Brunnera Macrophylia dawsons white
Brunnera Macrophylia dawsons white in our garden
The Brunnera Macrophylia dawsons white is a welcome sight in our Spring garden, complementing the Daffs, primroses and other early bloomers.
I have become very used to those Brunnera with heavy veined leaves such as Jack frost which I am very fond of. However, I am extremely pleased to have come across Dawsons white three of which I have planted in our courtyard border.
The leaves of Dawson’s white started to appear in early March followed with the light blue forget me not flowers by the end of the month.
Plant description
Brunnera Macrophylia dawsons white is a spring flowering hardy perennial.
Flowers and leaves
The mid green heart shaped leaves are about 17cm wide, deeply edged creamy white. Leaves generally start to show in late February, early March. In Summer the plant appearance is not unlike a Hosta.
The small pale blue flowers in Spring are identical to those of forget-me-nots.
Height
H 30cm/ W 30cm
Hardiness
Fully hardy in UK
Planting position
Plant gets scorched and unsightly in sunshine, North or North East position is best.
Soil
Generally grows in all soil types.
Propagating
When plant becomes too big for situation, simply lift and divide in Autumn.
Mail order
The picture below was taken last Summer.
A look at whats in the garden late March early April
Prunus Accolade
The front garden, March 31st. Prunus Accolade makes people stop and consider if they should plant a tree in the rather harsh landscape of our small housing development.
The patio looking colourful on a sunny morning.
Ha ha, this old timer is finally getting around to growing edibles, yes that’s tatties in bags, I have three of them. Also, strawberries, lettuce, apples, plums and cherries, well I don’t know if I will survive long enough to see the cherries.
Skimmia japonica temptation
Skimmia japonica temptation. This is its fourth year sitting in this position by the back door. Last year as the berries were just developing they all started to fall off. Not sure if I over fed, under or over watered. Hoping the same thing doesn’t happen this year.
Camellia Debbie
Primrose Bellerina
Primrose Bellerina, very interesting, I will feature this one soon.
Ribes White Icicle
An old favourite which we also grew in our Aberdeen garden
Camellia Anticipation
Camellia anticipation is very early to bloom, here is what I had to say about it last year.
At this terrible time whilst the people throughout the world are facing so much hurt and suffering I was reluctant to add this trivia. What can I say other than to anyone who comes here by choice or by accident, keep safe and well.
© 2020, Alistair. All rights reserved.
Lovely photos Alistair! It’s wonderful to see you plants especially at the moment whilst we are all in lockdown. Thank you for lifting our spirits. I love the primrose Bellerina, it’s so beautiful. As for your skimmia, I have them and they give me a good show. I never water them and we are pretty dry here in Bedfordshire, so I would suggest that you don’t water them too much. If they need watering, they will let you know by drooping.
Thanks for your info on Skimmia Ellen.
Dear Alistair,
your plants are beautiful as always. I see you care them very much, they are healthy and pretty. I liked your front garden, this prunus is a magic one. I also love Camellia and Primrose, I’d like to have such wonderful plants in my garden as well.
Stay healthy!
Thank you Nadezda, you are very generous, I have seen plants in your garden as beautiful.
Alistair ,your plants are just amazing,I absolutely love camellias. I was given one on my birthday in 2015 and it has never flowered.its in the ground,doubled in height if not more.it gets buds but they never open.im thinking of moving it. Is in shade but there’s a huge mahonia tree next to it.I am in Elgin so it’s not as chilly as Aberdeen where I used to live too.
Hello Anne, We moved to Fife a few years ago and although it doesnt feel warmer than Aberdeen to me, especially in Summer, the Winter isnt as harsh. In Aberdeen only one form of Camellia thrived and that was Williamsii Donation, renowned for growing in colder areas. Here in Fife they all seem to thrive.
First your camellia should be in a semi shaded position, even in Elgin Williamii forms are best. In Spring after flowers have gone over or in your case early May, start watering regularly even when other plants don’t require it. Also you can give a liquid feed in early May then again in early June, no more feeding after that. Feed with an ericaceous liquid feed. Like Rhododendrons, Camellias prefer acid soil. If this fails, enjoy the leaves.
Thank you – our gardens are three quarters of what keeps us sane. Our lockdown forbids leaving home except for essential food or medicine (or frontline staff)
We must replace going for a walk / hike with garden laps.
Thank you, Diana, my blogging is becoming as solitary as my gardening.
I’m glad you are posting about your plants, Alistair. And I’m glad you are well. Both are important. I’m glad you are growing edibles now too. They can be very satisfying.
Lucy, I can hardly stop thinking about other edibles I can find room for.
Oh, wow, I am looking forward to reading about primrose ballerina! I have been toying with the idea of planting Brunnera. I think our summers may be tough on it, but It is so very lovely. I am very tempted!
Brunnera really would require full shade where you are Debs.