Re: BRUNNERA macrophylla 'Variegata' was: hosta from seed

Marge, I felt exactly as you do about this plant. I longed for one for over a 
year and when I received a half price coupon for a perennial of my choice, I 
scooted out as fast as I could to bring one home. Lush, gorgeous heart-shaped 
foliage -- new growth a lovely green splashed with pale gold centers aging to 
wide creamy white leaf margins. I was deeply attached. Here in NC, Plant 
Delight's Nursery wrote about this Brunnera as 'possibly the most sought 
after plant in the horticultural kingdom.'  And - 'This is a hard to grow 
collector's plant that must have moist, well drained organic soils to have 
any chance of surviving...it hates hot summers!'    I was not deterred.         
As you mentioned, this is the standard warning for B. macrophylla 
'Variegata.'  But it is simply too beautiful to resist! (I bought a gorgeous 
one nestled between two near dead ones, case in point.) Well, I don't suppose 
you have to guess the outcome. I went to all lengths to keep it alive to no 
avail. Maybe the good news is that I'm borderline zone 7/8 and you've got 
less heat and humidity than I. It is also encouraging to know that I know of 
local gardeners who grow the standard Brunnera quite well in a true woodland 
location.                                               I wish I could say, 
"Yes, Yes, it grows marvelously for me!" But I what I can say, at the risk of 
sounding a fool, is that it is so wonderful, I would like to try it again. 
Perhaps plant it in the fall, get it well established long before it faces 
the heat of summer.... See? I've already talked myself into it*                 
                    Let me know if you pick up any helpful tips when you get 
one!                        I just noticed that the AHS zone map places me as 
a definite 7; Aha! Even more reason to try once more!                           
                                    Holly now- zone -7      

---------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@mallorn.com with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE PERENNIALS
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index