Yes, brunnera come back every year in the right growing zones with no fuss. This tough perennial dies back in the fall and comes up fresh each spring. You can count on the same clump for ten years or more if you treat it well in its spot.
Brunnera perennial plants are true workhorses in shade beds across most of the country. In my experience, my first brunnera came back for six years in a row in zone 5. I found that the clump grows bigger and prettier each spring with no bad years. My friends in colder zones have had even longer success stories with these plants.
As an herbaceous perennial, brunnera dies back to the ground each fall when cold sets in. The leaves wilt and turn brown after the first hard frost. All the plant life pulls back down into the roots for safe keeping. The roots stay alive and store food for the next spring.
Brunnera winter dormancy is a normal part of the plant's life cycle. The plant needs this cold rest each year to bloom well the next spring. New leaves push up from the rhizomes once the soil warms to about 45°F (7°C). You will see those first leaves in late March or April in most zones.
The exact timing of spring growth varies by your zone and the weather. Warm springs bring brunnera out a bit early. Cold springs hold it back a few weeks. The flowers come on tall stems soon after the leaves push up from the ground. Bright blue blooms last for about four weeks each year.
Brunnera hardy traits make it a safe bet in USDA zones 3a through 8b per the NC State Extension. That covers most of the country from the cold north to the warm south. The plant can take winter lows of minus 40°F (minus 40°C) in the right setting. Few perennials handle such a wide range of climates with no fuss.
Plants in the warmer end of the range need more shade and steady moisture to thrive. In zone 8, give them deep shade and rich soil that holds water well. Plants in zone 3 need a snow cover or thick mulch to make it through harsh winters in good shape.
To make sure your brunnera comes back strong each year, avoid digging near the roots in fall. The roots need time to settle before the cold sets in for good. Do not cut back the foliage too soon in the fall. The old leaves act as natural mulch that protects the crown all winter.
Leave the foliage in place until you see new growth in spring. Then clean up the dead leaves before they smother the new shoots. Water during dry spells in the fall if your area gets a long dry stretch. Well watered plants going into winter will come back stronger and faster the next spring.
I learned that a two inch (5 centimeter) mulch layer in late fall works wonders for these plants. The mulch keeps the soil warm and steady through freeze and thaw cycles. I always tell new gardeners to mulch their brunnera in November for the best results.
When I first started growing brunnera, I worried each spring about losing plants. Now I trust them to come back without fail. With this small bit of care, your brunnera will come back year after year for decades to come. Few plants give you so much beauty for so little work each season.
Read the full article: Brunnera Plant Growing and Care Guide
