Brunnera 'Jack Frost'

Brunnera 'Jack Frost': Frost-Painted Hearts for Dim Corners

Jack Frost was supposed to nip at your nose. Instead he moved into your shade garden and silvered every leaf he could find. Tiny baby-blue flowers float above like he brought snacks. COLD NAME, WARM WELCOME.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'
• Common Name: Siberian Bugloss, Heartleaf Brunnera
• Series: A Proven Winners® perennial
• Height: 30–38 cm (12–15 in)
• Spread: 30–38 cm (12–15 in)
• Flowers: Tiny baby-blue, forget-me-not-like flowers in airy sprays
• Bloom Time: Mid to late spring (April to May)
• Foliage: Heart-shaped leaves with a heavy silver overlay and green veining
• Features: 2012 Perennial Plant of the Year®

Where to Plant: It's a natural for shade borders, woodland gardens and the edges of shady paths, and it works as a filler in shady containers. Plant it in groups for a silver groundcover that lights up dim spots, especially on the north side of the house.

Companion Plants: Build a shady woodland bed around 'Jack Frost', with plants that share its love of moist, rich soil. Trillium grandiflorum opens large white flowers at 30 to 45 cm in April and May, right beside the brunnera's blue sprays. Hosta 'Get Nekkid' adds a mound of foliage at 30 cm with spidery lavender flowers in July and August. Athyrium 'Ghost' brings silvery fern fronds at 60 cm, a match for the frosted leaves. Hakonechloa 'All Gold' edges the bed at 23 to 36 cm with bright gold blades that light up the shade.

Plant Care: Plant in part to full shade, in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Morning sun is fine if the soil stays moist; hot afternoon sun or dry soil will brown the leaf edges. Water regularly, especially the first year and in dry spells. A layer of mulch keeps the roots cool. Cut off flower stems after blooming for a tidier mound. Trim damaged leaves as needed. Leave the foliage over winter and clean it up in spring as new leaves emerge. Divide in spring when clumps get crowded.

History: 'Jack Frost' was discovered at Walters Gardens in Michigan as a natural sport of the older cultivar 'Langtrees' and was introduced in 2000. In 2012 the Perennial Plant Association named it Perennial Plant of the Year®.

Final Thoughts: Deer resistant, bee friendly and bright enough to spot from the kitchen window. LET JACK STAY.