Brunnera Macrophylla 'Variegata' Looking Glass

Siberian Bugloss, Looking Glass

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’ — sometimes loosely labeled variegata in trade lists due to its extreme silvering — is a refined shade perennial prized for its near-solid silver foliage and delicate forget-me-not blue flowers in spring. Compared with ‘Jack Frost’, the leaves have much less green veining, creating a softer, more luminous effect in shaded gardens.

Key features
Width / spread: 1.5–2 ft
Height: 12–15 in (flower stems to ~18 in)
Flower color: Bright blue
Bloom time: Early to mid spring
Foliage: Almost entirely silver with faint green margins and veins
Form: Clumping, mounded perennial
Life cycle: Herbaceous perennial

Growing conditions
Sun: Part shade to full shade (morning sun tolerated; avoid hot afternoon sun)
Soil: Moist, well-drained; rich in organic matter
Water: Moderate; consistent moisture is important for foliage quality
Hardiness:



Zone Low: 3a



Zone High: 8b



Landscape use
Woodland and shade gardens
Perennial borders
Underplanting for trees and shrubs
Bright accent plant in deep shade
Containers for shaded patios

Notes
Brighter silver foliage than ‘Jack Frost’
Provides excellent contrast with hostas, ferns, and hellebores
Foliage remains attractive through summer with adequate moisture
Generally deer and rabbit resistant
Divide in early spring if needed

Plant type

Perennial

Height

12-15"

Width

18"

Hardiness zones

3–7

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring

Leaf color

Dark Green, Green

Fall color

Blue, Yellow

Soil

Loamy

Landscape use

Container, Groundcover, Specimen

Shape

Clump

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No