Perennials & Grasses
Jack Frost brunnera
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'
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Brunnera 'Jack Frost' forms a mound of heart-shaped silver leaves traced with green veins and edges, with small pale blue flowers in spring. In a shaded Southwest Washington bed, its foliage provides interest after bloom; it also suits a container kept out of hot afternoon sun. Expect foliage about 12 to 15 inches tall, with flower stems sometimes taller. An established clump may reach about 2½ feet across by ten years, so leave room at planting. Give it partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil, and check moisture during dry spells. This deciduous perennial dies back for winter.
Ask about this plantAt a glance
- Mature height
- About 12–15 inches in foliage; flower stems may be taller
- Mature spread
- About 2½ feet for a developed clump
- Light
- Partial to full shade
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 3–8
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Its silver, green-veined leaves give shaded beds foliage interest after the spring flowers fade. It can also grow in a container with suitable shade and moisture.
Where to plant
Choose a cool spot in partial to full shade, away from hot afternoon sun. Leave room for the mound to broaden as it matures.
Through the seasons
Small pale blue flowers appear in spring above the silver foliage. The herbaceous plant dies back in winter.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
This cultivar is suited to shaded maritime Northwest gardens where soil stays moist and drains well. Flowering was observed from late March through May in a Seattle garden; timing will vary.
Soil, drainage & water
Provide moist, well-drained soil. During dry weather, check the soil and water when it begins to dry.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Check soil moisture during dry spells and water when it dries. Protect the plant from hot afternoon sun.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Slug or snail damage
Leaves show chewing damage.
Help your plant thrive
Check leaves for slugs or snails and remove them when damage appears.
Root or crown rot
The plant declines where winter soil stays wet.
Help your plant thrive
Plant in well-drained soil and avoid sites that stay wet through winter.
A little more inspiration
Keep exploring.
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CC BY-SA 2.0 · Web-optimized
CC BY-SA 2.0 · Web-optimized
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Polystichum munitum
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Explore this plantGoodwin Creek lavender
Lavandula heterophylla 'Goodwin Creek'
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Explore this plantGood gardens start with a conversation
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