Overview
Brunnera mac. 'Jack Frost' is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Brunnera, part of the Boraginaceae family, with heart-shaped, often variegated foliage. Brunnera mac. 'Jack Frost' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include ground cover and underplanting.
About
Brunnera mac. 'Jack Frost' is a clump-forming perennial in the Boraginaceae, grown primarily for its heart-shaped, often variegated foliage. It performs best in partial shade on moist, neutral loam and favours a north-facing, sheltered position. Flowering occurs in April to May and the foliage remains the principal garden feature thereafter. Suitable uses include ground cover and underplanting beneath shrubs.
About the genus
Brunnera is a genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae. They are rhizomatous perennials, native to the woodlands of Eastern Europe and North West Asia. They have hairy leaves and sprays of blue flowers in spring.
Wikipedia contributors, "Brunnera", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Brunnera
In the garden
Brunnera mac. 'Jack Frost' sits in the Boraginaceae and forms a neat clump of heart-shaped, often variegated leaves that persist through the season. It is cultivated for its leaf effect as much as for its spring display; flowering takes place in April to May and appears above the foliage. Plant this cultivar into moist, neutral loam where it receives partial shade; a north-facing, sheltered spot will preserve the variegation and reduce leaf scorch. Soil should be kept reliably moist rather than allowed to dry out; avoid exposed, windy sites. It is rated H7, fully hardy in UK conditions, so established plants tolerate winter temperatures without indoor protection. Use single plants to underplant larger shrubs or establish informal drifts as a ground cover in shaded borders. Positioning beside paths or in the shade at the front of a border keeps the foliage visible at close range. Flowers appear in April to May above the leaves, after which the heart-shaped, often variegated foliage remains the main garden feature.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Brunnera
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist
- Aspect
- North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Brunnera mac. 'Jack Frost' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Heart-shaped, often variegated
- Suggested uses
- Ground cover, underplanting
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Brunnera mac. 'Jack Frost'
- Propagation
- Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Brunnera mac. 'Jack Frost'?
Brunnera mac. 'Jack Frost' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Brunnera mac. 'Jack Frost' need?
Brunnera mac. 'Jack Frost' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
Is Brunnera mac. 'Jack Frost' hardy in the UK?
Brunnera mac. 'Jack Frost' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Brunnera mac. 'Jack Frost'?
Division.
More in the Brunnera genus
- Brunnera 'Hadspen Cream'Hadspen Cream Siberian Bugloss
- Brunnera 'Variegata'Variegated Siberian Bugloss
- Brunnera mac. 'Betty Bowring'Siberian Bugloss
- Brunnera mac. 'Sea Heart'Siberian Bugloss
- Brunnera 'Langtrees'Siberian Bugloss