Nature Hills Nursery
Brunnera Jack Frost
Best low-maintenance perennial for brightening up shaded garden spaces.
The Jack Frost Brunnera is a stunning perennial prized for its frosty silver leaves, veined in deep green, resembling cracked porcelain. In early spring, it produces clusters of bright, baby blue flowers, adding a brilliant contrast to the shade garden. This award-winning variety thrives in partial to full shade, ideally with protection from harsh afternoon sun. It prefers rich, organic soil that retains moisture but drains well. Known for being deer-resistant and attractive to pollinators, it's a low-maintenance choice for borders, containers, or mass plantings, bringing unique color and texture to shady areas.
$16.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
834
/ 3029
#834 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-39%
Below average
Botanical Name
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'
/ Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-impact foliage for shaded landscape beds
- Homeowners looking to brighten dark, neglected garden corners
- Busy gardeners wanting low-effort, high-reward perennial beauty
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in dry climates unable to provide consistent irrigation
- Southern residents dealing with intense summer heat and humidity
- Gardeners struggling with heavy slug and snail populations
Performance breakdown
Foliage Visual Impact
Silver-veined leaves provide a high-contrast focal point for dim garden corners.
Shade Adaptability
Thrives in low-light conditions where most flowering perennials struggle to bloom.
Maintenance Requirements
A reliable, low-effort perennial that demands minimal pruning or seasonal attention.
Pest Resistance
Natural deer-resistant properties keep your garden safe from common browsing wildlife.
Pollinator Appeal
Early spring blue blooms offer a vital nectar source for pollinators.
Versatility
Adapts seamlessly to containers, borders, or expansive mass landscape plantings.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'
Height
18 ft
Width
24 ft
Growing Zones
3–8
Sunlight
Partial shade
Growth Rate
Moderate
Flower Color
Blue
Leaf Color
Green, White, Variegated
Features
- Features frosty silver leaves with deep green veins, resembling cracked porcelain.
- Produces bright, baby blue flowers in early spring.
- Thrives in partial to full shade, protecting foliage from harsh sun.
- Prefers rich, organic, well-drained soil that retains moisture.
- Deer-resistant and attractive to pollinators.
- Low-maintenance plant suitable for borders, containers, and mass plantings.
- Adds unique color and texture to shady garden areas.
- Award-winning variety known for its striking foliage.
What customers say
Customers consistently express high satisfaction with the Brunnera Jack Frost, primarily praising its exceptional quality upon arrival and its stunning visual appeal. Many reviewers highlight receiving healthy, well packaged plants that quickly establish and flourish. The distinctive silver variegated foliage is a major draw, providing vibrant interest and brightening shady garden areas. Its reliable performance and beauty make it a highly valued addition for those seeking elegant, low maintenance groundcover.
Know before you buy
It thrives in partial to full shade. While it needs some light to maintain its vibrant leaf color, it is important to protect the foliage from harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.
This variety performs best in rich, organic soil that is consistently moist but well-drained. If your soil is heavy clay or very sandy, amending it with organic matter will help provide the moisture retention it needs.
Yes, this plant is generally considered deer-resistant. While no plant is completely immune to hungry wildlife, deer typically avoid the texture and taste of Brunnera foliage.
Absolutely. Its striking foliage and compact size make it an excellent choice for containers, provided you use a high-quality potting mix and ensure the pot has adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
Since the Jack Frost Brunnera reaches a width of about 24 inches, you should space them roughly two feet apart on center. This allows enough room for the foliage to spread and air to circulate properly.
It is a low-maintenance perennial. Aside from ensuring it receives consistent water during dry spells and perhaps trimming back old foliage in late winter or early spring, it requires very little intervention.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$17