Brunnera 'Jack of Diamonds'

Brunnera 'Jack of Diamonds': Oversized Elegance in the Shade

Broad, luminous, and architectural, Brunnera 'Jack of Diamonds' lives up to its name with enormous overlapping leaves that create a bold presence in the shade garden. Each heart-shaped leaf—up to 30 cm across—features a frosty silver centre edged in a deep green margin, producing a dramatic quilted effect. In spring, dainty sprays of sky-blue flowers emerge just above the foliage, offering a soft contrast to the plant’s bold structure. It brings refinement, resilience, and visual lift to shaded borders and woodland plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 35–40 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm
• Flower Colour: Sky blue
• Flowering Period: April to May
• Foliage: Large silver leaves with deep green margins
• Sunlight Requirements: Partial to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, rich in organic matter

Uses and Benefits: 'Jack of Diamonds' excels as a foliage focal point in shady beds, along woodland paths, or as a foundation plant beneath deciduous trees. It offers dependable structure and contrast alongside finer-textured shade plants. This deer-resistant perennial also attracts early pollinators with its spring bloom, adding ecological as well as aesthetic value.

Companion Plants: Pair Brunnera 'Jack of Diamonds' with Dryopteris 'Brilliance', Helleborus 'Spanish Flare', and Asarum europaeum for a rich tapestry of foliage shapes, tones, and seasonal bloom in dappled shade.

Care Instructions: Plant in evenly moist, rich soil with good drainage. Water during dry periods, particularly in summer. Trim back old foliage in early spring to make room for new growth. It forms tidy clumps that can be divided every few years if needed.

History: Developed by Walters Gardens in Michigan, 'Jack of Diamonds' was bred to improve on size, structure, and garden presence—offering a bolder form of Brunnera macrophylla with the same dependable shade tolerance and spring charm.

Final Thoughts: With oversized leaves and luminous texture, Brunnera 'Jack of Diamonds' brings drama and dignity to the shade—an anchor plant that’s both low-maintenance and high impact.