Brunnera macrophylla 'Queen of Hearts' – Proven Winners

USPP 32,737 | CPBR7066 | Proven Winners® Perennials

Why Brunnera 'Queen of Hearts' is Trending in 2026

• Most silver-washed Brunnera available — dramatic visual impact over similar varieties
• Michigan State University "Best Performer" and "Top Performer" recognition
• Solves deep shade — bold color and texture where little else thrives
• Deer resistant — a safer investment than hostas in high-pressure areas
• Hardy zones 3–8 — one of the widest cold-hardiness ranges in shade perennials

What This Plant Does For You

• Transforms dark corners into glowing focal points with shimmering silver foliage
• Two seasons of interest: baby blue spring blooms, then bold foliage all season
• Spreads 28–36 inches wide — one plant covers serious ground
• Pairs effortlessly with hostas, ferns, and heuchera for a layered shade garden
• Returns reliably year after year — a true landscape investment

Plant Highlights

• Size: 16–18" tall | 28–36" wide
• Bloom: Baby blue forget-me-not clusters — mid to late spring
• Foliage: Heart-shaped leaves with heavy silver overlay and dark green veining
• Zones: USDA 3–8
• Light: Part shade to full shade
• Water: Consistently moist, well-drained soil
• Deer Resistant: Yes | Brand: Proven Winners® Perennials

Ready to elevate your shade garden? Add your Premium 1 Gallon to cart now.

Premium Features & Solutions

Most shade gardens feel flat and uninspired. 'Queen of Hearts' solves this directly — heavily silver-washed leaves catch and reflect available light, visually brightening the space. Compared to 'Jack of Diamonds', it delivers a more pronounced silver overlay and a cleaner, more luminous look. Spring blooms echo classic forget-me-nots without the weedy tendency.

Choose Your Size: Premium 1 Gallon — landscape-ready with an established root system, the size professional landscapers specify for immediate impact.

Smart Growing Guide

Beginner

1. Choose part shade to full shade — under trees or on the north side of your home.
2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the container, same depth.
3. Mix compost into native soil; plant so the crown sits at ground level.
4. Water thoroughly at planting; keep soil consistently moist through the first season.
5. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch, keeping it away from the crown.
6. Feed lightly in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.

Advanced

• Amend beds with leaf mold or composted fines to replicate woodland soil structure.
• In zones 7–8, prioritize dappled shade; protect from midday sun to prevent foliage scorch.
• Use drip irrigation to maintain even moisture without wetting foliage.
• Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring or fall to propagate and refresh plantings.
• For groundcover effect, space plants 24–30 inches on center — fills in within 2 seasons.

Pro Tips for Maximum Impact

• Mass plant in groups of 3, 6, or more under deciduous trees for a river-of-silver effect.
• Pair with blue-green or gold hostas and fine-textured ferns for a layered woodland composition.
• Apply winter mulch in zones 3–4 to protect crowns through freeze-thaw cycles.
• Remove spent flower stalks after bloom to redirect energy to foliage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it deer resistant?
Yes — a smart alternative to hostas in high-pressure deer areas.

Will it grow in full shade?
Yes. Thrives in part to full shade. In northern climates it tolerates gentle morning sun with consistent moisture.

How big does it get?
16–18 inches tall, 28–36 inches wide at maturity.

Is it good under trees?
Absolutely — bred for exactly this use. Plant in rings or drifts under deciduous trees.

What size am I getting?
A Premium 1 Gallon container-grown plant — landscape-ready with an established root system.

How does Fill My Box savings work?
Buy 2 and save 15%. Buy 4 and save 25%. Buy 6 and save 30%. Applied automatically at checkout.

What zones is it hardy in?
USDA zones 3–8.

How do I care for it in hot climates?
In zones 7–8, provide full shade, keep soil consistently moist, and mulch heavily to keep roots cool.

Does it come back every year?
Yes — a true perennial that returns reliably and expands slightly each season.

What plants pair well with it?
Hostas, ferns, heuchera, epimedium, and astilbe.

Note: The images and videos on our site are the best way to show off our products and show how good we are as growers. Depending on the season you buy, you may get a plant that is smaller or bigger than the picture shows. The plant might bloom like it does on our site, but it might not. We cut off the blooms most of the time because they don't ship well. When you buy our plants, think of them as an investment in your future garden, and enjoy the process of seeing it grow to its fullest.