Brunnera Jack Frost - A Stunning Groundcover for Shade

Siberian bugloss Jack Frost, Brunnera macrophylla Jack Frost

Brunnera Jack Frost is one of those plants that stops you in your tracks—not for its flowers alone, but for its unforgettable foliage. With beautiful heart-shaped silver leaves etched in green veins, this outstanding perennial adds structure, contrast, and colour to even the darkest corners of the garden. Often known as Siberian bugloss, Jack Frost lights up shaded areas with a brightness few plants can match.

Brunnera Jack Frost is a PBR (Plant Breeders’ Rights) protected cultivar of Brunnera macrophylla. It’s a clump-forming perennial with stunning, heart-shaped, silver leaves that shimmer in the shade. The leaves feature a web of green veins, creating a dramatic, almost frosted effect.

Its popularity stems from two key factors: impact and ease. The foliage alone makes it one of the most sought-after perennials for shade gardening. In early spring, it also produces sprays of tiny, delicate blue flowers that resemble forget-me-not-like flowers. These soft blooms hover above the foliage, adding seasonal cheer without demanding attention.

Among the many types of Siberian bugloss, Brunnera macrophylla Jack Frost stands out for its long-lasting variegation and toughness. While other varieties offer similar flowers, few can match the leaf quality of Jack Frost. Its silver leaves with green veins are resistant to fading, even during the height of summer.

This cultivar maintains its form better than older types and offers more consistent foliage colour. It also performs well in both full shade and partial shade, offering gardeners greater design flexibility. If you’ve struggled to find a ground cover for your darkest corners, this plant is a reliable and showy solution.

This perennial does best in soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Select a location with good drainage and incorporate plenty of organic matter, such as compost or leaf mould, before planting. If your soil is sandy or very dry, improve it by adding well-rotted organic matter and mulch in the spring.

Consistent moisture is crucial during the growing season, especially during warmer periods. That said, Brunnera Jack Frost is relatively tolerant of short, dry periods once it’s well established. Avoid planting it in areas where the ground remains soggy, as this can damage the roots.

In early spring, new heart-shaped leaves emerge with a silvery-white sheen and deep green veins. Soon after, the plant sends up sprays of tiny, bright blue flowers that bloom above the foliage. These flowers are similar to forget-me-nots and provide a gentle pop of colour in cooler months.

As spring gives way to summer, the foliage continues to impress. The silver leaves with green etching stay fresh and full through to autumn. The deciduous top growth dies back after the first frosts, and you can tidy it up by removing old leaves before the next season’s new growth begins.

Yes, and it does a superb job. Brunnera Jack Frost grows in neat, low mounds that make excellent ground cover. Its leaves spread nicely, helping to smother weeds and cover bare soil. Use it to fill gaps between shrubs, edge a shaded garden path, or create a low-growing border with visual punch.

Unlike some groundcover plants, it doesn’t spread aggressively. Its growth is contained but generous, making it a practical and tidy choice. Combine it with ferns, hostas, or hellebores for a layered and interesting shade border.

Typically, Brunnera macrophylla Jack Frost reaches 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) in height and has a similar spread. It grows as a clump and slowly increases in size over time. While not large, it delivers a huge impact thanks to its bold foliage and consistent form.

This size makes it ideal for the front of a border, the edge of a bed, or underplanting shrubs and trees. It also works well in smaller gardens and containers, offering year-round texture and early-season flowers.

This is one of the easiest shade perennials to grow. Water regularly during dry periods, particularly in the first year. Apply mulch in spring to help maintain soil moisture and temperature. Feed with a slow-release fertiliser or a top-up of organic matter annually.

After flowering, remove the spent spray stems to keep the plant tidy. In late autumn, as the leaves die back, trim away any old or tattered foliage. New leaves will return the following spring, emerging fresh and full of colour.

Yes, it can. Once the clump is established, you can divide it every three to five years to rejuvenate growth or spread it to new areas. The best time to divide is early spring, when new growth appears, or in autumn after the bloom and foliage have died down.

To divide, lift the clump gently, cut it into sections with a sharp spade, and replant the sections into prepared soil. Keep the divisions well-watered until they settle in. Dividing also allows you to refresh overcrowded patches and extend the reach of this stunning perennial.

You can buy Brunnera from reputable garden centres, plant fairs, or specialist online suppliers. As a PBR variety, you’ll usually find it sold under its full name, Brunnera macrophylla Jack Frost, or Brunnera Jack Frost. Look for healthy plants with no yellowing leaves or signs of disease. Always choose well-established plants in pots rather than bare roots to get a strong start in your garden.

If there’s one plant that never fails to impress in other people’s gardens, it’s Brunnera Jack Frost. Although I’m not growing it at the moment, it’s definitely on my wish list. Its foliage is truly something special—those heart-shaped, silver leaves with green veining seem to glow in the shade. It’s the sort of perennial that quietly transforms a dull spot into something magical, with minimal effort. I especially admire how well it holds its form through the season and how nicely it pairs with ferns or hostas in a woodland-style border. If you’re looking for a plant that delivers elegance, structure, and subtle beauty to a shaded bed, Jack Frost truly lives up to its reputation.

