Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' is an award winning cultivar known for its dramatic silver frosted leaves etched with green veins. Its foliage remains attractive through the growing season brightening shaded garden areas with its reflective surface and bold texture. In spring, it sends up sky blue flower sprays that hover above the foliage and draw the eye from a distance.
Height & Spread: 12 - 18 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, humus rich soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; consistent moisture preferred
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Brunnera macrophylla, a species native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is not native to North America but has become a staple in ornamental shade plantings.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Visited by early butterflies such as Spring Azure and Red Admiral drawn to its nectar rich spring blooms.
Bees
- Supports early season pollinators including solitary ground nesting bees and honeybees.
Moths
- Provides a nectar source for night flying moths such as Plume Moths and Common Emerald Moth.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 18 - 24 in apart for a full clump and to showcase the intricate leaf patterning without crowding.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent as a focal point in shade borders, under deciduous trees, or in mixed perennial beds with dark leaf contrasts and spring bloomers.
Companion Plants
- Ferns (Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum') - Lacy texture contrasts with Brunnera’s bold leaves in shaded woodland beds.
- Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose) - Evergreen interest and winter to spring blooms add texture and depth to the same conditions.
- Lamium maculatum 'Purple Dragon' - Matches the silver tones and adds vibrant flower color in early shade gardens.
- Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) - Low growing blooms and foliage fill in around Brunnera without overwhelming it.
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Hosta 'Halcyon' - The cool blue foliage of Hosta complements the frosty patterning of 'Jack Frost'.