming for neatness

  • Remove tired or damaged foliage in midsummer to encourage fresh growth

  • Clean up dead leaves in late winter or early spring

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 4–8 (RHS H7)

  • Semi-evergreen to deciduous depending on climate

  • No winter protection needed, but mulch can help insulate roots

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Wildlife Value

Brunnera 'Alexandria' adds stunning contrast, long-lasting texture, and pollinator support to shaded gardens. Its glowing foliage and graceful flowers make it a standout feature in woodland gardens, borders, and container combinations.

• Design Applications:

  • Perfect for shady borders, woodland gardens, and ground cover

  • Ideal for underplanting shrubs, along north-facing walls, or in shade containers

  • Provides season-long foliage impact in dark corners of the garden

• Companion Plants:

  • Combines beautifully with Hostas, Ferns, Heucheras, Pulmonarias, and Tiarellas

  • Excellent alongside spring bulbs like Narcissus and Scilla

  • Adds fine contrast with broad-leaved evergreens and textural perennials

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Flowers attract bees and early-flying insects in spring

  • Offers nectar when few other plants are blooming

  • An excellent plant for wildlife-friendly and biodiversity gardens

• Container Use:

  • Grows well in shady pots and troughs

  • Use peat-free, moisture-retentive compost with added bark or leaf mould

  • Combine with other shade plants for attractive mixed foliage arrangements

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally resistant to pests and diseases

  • May occasionally attract slugs or snails, especially on young leaves

  • Ensure good air circulation and tidy growth to avoid fungal 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)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.