• Brunnera Jack Frost is a stunning perennial with heart-shaped silver leaves and green veins
• It produces blue flowers in spring that resemble forget-me-not-like flowers
• Ideal for shade and shady spots, especially in woodland borders and under deciduous trees
• Prefers moist, rich soil enriched with organic matter—avoid very dry soil or waterlogged areas
• Grows 30–40 cm high and wide—perfect for ground cover, borders, and containers
• Performs best in full shade or dappled light and can tolerate light sun in cooler climates
• Low maintenance: mulch in spring, water during dry spells, and tidy up foliage in autumn
• Can be divided every few years to encourage fresh growth and increase your planting stock
• Protected as a PBR cultivar, so expect consistent quality from trusted suppliers
• A go-to plant for adding long-lasting structure, colour, and seasonal charm to any shady garden

If you’re looking to brighten your shade borders with texture and impact, Brunnera Jack Frost is a standout choice. With its unique foliage, spring flowers, and fuss-free nature, it’s no wonder gardeners across the UK rely on it to lift their gardens year after year.

Check out the RHS article here.

If you like this one, you’ll love Brunnera Sea Heart. Click here to explore it.

For more information on perennials for your garden, please click here.

Q: What is Brunnera Jack Frost, and why is it popular with UK gardeners?

A: Brunnera Jack Frost, also known as Brunnera macrophylla Jack Frost, is a deciduous perennial prized for its striking foliage and spring flowers. This Siberian bugloss variety features beautiful heart-shaped silver leaves with green veins and sprays of tiny blue flowers in early spring, resembling forget-me-nots. It’s a favourite with the RHS and shade gardeners alike, thanks to its ability to thrive in a shady spot with minimal care. Ideal for borders or woodland planting, Jack Frost brings light and structure to areas where many plants struggle, making it a standout choice for UK gardens seeking long-lasting ground cover.

Q: Where is the best place to plant Brunnera Jack Frost?

A: Brunnera Jack Frost excels in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland-style borders or beneath deciduous trees. It performs best in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter and is particularly effective in areas where bright blue flowers and silvery foliage offer contrast to darker greens. Avoid planting in dry soil or full sun, as this can cause leaf scorch or reduced blooming. A shady position with shelter from strong winds allows its silver leaves with green veins to remain vibrant throughout the growing season, making it a reliable highlight in any shaded garden.

Q: How do I care for Brunnera Jack Frost throughout the year?

A: As a low-maintenance perennial, Brunnera Jack Frost requires little intervention once established. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot, dry periods. Apply a mulch of well-rotted compost in early spring to conserve moisture and enrich the soil. Feed lightly with a balanced organic product in spring if growth appears sluggish. Deadhead faded blooms after flowering to neaten the plant, and remove tired foliage in autumn. Jack Frost is hardy, but a mulch will help protect roots during harsh winters. Its heart-shaped silver leaves and bright blue flowers in spring provide long-lasting seasonal interest with minimal effort.

Q: Is Brunnera Jack Frost suitable as ground cover?

A: Yes, Brunnera Jack Frost makes superb ground cover in shady areas. Its dense, mounding growth habit and overlapping heart-shaped leaves help suppress weeds while bringing seasonal colour and texture. The silver leaves with green veins remain attractive for much of the year, while in early spring, sprays of delicate blue flowers add a burst of colour. Planted in groups or drifts, this perennial provides a carpet-like effect that is particularly striking when combined with ferns, hostas, or other shade-loving plants. It’s a practical and ornamental solution for gardeners seeking foliage impact and long-term coverage.

Q: Is Brunnera Jack Frost protected by Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR)?

A: Yes, Brunnera macrophylla Jack Frost is protected under PBR (Plant Breeders’ Rights). This legal protection ensures the cultivar remains true to type and supports the breeder’s work. When purchasing this plant, look for reputable suppliers to ensure you are receiving genuine, high-quality stock. As a named and protected cultivar, Jack Frost stands out for its distinct variegation, vigour, and exceptional garden performance. Respecting PBR also supports ethical horticultural practices and continued breeding innovation. Avoid propagating this plant for resale without permission, as doing so may infringe upon these legal protections.

Q: Can I divide or propagate Brunnera Jack Frost at home?

A: While PBR protects Brunnera Jack Frost and should not be propagated for sale, home gardeners may divide mature plants for personal use. The best time to divide this perennial is in early spring or late autumn, after flowering has finished. Gently lift the clump and separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each has a healthy crown and roots. Replant divisions promptly in moist, enriched soil in a shady location. Keep them well-watered while they establish. Division rejuvenates older plants and helps maintain vigour, while also expanding your ground cover of this reliable and visually striking cultivar.

Q: What companion plants work well with Brunnera Jack Frost?

A: Brunnera Jack Frost pairs beautifully with other shade-loving perennials. Its silver foliage contrasts elegantly with the broad leaves of hostas and the delicate fronds of ferns. For a layered look, combine it with spring-flowering bulbs or hellebores to extend seasonal interest. In woodland-style borders, its heart-shaped silver leaves and sprays of bright blue flowers provide a fresh foil to darker green and purple tones. Heucheras, pulmonarias, and epimediums are also excellent companions, as they share similar soil and light preferences. Choosing plants with varying heights and textures enhances the overall display and ensures year-round appeal in shaded parts of the garden.

Q: Where can I buy Brunnera Jack Frost in the UK?

A: Brunnera Jack Frost is widely available across the UK from garden centres, specialist nurseries, and online plant retailers. As a PBR-protected cultivar, it’s essential to source plants from reputable suppliers to ensure you receive the true Brunnera macrophylla Jack Frost, known for its silver leaves with green veins and bright blue spring flowers. Many online retailers offer mail-order options, with potted plants available for delivery in spring and autumn. Local garden centres often stock Jack Frost during the growing season, especially in early spring when its foliage and forget-me-not-like flowers are most visually appealing.