Brunnera 'Jack of Diamonds'

Brunnera 'Jack of Diamonds': Giant Silver Leaves That Own the Shade

Huge heart-shaped leaves dressed in silver with dark green veining, like a card dealer who moonlights as a jeweller. 'Jack of Diamonds' is the shade garden's high roller. THE HOUSE ALWAYS WINS.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack of Diamonds'
• Common Name: Siberian Bugloss, Heartleaf Brunnera
• Series: A Proven Winners® perennial
• Height: 36–41 cm (14–16 in)
• Spread: 71–81 cm (28–32 in)
• Flowers: Tiny baby-blue, forget-me-not-like flowers in airy sprays
• Bloom Time: Spring (April to May)
• Foliage: Huge heart-shaped leaves, 23–25 cm (9–10 in), silver with wide dark green veining
• Features: Proven Winners® 2025 Perennial of the Year
• Plant Patent: USPP 32,752 / Can 7,065

Where to Plant: Give it room, since one plant fills a wide space. Use it as a focal point in a shade bed, a bold edge along a woodland path or a big-leaved groundcover under trees. It's a good fix for a large, shady spot where lawn has given up.

Companion Plants: Pulmonaria 'Shrimps on the Barbie' opens coral flowers in April and May, a warm contrast to the blue. Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' adds bold, cupped leaves and white flowers in June and July. Behind them, Ligularia 'Britt-Marie Crawford' brings orange daisies in August and September. Three leaf shapes and three seasons of bloom make this a strong shade combination.

Plant Care: Plant in part to full shade, in moist, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Morning sun is fine; avoid hot afternoon sun, which scorches the leaves. Water consistently, especially through the first season and in dry stretches, and mulch to keep the roots cool. Cut flower stems after bloom to keep it neat. Trim any tattered leaves in summer. Leave the foliage over winter and tidy up in spring as new leaves appear. Divide in spring if it gets crowded. It's a patented plant, so propagation for sale isn't allowed.

History: 'Jack of Diamonds' was bred by Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan, from a 2015 cross between 'Caucasian Carpet' and 'Jack Frost', and was chosen for its much larger leaves. Proven Winners named it their Perennial of the Year for 2025.

Final Thoughts: Low maintenance, deer resistant and loved by bees. Put your chips on the shady side of the house. HIT THE JACKPOT.