Brunnera 'Looking Glass' PP#17,829

This exciting Brunnera has huge, showy leaves that turn from apple-green-veined silver to pure shimmering silver as the season progresses, PLUS showy little blue flowers. One of the most beautiful accents ever grown for the partly shaded garden, this delicate-looking perennial is actually quite hardy and long-lived.

The leaves emerge in early spring with bright apple-green veins and an overlay of eye-catching silver, then mature to pure silver as the weather warms up. They are topped by masses of starry little blue blooms, bright and bold, from mid- to late spring. 'Looking Glass' is irresistible at any time, but it's simply a beacon of color in the spring.

Part of this plant's charm comes from the size of its leaves. They reach about 6 inches long, which is huge considering the entire plant is just 15 inches high and about 18 inches wide at maturity. Forming a dense carpet of color, they have a big impact, creating the perfect glittering backdrop for the spring blooms.

'Looking Glass' comes by its good looks and great garden vigor honestly. It's a sport of 'Jack Frost', far and away the most popular Brunnera we've ever grown here at Wayside, and a favorite among gardeners from Maine to California.

'Looking Glass' is easy to grow in any conditions EXCEPT poorly-drained soil, so make sure you choose a well-draining site. Give the plant plenty of food and water the first season, and it will repay you with years of beauty. It makes a terrific contrast to the fun (and easy to grow) Fern, and offsets the bold gold and red tones of Heuchera to perfection.

Space these plants about a foot apart in fertile, well-enriched soil. Zones 3-7.