Jack Frost Brunnera

Name: Jack Frost Brunnera
Brand: Plants That Work
SKU: 23484
Price: 16.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'

Plants that Work®

$16⁹⁹

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In Stock

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

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.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Your New Brilliant Backdrop Jack Frost Brunnera

Blues Flowers in Early Spring
"Cracked Porcelain" Leaves
Grows in Deep Shade

The Jack Frost Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost') features frosty silver leaves that offer a brilliant backdrop to the small clusters of bright, baby blue flowers which appear in the earliest spring.

This award winning variety adds hard-to-find color and dramatic texture to the shade garden with its bright silver leaves that are veined in deep green. The unique foliage is known to resemble cracked porcelain!

The Jack Frost Brunnera does require full shade in most areas. In the north, morning sun is tolerated and in the south, dense shade is necessary for the best growth.

This Brunnera is a wonderful perennial to brighten up shady areas and will look great with any shade plant on the market today. Use them along borders, in containers, or mass planting.

Try a combination of plants with 'Jack Frost' such as, hostas, ferns, pulmonarias, and particularly hellebores, which often bloom at the same time! The silver and white foliage of this Brunnera will lighten the shade and offer superb contrast to the surrounding greens.

The Jack Frost Brunnera does well in consistently moist soil, and it does not require a lot of extra care, being a sure garden pleaser! It's a great idea to add mulch near the base of the plants to maintain adequate soil moisture.

Adding to the benefits, this variety Brunnera is deer resistant and bee friendly. Add this one to your cart and place your order online today!

Botanical Name

Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'
Class
- Magnoliopsida
Species

macrophylla
Cultivar

Jack Frost
Growing Zones

3–8
Height

1-2 ft
Width

2 ft
Sunlight
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Blue
Leaf Color
- Green
- White
- Variegated
Fall Color

Green to Silver
Bloom Period

Early Spring, Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 3–8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Jack Frost Brunnera suitable for?

Jack Frost Brunnera thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. This hardy perennial tolerates northern climates well while requiring dense shade protection in southern zones. Plant in consistently moist, well-draining soil for best results.

What is the mature size of Jack Frost Brunnera, including height and spread?

Jack Frost Brunnera reaches 12-15 inches tall with an 18-24 inch spread at maturity. This compact size makes it perfect for front borders, container gardens, or groundcover in shaded areas. Shop at Nature Hills for healthy plants that will fill out beautifully in 2-3 seasons.

When is the best time to plant Jack Frost Brunnera—spring or fall?

Spring planting is ideal for Jack Frost Brunnera, allowing it to establish before winter. Fall planting also works well in milder zones, giving roots time to develop during cool weather. Plant in consistently moist, shaded locations and add mulch to retain soil moisture.

What are the light requirements for Jack Frost Brunnera, such as part shade or full shade?

Jack Frost Brunnera requires full shade in most regions for optimal growth. In northern areas, morning sun is tolerated, but southern gardens need dense shade to prevent leaf scorch. Plant in consistently moist, shaded locations for best results.

Does Jack Frost Brunnera prefer moist soil, and how often should it be watered?

Jack Frost Brunnera thrives in consistently moist soil and prefers regular watering to maintain adequate moisture levels. Apply mulch around the base to help retain soil moisture and reduce watering frequency. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, available at naturehills.com.

Is Jack Frost Brunnera deer-resistant or rabbit-proof?

Jack Frost Brunnera is deer resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardens where deer browsing is a problem. However, like most Brunnera varieties, it's not typically rabbit-proof and may need protection from rabbits in areas where they're prevalent. Plant it in shaded areas where its silver foliage will deter deer naturally.

Will Jack Frost Brunnera tolerate clay soil or dry conditions once established?

Jack Frost Brunnera prefers consistently moist soil and struggles in dry conditions once established. While it can adapt to various soil types including clay, the key is maintaining adequate moisture levels. Add mulch around the base to help retain soil moisture and improve growing conditions.

How do I care for Jack Frost Brunnera in hot summers or humid areas?

Jack Frost Brunnera requires dense shade and consistent moisture in hot, humid climates to prevent leaf scorch. In southern regions, avoid any direct sun exposure and ensure soil stays evenly moist throughout summer. Apply a thick layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture and keep roots cool.