BRUNNERA M. JACK FROST

Description and Characteristics

Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost', commonly known as Siberian Bugloss, is an award-winning shade perennial prized for its striking silver foliage and delicate blue spring flowers. Its heart-shaped leaves are elegantly overlaid with a shimmering silver sheen and finely etched green veins, offering long-lasting foliage interest in shady parts of the garden.

In early to mid-spring, ‘Jack Frost’ produces masses of small, bright blue forget-me-not-like flowers that float gracefully above the foliage, adding a soft and charming accent to woodland-style plantings. Even after blooming, the plant remains attractive due to its decorative leaves, making it a valuable multi-season feature in shaded beds and borders.

Growing to about 30–45 cm tall and spreading up to 60 cm, 'Jack Frost' forms a compact, dense clump that is ideal for ground cover, underplanting, and mixed shade borders.

• Heart-shaped, silver leaves with green veining

• Bright blue spring flowers (March–May)

• Height: 30–45 cm; Spread: 45–60 cm

• Outstanding foliage plant for shade or part shade

• RHS Award of Garden Merit winner

• Perfect for woodland gardens, borders, and containers

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Brunnera 'Jack Frost' is a low-maintenance, hardy perennial that performs best in cool, moist, shady conditions. It’s ideal for woodland gardens or shady spots where colour and texture are needed through the seasons.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers partial to full shade

  • Tolerates morning sun if soil remains consistently moist

  • Avoid hot, dry, or exposed positions

• Soil Preferences:

  • Requires moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

  • Grows best in loamy or clay soils enriched with compost or leaf mould

  • Ideal soil pH: neutral to slightly acidic

• Watering Needs:

  • Keep soil evenly moist, especially in warmer months

  • Mulch in spring to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds

  • Water during dry spells to prevent leaf scorching

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring

  • Topdress with compost or well-rotted manure annually

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Deadhead flowers after blooming to maintain neatness

  • Remove tired or scorched leaves in midsummer to encourage fresh growth

  • Clean up dead foliage in late winter or early spring

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 3–8 (RHS H7)

  • Foliage may die back in winter but returns in spring

  • Mulch to protect the crown in colder areas

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Value

Brunnera 'Jack Frost' is a standout shade plant that combines long-lasting foliage interest with early-season pollinator support. It works beautifully in naturalistic, woodland, and cottage garden settings.

• Design Applications:

  • Excellent for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and groundcover

  • Ideal for underplanting trees, shrubs, or along north-facing walls

  • Lovely in shady containers and combined with spring bulbs

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with Hosta, Ferns, Pulmonaria, Astilbe, Heuchera, and Tiarella

  • Complements spring bulbs like Narcissus, Scilla, or Erythronium

  • Adds texture contrast to broad-leaved evergreens and fine-textured perennials

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Spring flowers are rich in nectar for bees and early butterflies

  • A good early-season resource for pollinators in shaded areas

  • Adds ecological value to wildlife-friendly and biodiversity gardens

• Container Use:

  • Performs well in shaded pots and troughs

  • Use peat-free, moisture-retentive compost with added organic matter

  • Combine with compact shade plants for a multi-texture display

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • May be affected by slugs or snails on tender young growth—use barriers or traps if needed

  • Avoid crown rot by ensuring good drainage and airflow

• Size
  3 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.