How to Grow Jack Frost Brunnera
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Jack Frost Brunnera
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'
flowerJack Frost Brunnera is a striking shade-loving perennial with heart-shaped leaves heavily silvered with white markings, creating a frosted appearance. It produces delicate blue forget-me-not-like flowers in spring on tall stems above the decorative foliage. This cultivar combines shade tolerance with exceptional ornamental foliage, making it ideal for woodland gardens and shaded borders.
When should you plant Jack Frost Brunnera in your zone?
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Example Jack Frost Brunnera timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Jack Frost Brunnera
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Jack Frost Brunnera blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8; best performance in zones 4-7
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Get my Jack Frost Brunnera timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-8 weeksSmall transplant with emerging heart-shaped leaves showing silvering; root system developing
Keep soil consistently moist. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base. Avoid direct sun. Monitor for transplant shock.
Foliage Development
Spring through early summer (3-4 months)Leaves expand significantly, silvering becomes more pronounced and creates the frosted appearance
Maintain even moisture. Bright shade brings out best silver coloring. Remove any all-green or all-brown leaves that may revert.
Flowering
3-4 weeks in springDelicate sprays of small blue forget-me-not-like flowers appear above the silvered foliage on thin stems
Flowers appear in late spring (April-May). Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming and maintain neat appearance, or leave for self-seeding.
Summer Growth
June through August (3 months)Foliage remains lush and heavily silvered; new leaves continue to develop, creating a full mound
Maintain consistent moisture in hot, dry periods. Ensure shade protection in hot climates. Cut back any damaged foliage.
Dormancy
November through March (4-5 months)Foliage yellows and dies back in fall; plant goes dormant underground
Allow foliage to die back naturally in late fall. Cut back to soil level in late fall or early spring. Apply fresh mulch. Plants re-emerge in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick; use beer traps or copper barriers. Encourage predators like ground beetles. Keep area tidy to reduce hiding spots.
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Ensure good air circulation. Water at base, not overhead. Apply sulfur spray or neem oil if needed. Reduce humidity in shade areas.
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Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if severe.
Uses
Shade Garden Focal Point
OrnamentalThe heavily silvered foliage of Jack Frost acts as a luminous accent in dark shade, brightening shaded areas and providing visual contrast with darker-leaved plants. The delicate blue flowers add spring interest. [source]
Cut Flowers and Floral Arrangements
HouseholdThe delicate blue forget-me-not-like flower sprays are excellent in spring bouquets and bring an airy, cottage-garden feel to cut flower arrangements. The attractive foliage can also be used in floral designs. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeBrunnera flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators seeking early spring nectar and pollen. The plant supports beneficial insects and contributes to pollinator habitat. [source]
Dried Flowers and Crafts
CraftFlower stems can be air-dried for dried flower arrangements and crafts. The delicate form of the flowers preserves reasonably well when dried. [source]
Harvest Tips
Brunnera is grown for ornamental foliage and flowers, not harvested for yield. Cut flower stems for fresh arrangements in spring. Foliage can be used in floral designs. Deadhead flowers if you prefer a neater appearance, or allow to set seed for natural propagation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'Jack Frost' cultivar was named for its distinctive frosted appearance, with silver variegation covering up to 70% of the leaf surface, making it one of the most heavily marked Brunnera varieties available.
- 🌱 Brunnera is often called 'Siberian bugloss' because it is native to Siberia and the Caucasus region; it is unrelated to true bugloss despite the common name.
- 🌱 Unlike many variegated plants, Jack Frost actually performs better in shade than sun—the silver markings can fade in full sun, and the plant may become stressed by too much direct light.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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