Jack Frost Brunnera
Jack Frost Brunnera
The Award-Winning Silver-Leaf Classic for Shade
Jack Frost Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost') is a former Perennial Plant of the Year and one of the most beloved shade plants ever introduced — heart-shaped leaves of shimmering silver laced with fine green veins and edges, topped by airy sprays of true-blue forget-me-not flowers in spring. The frosted foliage glows in shade from spring to frost. Deer-resistant and reliably hardy, it's a must-have for woodland and part-shade borders in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Jack Frost Brunnera Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' |
| Mature Size | 12–15 in. tall, 15–18 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 3–8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Part shade to full shade |
| Bloom Time | Mid to late spring |
| Flower Color | True sky-blue (forget-me-not) |
| Soil | Moist, rich, well-drained; amend clay with compost |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to -30°F once established |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed — fuzzy foliage deters deer and rabbits |
| Foliage | Silver with fine green veining, heart-shaped |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Brightening shade gardens: Its shimmering silver leaves are a season-long focal point that lights up dark beds. Space 15–18 inches apart.
Woodland borders: A classic with hostas, ferns, and bleeding heart. Spring blue flowers add early color.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September) into rich, moist, shaded soil. Keep moist through establishment.
How to Plant Jack Frost Brunnera
Dig a hole twice the root ball width at the same depth, mixing in compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water well, and mulch 2 inches deep. Space 15–18 inches apart. Site it out of hot afternoon sun.
Watering Jack Frost Brunnera
First year: Keep evenly moist — water every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Prefers steady moisture in shade; leaves may scorch in dry or sunny conditions.
Q: Why is Jack Frost so popular?
Its shimmering silver foliage, easy care, and Perennial Plant of the Year pedigree make it one of the most reliable, beautiful shade plants available.
Q: Does it need shade?
Yes — give it part to full shade with steady moisture; hot sun scorches the leaves.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Easily — hardy to zone 3, returning each spring.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — the fuzzy leaves are disliked by deer and rabbits.
You May Also Like
Alexander's Great Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla): A supersized silver-leaved version.
Hosta: A bold-leaved shade companion for contrast.
Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos): A classic spring shade partner.