Brunnera Alexander's Great
Best shade plant for adding vibrant texture to garden beds.
Brunnera 'Alexander's Great' is a striking perennial for shade gardens, offering a significant visual impact with its exceptionally large, green leaves overlaid with a heavy silver sheen. This cultivar is noted for its larger and longer leaves compared to the classic 'Jack Frost', making it a bolder choice for landscape design. In spring, it produces charming blue flowers that complement the silvery foliage. It typically grows to a height of 14 inches and can spread up to 30 inches wide, creating a lush groundcover or accent plant in shady areas. This variety is evergreen, providing year-round interest.
$18.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
978
/ 4592
#978 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-31%
Below average
Growing Zones
49
/ to
Who it's for
- Gardeners desiring bold, architectural plants for shaded areas.
- Homeowners with challenging low-light garden beds.
- Gardeners in rural or suburban areas with wildlife concerns.
Who should skip it
- Busy gardeners or those with naturally dry soil conditions.
- Gardeners in hot climates without ample shade.
- Gardeners in humid regions or with existing mollusk problems.
Performance breakdown
Foliage Impact
Oversized silver-dusted leaves create a dramatic statement in shady corners.
Shade Adaptability
Thrives in low-light conditions where other perennials often struggle to bloom.
Groundcover Potential
Wide thirty-inch spread effectively suppresses weeds while filling garden gaps.
Seasonal Longevity
Evergreen nature ensures your garden beds remain vibrant throughout the year.
Climate Versatility
Robust hardiness zones allow for successful cultivation across most regions.
Maintenance Ease
Low-effort perennial that rewards gardeners with minimal pruning or fuss.
Key Specs
Growing Zones
4 to 9
Height
14 inches
Spread
30 inches
Foliage
Green with heavy silver overlay
Flowers
Blue in spring
Sun Exposure
Part shade to full shade
Shipping Restrictions
AK;HI
Know before you buy
The primary difference is scale. 'Alexander's Great' features significantly larger and longer leaves, providing a bolder, more dramatic presence in the garden compared to the more compact 'Jack Frost'.
It performs best in part shade to full shade. While it appreciates the protection from harsh afternoon sun, it will still produce its signature blue spring flowers in these shaded conditions.
Since this variety spreads up to 30 inches wide, you should space them approximately 24 to 30 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and room for the foliage to reach its full size.
While the foliage is evergreen, its performance can vary based on your specific climate. In colder zones, the leaves may require more protection, but in moderate climates, it will maintain its silver-overlay foliage throughout the year.
It is a relatively low-maintenance perennial. Simply clear away any damaged or winter-worn foliage in early spring to make room for the new growth and the upcoming bloom cycle.
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