Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'® – Planting & Care Guide

About Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'®

Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'®, commonly known as Siberian Bugloss, is an award-winning herbaceous perennial celebrated for its spectacular silvery-white, heart-shaped leaves highlighted by prominent green veins. The striking foliage provides long-lasting interest from spring until autumn and is particularly effective for brightening shaded areas of the garden.

In mid to late spring, airy sprays of small, sky-blue, forget-me-not-like flowers rise above the foliage, attracting bees and other pollinating insects. Growing to approximately 30–45cm tall (up to 45–50cm in flower) with a spread of 45–60cm, 'Jack Frost'® forms neat clumps that gradually expand over time.

Recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), it is one of the finest foliage perennials for Irish and UK gardens.

Planting Guide

• Plant in partial shade or full shade.
• Prefers fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil.
• Suitable for loam, clay and sandy soils enriched with organic matter.
• Avoid hot, dry positions in full afternoon sun.
• Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
• Position the crown level with the surrounding soil.
• Backfill with compost-enriched soil, firm gently and water thoroughly.
• Apply a generous organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Space plants approximately 45–60cm apart.

Care & Maintenance

Brunnera 'Jack Frost'® is a dependable, low-maintenance perennial.

• Water regularly during the first growing season.
• Keep soil evenly moist during prolonged dry spells.
• Feed each spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
• Apply fresh mulch annually to improve soil moisture and fertility.
• Remove weeds from around the base of the plant.
• Water container-grown plants more frequently in warm weather.
• Avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely.

Pruning

Minimal pruning is required.

• Remove faded flower stems after flowering if desired.
• Cut away damaged or scorched leaves throughout the season.
• Remove old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
• Divide mature clumps every 4–5 years in spring or autumn to maintain vigour.
• Use clean, sharp secateurs when removing foliage.

Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'®
• Common Name: Siberian Bugloss
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature Height: 30–45cm (up to 50cm in flower)
• Spread: 45–60cm
• Flower Colour: Sky blue
• Flowering Period: April to May
• Foliage: Silvery-white with pronounced green veining
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout Ireland and the UK

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Brunnera 'Jack Frost'® is ideal for adding light and texture to shaded areas.

• Woodland gardens
• Shaded borders
• Underplanting trees and shrubs
• Ground cover
• Cottage gardens
• Patio containers
• Courtyard gardens
• Mixed perennial borders
• Japanese-style gardens
• Pollinator-friendly gardens

It combines beautifully with Hostas, Ferns, Heucheras, Hellebores, Tiarella, Carex, Pulmonaria and spring-flowering bulbs.

Seasonal Interest

• Fresh silver foliage emerges in early spring.
• Delicate sky-blue flowers bloom in mid to late spring.
• Bold variegated foliage provides colour and texture throughout summer.
• Attractive foliage brightens shaded borders until autumn.
• Mature clumps provide excellent ground cover beneath trees and shrubs.

Common Problems

Brunnera 'Jack Frost'® is generally healthy and reliable.

• Leaf scorch may occur in hot, dry conditions or excessive direct sun.
• Slugs and snails may occasionally feed on young leaves.
• Root rot can develop in poorly drained or waterlogged soils.
• Powdery mildew may occasionally occur in dry conditions with poor air circulation.
• Planting in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil and providing afternoon shade will help maintain healthy foliage and vigorous growth.

With its shimmering silver foliage, charming blue spring flowers and exceptional shade tolerance, Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'® is one of the finest foliage perennials for Irish gardens. Perfect for woodland planting, shaded borders and containers, it provides season-long colour, attracts pollinators and requires very little maintenance

• Size
  2L

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

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

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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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