Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ – Silver Leaves with Spring Charm

The Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ is one of the most striking foliage perennials, admired for its heart-shaped leaves that shimmer with silver and are veined in deep green. This clump-forming perennial is as beautiful as it is reliable, adding elegance and light to shady corners of the garden. In spring, it produces sprays of delicate, forget-me-not–like blue flowers that rise gracefully above the foliage, adding both colour and charm.

Perfect for shady borders, woodland gardens, or as groundcover under trees, ‘Jack Frost’ combines ornamental leaves with a seasonal floral display. Hardy and easy to grow, it’s a long-lasting perennial that offers beauty from spring through to autumn.

General Information

Brunnera macrophylla, also known as Siberian Bugloss, is native to woodland habitats of Eastern Europe. The cultivar ‘Jack Frost’ is one of the best modern selections, prized for its decorative foliage and versatility.

• Habit: Clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with bold foliage.

• Height & spread: Typically grows 30–45cm tall and 45–60cm wide.

• Foliage: Large, heart-shaped silver leaves with prominent dark green veins; long-lasting and highly ornamental.

• Flowers: Small, sky-blue blooms similar to forget-me-nots.

• Flowering season: April–May, with occasional reblooming later.

• Position: Best in partial to full shade; ideal under trees or in woodland-style planting.

• Soil: Fertile, moist but well-drained soil; thrives in humus-rich conditions.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland, tolerating frost and cold winters.

• Uses: Excellent for shady borders, groundcover, edging paths, or in containers for foliage interest.

Its unique silver foliage ensures it stands out in mixed borders and pairs beautifully with other shade lovers such as hostas, ferns, and hellebores.

Care Guide

Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ is straightforward to grow, needing only basic care to thrive for many years.

Planting

• When to plant: Best in spring or autumn when soil is moist and workable.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot, spacing 45cm apart to allow for clump expansion.

• Preparation: Improve soil with compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting.

Watering & Feeding

• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry summer spells.

• Water deeply but infrequently, avoiding waterlogging.

• Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to promote healthy foliage and flowers.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Deadhead flower stalks after blooming to encourage more flowers and tidy the plant.

• Cut back old foliage in late autumn or early spring before new leaves emerge.

• Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring if plants become congested or to propagate.

• Mulch annually with compost or leaf mould to conserve moisture and enrich soil.

Protection

• Fully hardy, requiring no winter protection.

• Generally pest- and disease-free, though slugs and snails may nibble young leaves.

• Thrives best in sheltered, shaded spots protected from strong afternoon sun.

Why Choose Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’?

This award-winning perennial is one of the best for foliage and spring flowers in shady gardens.

• Stunning foliage: Large silver leaves with deep green veining add texture and light.

• Spring flowers: Sky-blue blooms resemble forget-me-nots.

• Shade-loving: Perfect for brightening darker garden areas.

• Low-maintenance: Hardy, reliable, and long-lived.

• Versatile use: Works in borders, groundcover, containers, or woodland gardens.

The Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ is a truly standout perennial, combining bold ornamental foliage with delicate spring flowers. Whether used as a groundcover, edging plant, or feature in shaded borders, it will bring dependable charm and elegance to your garden year after year.

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.
 

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