Jack Frost
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'
In growth
In bloom
Planting Guide
| Spacing | 18-24 inches |
|---|---|
| Planting depth | Crown at soil level |
| Chilling hours | 0 |
| Life expectancy | 5-10 years |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Planted | 2024 |
| Bed | To Be Sorted |
Growing Conditions
| Sun | Partial Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Average |
| Soil type | Moist, well-drained, humus-rich loam |
| Soil pH | 6.0-7.0 |
| Zones | 3-8 |
| Native status | Non-native |
Appearance
| Type | Perennial |
|---|---|
| Leaf | Cordate (Heart-shaped) |
| Foliage colour | Silver, Green |
| Bloom | Blue |
| Fruit | Schizocarp (Nutlets) |
| Evergreen | Deciduous |
Root System
| System | Fibrous/Adventitious Systems |
|---|---|
| Morphology | Fine Roots (< 2 mm) |
| Function | Absorptive Roots (Lower Orders) |
| Propagation | Division, Root Cuttings |
Wildlife & Safety
| Attracts | Pollinators, Bees, Butterflies |
|---|---|
| Deer | Deer Resistant |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Edibility | Inedible |
| Companions | Hostas, Astilbe, Ferns |
Where it came from
| Grower | Terra Nova |
|---|---|
| Bought at | Kulak's Nursery |
Care
Thrives in moist, well-drained shade gardens. Avoid afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. Mulch to retain moisture in summer.
Maintenance
Low maintenance. Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor. Water during dry spells.
Cleanup
Do not cut the foliage down in late autumn. Leave the large, dead leaves intact over the winter to serve as a natural barrier that insulates the crown against Upstate NY frost-heaving and extreme temperature drops. In early spring, carefully slice away the black, collapsed dead foliage at ground level right before the new crown shoots and blue flower spikes push up.
Notes
Award-winning cultivar with heavily silver-frosted heart-shaped leaves with green veining. Produces sprays of tiny forget-me-not-like blue flowers in spring. Excellent groundcover for shade gardens. Perennial Plant of the Year 2012.