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Family: Bugloss
Type: Perennial
Other Common Name: Siberian Bugloss
Jack Frost Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’) is a stunning perennial known for its delicate sprays of blue flowers and heart-shaped leaves frosted in silver. This shade-loving plant adds a touch of brightness to any garden, thriving under tree canopies or in the shadow of structures. Its striking foliage makes it a fantastic ground cover, bringing light to darker areas of the garden.
Not only does Jack Frost Brunnera provide beautiful visuals, but it is also low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate urban pollution, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings. The plant’s resilience and tolerance for shade make it an excellent addition to the understory of a woodland garden or a shaded border.
The unique texture and coloration of its leaves, along with the charming blue flowers that appear in spring, create a captivating display. Jack Frost Brunnera’s ability to spread moderately forms a dense mat that can suppress weeds, reducing garden upkeep. It’s an ideal plant for adding interest and contrast to shaded garden areas throughout the growing season.
Hardiness Zone: 2b-8b
Pet Friendly: Yes
Moisture Preference: Moist
Sun Needs: Partial shade to shade
Growth Rate: Medium
Average Height (feet): 1.5
Average Spread (feet): 1.5
Average Life Span (years): 10
Form: Mounded
Flower Color: Blue
Flower Eye Color: Yellow
Bloom Season: From early to late spring
Foliage Color: Green
Foliage Shape: Heart
Incorporating Jack Frost Brunnera into your landscape design can transform shady spots into areas of beauty and interest. Its silver-variegated leaves reflect light, brightening up dark corners or underplantings beneath canopy trees. Planting it in mass provides a stunning, cohesive look that draws the eye.
Jack Frost Brunnera pairs wonderfully with other shade-tolerant plants. Combine it with ferns, hostas, and hellebores for a lush, texture-rich garden tapestry. The contrast of leaf shapes and colors will enhance the visual appeal of your shade garden.
Utilize Jack Frost Brunnera along shaded walkways or borders for a serene, inviting path. Its low-growing habit and dense foliage create a beautiful edge that defines garden spaces while blending seamlessly with the natural landscape.
Jack Frost Brunnera thrives in the dappled shade of woodland gardens, where its silver leaves can light up the understory. It complements the naturalistic setting, adding interest and brightness to the forest floor.
In a cottage garden, Jack Frost Brunnera's quaint blue flowers and textured foliage add a whimsical touch. It works well alongside other traditional cottage garden plants, offering variety in texture and color.
This plant is perfect for formal shade gardens, where its striking foliage can be used to create patterns or focal points. Jack Frost Brunnera's elegant appearance contributes to the structured beauty of formal garden designs.
Create a “moon garden” by planting Jack Frost Brunnera with other white and silver plants. Its reflective foliage will glow in the moonlight, creating a magical evening garden experience.
Design a low-maintenance shade garden by using Jack Frost Brunnera as a ground cover. It suppresses weeds and provides consistent color and texture throughout the season, reducing the need for annual plantings.
Incorporate Jack Frost Brunnera into container gardens for shaded patios or balconies. Its striking foliage adds visual interest to arrangements and thrives even in limited light conditions.
In spring, Jack Frost Brunnera bursts into bloom with sky-blue flowers, while its frosted leaves provide a beautiful backdrop. This season highlights the plant's dual charm of floral and foliage beauty.
During summer, the plant continues to flourish, with its silvered leaves maintaining their vibrancy. Jack Frost Brunnera offers a cool visual respite in the garden's shaded nooks, even as temperatures rise.
In fall, Jack Frost Brunnera's foliage remains attractive, even as the garden begins to wind down. The plant's resilience is evident as it continues to provide ground cover and interest until the first frost.
While Jack Frost Brunnera is dormant in winter, its presence is still felt in the landscape. The space it occupies in the garden awaits the return of its silver leaves and blue flowers with the warmth of spring.
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Jack Frost Brunnera excels in shaded to partially shaded areas of the garden. It’s ideal under the canopy of trees or in the shadow of buildings where it can be protected from the harsh afternoon sun.
This plant thrives in partial to full shade. While it can tolerate some morning sun, too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, diminishing its vibrant foliage color.
Jack Frost Brunnera prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil. Amending the planting area with compost or organic matter can help improve soil conditions and support healthy growth.
Plant Jack Frost Brunnera about 12 to 15 inches apart. This spacing allows each plant enough room to grow and spread, creating a dense mat of foliage over time.
The best time to plant Jack Frost Brunnera is in the spring or fall. Cooler temperatures and more consistent moisture levels help the plants establish without the stress of extreme heat.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole, water thoroughly, and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture.
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially in the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, Jack Frost Brunnera is somewhat drought tolerant but performs best with regular watering.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage lush foliage growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can compromise the plant’s health and leaf coloration.
Pruning is minimal with Jack Frost Brunnera. Remove any damaged or withered leaves throughout the season to keep the plant looking its best. After flowering, cut back spent flower stalks to encourage a tidy appearance.
Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. This is also a good time to fertilize to give the plants a boost as they enter their growing season.
Ensure adequate moisture during hot, dry periods. Jack Frost Brunnera may require additional watering to maintain its vibrant foliage in the heat of summer.
Clean up any fallen leaves to reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Fall is also an excellent time to divide mature plants if necessary.
Jack Frost Brunnera is hardy and requires little winter care. In colder climates, a layer of mulch can provide extra protection against freezing temperatures.
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Hosta 'Patriot'
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Leaf scorch can occur due to too much sun or insufficient moisture. Ensure your plant is located in a shaded area and keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
Yes, Jack Frost Brunnera can be divided in the fall or early spring every 3-4 years to rejuvenate older plants and propagate new ones. Dividing helps maintain the plant’s vigor and allows you to spread its beauty to other parts of your garden.
Jack Frost Brunnera is generally considered deer resistant. While no plant is completely deer-proof, its foliage is not a preferred food source, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer pressure.
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