Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'
Best low-maintenance perennial for brightening up shaded garden beds.
Discover the Brunnera 'Jack Frost', a stunning perennial that brings dramatic charm to any shade garden. Its heart-shaped leaves are a captivating silver, intricately veined with deep green, creating a visually striking display. In spring, it erupts with clusters of delicate, bright blue flowers, adding a vibrant pop of color. This low-maintenance plant thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, reaching a mature height of 12-15 inches and a spread of 18 inches. Hardy in USDA Zones 3-7, 'Jack Frost' is an excellent choice for borders and beds, beautifully complementing other shade-loving flora.
$25.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
61
/ 2661
#61 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-41%
Below average
SKU
40295
Who it's for
- Homeowners living in areas with high deer and rabbit populations
- Gardeners seeking bright foliage for dark, shaded spaces
- Landscapers needing reliable groundcover for difficult, low-light areas
Who should skip it
- Busy gardeners unable to provide consistent, daily soil moisture
- Owners of gardens with intense, direct afternoon sun exposure
- Plant lovers prioritizing long-lasting floral displays over foliage
Performance breakdown
Foliage Impact
Silver-toned heart-shaped leaves provide year-round visual drama in shaded beds.
Maintenance Ease
A reliable, low-effort perennial that thrives with minimal intervention.
Shade Adaptability
Perfectly suited for brightening up darker corners of the landscape.
Bloom Vibrancy
Delicate blue spring flowers offer a refreshing contrast to silver foliage.
Hardiness Range
Robust performance across a wide variety of temperate climate zones.
Garden Versatility
Compact mound habit makes it an ideal choice for borders.
Key Specs
SKU
40295
Genus
Brunnera
Species
macrophylla
Variety
'Jack Frost'
Item Form
1-Quart
Mature Height
15 in
Mature Width
18 in
Hardiness Zones
3 - 7
Features
- Striking silver leaves with deep green veining
- Vibrant blue spring flowers
- Low maintenance and easy to grow
- Ideal for shaded garden areas
- Mound-shaped growth habit
- Complements other shade plants
- Hardy in zones 3-7
- Adds dramatic visual interest
What customers say
Customers consistently celebrate the exceptional aesthetic design of 'Jack Frost'. The striking silver foliage provides unmatched brightness in shady garden spots, making it a standout feature. Reviewers frequently praise the quality and vigor of the plants received from Wayside Gardens, noting they establish quickly and reliably return year after year. This plant delivers significant visual impact and proven hardiness, confirming its status as a premium shade perennial.
Know before you buy
This plant thrives in partial shade to full shade. It is best to avoid harsh, direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the delicate silver foliage.
Brunnera prefers moist, well-drained, and loamy soil. Ensure the planting site does not stay waterlogged, as consistent moisture is key to keeping the leaves healthy.
At maturity, 'Jack Frost' typically reaches a height of 12 to 15 inches and spreads about 18 inches wide in a compact, mound-shaped habit.
Yes, it is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 7. It is a reliable perennial that will return each spring in these climates.
Its silver foliage acts as a bright contrast to darker shade-loving plants like hostas, ferns, or heucheras. The blue spring flowers also pair beautifully with early-blooming bulbs.
It is considered a low-maintenance plant. Simply remove any damaged or spent foliage after the blooming season to keep the mound looking tidy.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$26