Overview
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'PBR is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Brunnera, part of the Boraginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'PBR grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include ground cover, underplanting of roses and shrubs and low-maintenance gardens.
About
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' (Siberian bugloss 'Jack Frost') is a bushy, herbaceous perennial in the Boraginaceae family. This deciduous plant grows to a height of 0.1 to 0.5 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. It thrives in moist but well-drained soils of various types and pH levels, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. Suitable for full or partial shade, it prefers sheltered positions with north, west, or east-facing aspects, and is especially notable in spring.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Brunnera
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'PBR size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Ground cover, underplanting of roses and shrubs, low-maintenance gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'PBR
- Propagation
- Division in early spring, root cuttings in winter
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'PBR?
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'PBR prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'PBR need?
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'PBR is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'PBR grow?
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'PBR reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'PBR hardy in the UK?
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'PBR has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'PBR?
Division in early spring, root cuttings in winter.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
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. 'Jack Frost'Siberian Bugloss
- Brunnera mac. 'Sea Heart'Siberian Bugloss
- Brunnera 'Langtrees'Siberian Bugloss