Thank you so much for this website. I often have questions so appreciate this. I have several very large brunnera plants with long stems of bluish flowers. Should any of this be cut back at any point?
You can deadhead to prevent reseeding. If the foliage looks scraggly it can be cut to the ground to encourage new growth.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/brunnera/growing-brunnera-plants.htm
http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scenefe65.html#growinginfo
Pruning advise for Brunnera plant.
Yes, you can do so, now. Generally, they don't do well in the heat of your zone (zone 9) but can be grown in shade. Providing adequate protection from the sun will help them to look their best.
Here is an article that will help you with their care:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/brunnera/growing-brunnera-plants.htm
Bulb size 1 , what is that measurement equal? Alexander’s Great Brunnera, New to this species of “bare root” What should an acceptable size of Alexander’s Great Brunnera be? Is 1.5 inch twig no root thinner than a pencil considered a size 1 ? or was I ripped off? May be Holland bulbs standard for bare root is different than American standard of other bare roots I have purchased. Spent $15.96 and feel ripped off, is this a typical bare root specimen?
This seems typical. Some places will be a little more generous, but this is typical. Keep in mind thestate of the world economy, at the moment. Pay attention to where you purchase, and the currency exchange rate. As US currency devalues, and many countries halt the use of the USD, as is happnening now, you may notice that exchange rates for certain areas are highly inflated.
Unfortunately, I have very little advice for that one.
However, once you get this one started, you can divide your own out, each year!
I know it may not be any consolation, but I feel slighted just about any time I purchase a plant, knowing how easy some of them are to produce. It can become worth it, once you have several replicated from your original.
Here is an article to help you to care for your new plant:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/brunnera/growing-brunnera-plants.htm
Landscape garden near woods with frequent deer and chipmunk visitors. Tried repellents and DIY suggestions. No help. Read about Brunerra. Seems ok. Part shade. Amended soil
Brunerra is certainly a great plant for shady or woodland areas, but I'm not finding it on any lists for deer resistant plants. If you are just trying to find something they won't eat, there are lots of fuzzy-leafed, prickly and toxic plants that they don't like.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/deer/deer-proof-shade-flowers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/brunnera/growing-brunnera-plants.htm
http://warren.cce.cornell.edu/gardening-landscape/deer-resistant-plants
https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2019/05/can-you-recommend-some-deer-resistant-shade-perennials
I have three reasonably well established Giant Viper Bugloss - echium pinnana They have all developed black blemishes, with a white outer, on their leaves All three are in large tubs and potted with a generic soil, mixed with some sharp sand Can anyone advise on this?
This appears bacterial! I would apply the fungicide of your choice, and be sure that the soil has a chance to dry out down to about halfway into the pot between waterings.
For now, do not cut the infected leaves. Since it does not have many, I would only cut them once they die, completely.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/vipers-bugloss/growing-vipers-bugloss.htm