When it comes to planting companions for Brunnera, there are several options that can enhance the beauty of this shade-loving perennial. One great choice is coral bells (Heuchera), which come in a wide range of colors and add an interesting foliage contrast with their ruffled leaves. Mixing Brunnera with coral bells creates a visually appealing combination.
Ferns are another excellent choice to pair with Brunnera. Their delicate fronds and lacy foliage create a soft and graceful look that complements the heart-shaped leaves of Brunnera. Whether you choose the traditional ferns like the ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) or the Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum), they will add a touch of elegance to your garden.
The fringed bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia) is another shade-loving perennial that pairs well with Brunnera. Its delicate, heart-shaped flowers and finely cut foliage create a beautiful contrast against the silver-frosted leaves of Brunnera. This combination adds a touch of romance to shady areas.
Lamium, also known as dead nettle, is a low-growing ground cover that thrives in shade. Its silver-variegated leaves and colorful flowers provide a lovely backdrop for Brunnera. Lamium is also tolerant of dry conditions, making it a great choice for areas where moisture may be limited.
Astilbes are another great option to plant alongside Brunnera. Their feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, and white add a pop of color to the garden. The upright growth habit of astilbes creates height and structure, which complements the mounding habit of Brunnera.
Canadian ginger (Asarum canadense) is a native ground cover that thrives in shade and adds a unique touch to the garden. Its heart-shaped leaves and inconspicuous flowers create a carpet-like effect when planted alongside Brunnera. Canadian ginger also spreads slowly, making it a great choice for filling in gaps between larger plants.
When planting Brunnera, it is important to consider its preference for shade and moist organic soils. These companion plants mentioned above also thrive in similar conditions, making them suitable partners for Brunnera.
In my personal experience, I have found that mixing Brunnera with these shade-loving companions creates a visually stunning and cohesive garden bed. The contrasting foliage textures, colors, and flower shapes add interest and depth to the planting. Additionally, the combination of plants mentioned above are generally low-maintenance and perform well together, making them a great choice for gardeners looking for a beautiful and easy-to-care-for shade garden.
