This year, with 431 total
nominees, the prestigious
Perennial Plant of the Year
award has been bestowed
upon one of last year’s
runner ups; Brunnera macrophylla
‘Jack Frost’.
Description
The heart shaped leaves
of ‘Jack Frost’
are dark green with a heavily
frosted metallic silver
overlay which allow only
the green veining to peep
through giving the plant
a crackle-like finish. Sprays
of bright blue forget-me-not
like flowers spring forth
in mid to late spring.
Use
Excellent in a woodland
garden, the genus Brunnera
is a group of classic perennials
valued as a shade tolerant
ground cover. The variegated
forms are slower to spread
than the species. This plant
is fabulous as a specimen
plant or may be massed to
show off it’s phonomnal
floral display. ‘Jack
Frost’ would make
a wonderful addition to
a shady containers garden.
The flowers are long-lasting
when cut and this plant
is deer and rabbit resistant.
Care
Brunnera is a woodland
plant that should be grown
in full shade and consistently
moist soil in southern regions.
In the north, morning sun
is acceptable as long as
the soil remains moist.
Although tolerant of many
soil types, this plant will
grow best rich soil. Little
care is needed once Brunnera
is established. Cut back
the old foliage in the spring
rather than in the fall;
it will help to protect
the crown during the winter.
A winter mulch is also recommended.
