Brunnera vs forget-me-not
Brunnera is sold as false forget-me-not, because its sprays of tiny sky-blue flowers in spring are almost the same. The difference is the plant underneath. Forget-me-not is short-lived, seeds itself everywhere and has escaped into moist woods and stream banks. Siberian bugloss (Brunnera) is a long-lived perennial with big, heart-shaped leaves that make a solid clump in shade all summer, and it mostly stays where it is planted.
 Siberian buglossBrunnera macrophylla |  Forget-me-notMyosotis sylvatica | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 16 in tall, 24 in wide | 8 in tall, 8 in wide |
| Plant | 18 in apart | 8 in apart |
| Zones | 3 to 8 | 3 to 8 |
| Light | Part shade to shade | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil | Evenly moist, rich fertility | Evenly moist, average fertility |
| Flowers | Late April to late May; blue | Mid April to late May; blue, pink, white |
| Leaves | Bold, herbaceous | Medium, semi-evergreen |
| Job in a bed | Edging | Carpet |
| Pets | No toxicity recorded | No toxicity recorded |
| Deer | Resistant | Resistant |
| Native | No | No |
| Spread | Low risk | Invasive in places |
Rows where they differ are marked. Flowering times are for zone 5.
Which to choose
- Choose Siberian bugloss for more shade, a plant that stays put (the other is invasive in places) and more height (16 in against 8 in).
- Choose forget-me-not for a smaller space (8 in against 16 in).
Read more: all about Siberian bugloss, and all about forget-me-not, each with a bed the planner designed around it.