White Flower Farm
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'
Best shade-loving perennial for gardeners seeking deer-resistant, low-maintenance foliage.
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost', or Siberian Bugloss, is a captivating perennial for shady woodland gardens. Its heart-shaped leaves boast striking silver centers with green veining, creating a lush visual appeal. In late spring, delicate, sky-blue flowers emerge, reminiscent of Forget-me-nots. This plant thrives in cool, moist, shady environments and tolerates clay soil, though it dislikes dry conditions and hot summers. Its naturally rough foliage deters deer, making it a resilient and beautiful addition to shaded borders or naturalistic drifts.
$21.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 2688
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-24%
Below average
Mature Height
12
/ inches
Who it's for
- Rural homeowners dealing with hungry deer and rabbits
- Gardeners looking to illuminate dark, shaded corners
- Woodland gardeners needing reliable plants for deep shade
Who should skip it
- Low-maintenance gardeners who dislike weeding out volunteer seedlings
- Gardeners in dry climates or with poor irrigation
- Southern gardeners facing intense summer heat
Performance breakdown
Foliage Visual Impact
Stunning silver-veined leaves provide high-contrast beauty in dim garden corners.
Deer Resistance
Rough leaf texture effectively discourages browsing by local wildlife.
Shade Adaptability
Perfectly suited for woodland settings where sunlight is limited.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal intervention once established in cool, moist soil.
Heat Tolerance
Struggles significantly during intense summer heat and prolonged dry spells.
Groundcover Density
Forms a lush, uniform carpet that suppresses weeds in shaded borders.
Key Specs
Mature Height
12 inches
Mature Width
12 inches
Spacing
15 inches
Hardiness Zone
3-8
Exposure
Part Shade to Full Shade
Growth Habit
Groundcover
Plant Life Cycle
Perennial
Water Requirement
Moderate
Features
- Striking silver-veined foliage for year-round interest.
- Delicate blue flowers resemble Forget-me-nots.
- Thrives in shady, moist woodland settings.
- Naturally deters deer.
- Forms a lush ground cover.
- Ideal for shade gardens with hostas and ferns.
- Low maintenance plant.
What customers say
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' is overwhelmingly loved for its spectacular silver variegated foliage that illuminates deep shade gardens. Customers consistently praise the plant's reliable health and robust quality upon arrival, noting its ability to provide season-long visual interest long after the spring flowers disappear. Its deer resistance and effectiveness as a groundcover in low light are highly valued attributes. While the superior quality justifies much of the premium pricing from White Flower Farm, some buyers feel the initial plant size does not fully align with the expense, slightly impacting perceived value. Overall satisfaction remains very high due to the plant's enduring beauty and resilience.
Know before you buy
This plant prefers part to full shade. While it thrives in woodland settings, it is best to avoid direct, intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the foliage.
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' is surprisingly tolerant of clay soil. Ensure the area remains consistently moist, as the plant struggles in dry or parched conditions.
No, this variety is considered deer-resistant. Its naturally rough, textured foliage is generally unappealing to deer, making it a reliable choice for gardens prone to browsing.
For the best results, space your plants 15 inches apart. This allows enough room for the 12-inch wide mounds to mature while eventually creating a lush, continuous ground cover.
Its silver-veined leaves look excellent alongside other shade-loving perennials like hostas and ferns. The contrasting textures and colors create a classic, layered woodland aesthetic.
Yes, it is quite easy to care for once established. Aside from ensuring it receives adequate moisture, it requires very little intervention to maintain its health and appearance throughout the season.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$21