Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’: A Shimmering Perennial for Shady Gardens

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’, commonly known as Siberian bugloss, False Forget-Me-Not, or Heartleaf Brunnera, is a stunning perennial that brings a touch of frosty elegance to any garden. Known for its eye-catching, silvery foliage and delicate spring flowers, ‘Jack Frost’ is a must-have for shaded garden areas. This article delves into the background, plant family, detailed description, care instructions, and propagation methods for this beautiful cultivar.

Brunnera macrophylla, native to Eastern Europe and Siberia, is part of the Boraginaceae family. They also call it the borage or forget-me-not family. It includes herbaceous plants known for their attractive flowers and foliage. The ‘Jack Frost’ cultivar is a patented variety of Brunnera macrophylla ‘Langtrees’ (also known as ‘Silver Spot’) and was introduced by Walters Gardens in Michigan in 2000. The unique frosted foliage of ‘Jack Frost’ quickly made it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to brighten shaded areas.

Description

‘Jack Frost’ forms a rounded mound of foliage that typically reaches 12 to 18 inches in height and can spread up to 24 inches wide. The heart-shaped leaves are its most striking feature, displaying a dark green color overlaid with a frosted, silvery-white, except along the veins and margins. This creates a distinctive crackled pattern that remains fresh and vibrant throughout the growing season.

In mid-spring, ‘Jack Frost’ produces airy sprays of tiny, light blue flowers with yellow centers, resembling those of forget-me-nots. These flowers bloom for 3-4 weeks, adding a delicate touch of color above the shimmering foliage.

How to grow Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’:

Light Requirements: Place ‘Jack Frost’ in part shade, preferably with morning sun and afternoon shade. It can tolerate more sun than many other variegated cultivars of this species, making it versatile for various garden locations.

Watering: Provide this plant consistently moist soil. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, continue to water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during dry conditions. Mulching can help retain soil moisture.

Soil: Plant in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. While ‘Jack Frost’ performs well in clay soils, it thrives in humus-rich environments. Ensure the planting site has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Temperature and Humidity: Hardy in zones 3 to 8, ‘Jack Frost’ is more heat tolerant than many other Brunnera varieties. However, it thrives in cool, shaded locations and should be sheltered from harsh sun exposure to prevent leaf scorch.

Maintenance: ‘Jack Frost’ is a low-maintenance perennial. Remove old, faded foliage before new leaves emerge in spring for a tidy appearance. Cutting off spent flower stalks can also enhance the plant’s appearance but is not necessary. The plant is resistant to rabbits and deer and has few pest issues.

Propagation

Division:

1. The best method to propagate ‘Jack Frost’ is through division.
2. Divide the plant in early spring or fall when it is not actively growing.
3. Carefully dig up the plant, ensuring you do not damage the roots.
4. Use a sharp knife or spade to divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several healthy roots and shoots.
5. Replant the divisions at the same depth as the original plant, water thoroughly, and maintain moist soil until the new plants are established.

Seed Propagation:

1. Although less common, ‘Jack Frost’ can be propagated from seeds.
2. Sow seeds in a well-draining seed mix and lightly cover them with soil.
3. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the container in a shaded location.
4. Seedlings will emerge in a few weeks and can be transplanted once they are large enough to handle.

Conclusion

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ is an enchanting addition to any garden, particularly in shaded areas where its frosted foliage can brighten and add visual interest. With its low maintenance requirements, resistance to pests, and ability to thrive in various soil types, ‘Jack Frost’ is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a resilient and attractive perennial. Whether used as a groundcover, in borders or as a specimen plant, ‘Jack Frost’ promises to deliver beauty and elegance throughout the growing season.