'Jack Frost' Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera)
Best low-maintenance ground cover for beginner shade gardeners.
Elevate your shaded garden with the 'Jack Frost' Siberian Bugloss. This stunning perennial offers captivating heart-shaped leaves, intricately patterned with silver and green veins, providing year-round visual interest. In spring, it produces delicate sprays of vibrant blue, forget-me-not-like flowers. Ideal for beginner gardeners, it thrives in Zones 3-8 and prefers part sun to full shade. Reaching about 15 inches in height and width, it serves as a beautiful, low-maintenance ground cover that is also resistant to deer.
$17.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
831
/ 2989
#831 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-35%
Below average
Botanical name
.
/ _Brunnera m '_ Jack Frost'
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking to illuminate dark, shaded corners with silver foliage
- Landscapers needing reliable ground cover for deep shade environments
- Homeowners living in areas with high deer and rabbit populations
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in hot, arid climates with limited irrigation access
- Plant owners unwilling to manage slug and snail populations
- Gardeners who frequently rearrange or divide their perennial beds
Performance breakdown
Foliage Visual Impact
Striking silver-patterned leaves provide high-contrast beauty in dim garden corners.
Maintenance Effort
A low-fuss perennial that thrives with minimal intervention from the gardener.
Shade Adaptability
Reliably performs in low-light environments where many other flowering plants struggle.
Pest Resistance
Deer typically avoid this plant, saving you from constant protective measures.
Seasonal Versatility
Offers delicate spring blooms followed by consistent, attractive foliage all season.
Beginner Friendliness
Hardy nature and simple care requirements make this perfect for novices.
Key Specs
Botanical name
_Brunnera m. '_ Jack Frost'
Hardiness Zones
3 - 8
Sun exposure
Part-sun to shade
Mature Height x Width
12-15 inches X 12-15 inches
Soil requirement
Moist, rich soil
Flower color
Sky blue
Foliage color
Silver with green veins
Bloom time
Spring
Features
- Silver-patterned, heart-shaped foliage
- Vibrant blue spring flowers
- Durable shade ground cover
- Easy care for beginners
- Deer resistant
- Tolerates heat well
- Suitable for rain gardens
What customers say
The 'Jack Frost' Siberian Bugloss earns high praise for its stunning aesthetic appeal and reliable performance in shade. Customers consistently highlight the striking, frosted silver foliage as a showstopper that brings essential brightness and texture to dark garden areas. Reviewers also commend the quality of the shipped plants, noting they arrive healthy and ready to thrive. While the initial cost is premium, the unique, long-lasting visual impact justifies the investment, resulting in strong perceived value. A minor consideration is the typical slow establishment during the first year. Overall, this perennial is viewed as a high-quality performer delivering exceptional visual results.
Know before you buy
This plant performs best in part-sun to full-shade conditions. While it can handle some morning sun, it prefers protection from intense afternoon heat to keep its silver foliage from scorching.
No, 'Jack Frost' is considered deer resistant. Its textured, heart-shaped leaves are generally unappealing to deer and rabbits, making it a reliable choice for gardens prone to wildlife pressure.
Yes, it is an excellent candidate for rain gardens or areas with consistently moist, rich soil. Just ensure the site has decent drainage, as the roots do not like to sit in standing water for extended periods.
Since 'Jack Frost' reaches a mature width of 12 to 15 inches, you should space them about 12 to 15 inches apart on center. This allows the mounding foliage to grow together for a full, lush look without overcrowding.
Maintenance is minimal. Once the blue flowers fade in late spring, you can simply snip off the spent stems to keep the plant looking tidy, though the silver foliage will remain attractive and vibrant throughout the rest of the season.
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$18