Jack Frost Brunnera

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: This plant thrives in partial to full shade, ideally receiving only 2 to 4 hours of soft morning sun. Avoid direct afternoon sunlight because it will scorch the delicate silver variegation and turn the leaf edges brown.
• Soil: Choose a spot with rich, organic soil that holds moisture but drains well. If you have heavy clay, mix in several inches of compost to improve aeration and prevent the roots from suffocating in standing water.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist like a wrung-out sponge during the first growing season to help the root system take hold. Once established, Jack Frost can handle brief dry spells, but inconsistent watering often results in smaller leaves and stunted growth. Deep soakings at the base during summer heat prevent the foliage from wilting or becoming brittle.

Pruning Tips

This perennial produces blue flowers on old wood, so wait until the blooms fade in late spring to snip off the spent stalks at the base. In late winter, clear away the previous year’s tattered foliage to make room for fresh new growth. Removing this old debris prevents pests from overwintering near the crown and keeps the plant looking tidy.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer once in early spring as new growth appears to fuel the season’s leaf production. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender new growth that will easily succumb to the first frost. A light layer of compost mulch around the base also provides a steady stream of nutrients as it breaks down over time.