Brunnera Jack Frost
One of the best foliage plants for part shade Brunnera macropylla 'Jack Frost' has attractive heart shaped foliage and a silvery green color that is a standout. The beauty of the foliage lies in the delicate green veins over a frost minty white, which provide a welcome lift in a shaded position.
Sometimes classed as a woodland plant, we consider Brunnera 'Jack Frost' a little more versatile than this, excellent for a shaded position in the border, great for a ground cover next to pathways, or try growing it in a container where the foliage alone makes an impact.
Flowers are a pretty blue and look a little like 'forget me not's', and they do rise above the foliage, however it is the frosted, mint green foliage that is the real star here.
Brunnera 'Jack Frost' will reach a height of around 40 cm and will slowly spread. Over time it will form a nice mound and can be divided after a few years.
Although the flowers are small they are pretty, insignificant compared to the foliage, however the pale to mid blue sprays are a welcome addition in spring.
Brunnera Jack Frost Care
In a position in dappled shade and a humus rich well drained soil Brunnera Jack Frost will thrive. A little morning sun is OK, however hot afternoon sun is a problem.
We find that a fairly dry position seems to be suitable, in fact we would almost label it 'drought tolerant'. Remember that in colder climates including much of the UK this is a herbaceous perennial, the foliage will die right back.
If you do need to trim or prune back old foliage do so in spring so that the older foliage provides some protection over winter.
Brunnera Jack Frost is available for sale from the following nurseries
NORTHBROOK NURSERY phone: 01202695256
marg@northbrooknursery.co.uk
47 Northbrook Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8HD
Brunnera - Small nursery selling unusual perennials for your garden. Ring for appt.
CLAIRE AUSTIN HARDY PLANTS Hardy Plants
Tel: 01939 251173 - FAX: 01939 251637
Edgebolton, Shawbury, Shropshire, SY4 4EL
PRIME PERENNIALS NURSERY
Llety Moel Rhos-y-garth, Llanilar, Aberystwyth Ceredigion SY23 4SG
Phone: 01974 24150
5
PENLAN PERENNIALS
Wern Rhos Newchapel Boncath SA37 0EN - Tel/Fax 01239 842260
BROADLEIGH GARDENS
Bishops Hull Taunton TA4 1AE
Phone: 01823 286231 Fax:01823 323646
Includes: Brunnera and many more.......
BLUEBELL ARBORETUM and NURSERY
Annwell Lane Smisby nr. Ashby de la Zouch Derbyshire LE65 2TA Owner: Robert and Suzy Vernon.
Office telephone: *(01530) 413700.