Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'

SIBERIAN BUGLOSS
syn. Anchusa myosotidiflora, Brunnera myosotidifolia
Family: Boraginaceae
Pronounced: BRUN-a-ra mak-ro-FIL-a

 

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

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GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Perennials.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 1-24. USDA zones: 3-7. Heat zones: 7-1.
Mature size:
Height: 12 inches (30 cm). Width: 24 inches (60 cm).
Flowering period:
Mid to late spring.
Flowering attributes:
Forget-me-not type bright blue flowers.
Leaf attributes:
Heart-shaped, almost completely silver, with green veins, hairy leaves.
Growth habit:
Clump-forming.
Light:
Sun to partial shade.
Soil:
Fertile, humus rich, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Side dress with compost or manure. Fertilize in spring with a complete organic fertilizer and again in early summer.
Propagation Methods:
Divide in spring or fall. | Root cuttings in winter.

 

Rainy Side Notes

The first time I saw this Brunnera 'Jack Frost' in a catalog, it was lust at first sight. I almost fainted at the exorbitant, too-much-for-my-shallow-pockets price. So I resigned myself to love it from afar. I could not eat; I could not think of anything but Jack Frost. I was love sick that my love could not be near me. I whined a lot about it to my friends and acquaintances, to the point that they would roll their eyes whenever I talked about my lost love, and walk away shaking their heads.

One day, during a plant swap amongst friends, a lovely woman, Hiroko, presented me with this plant. I nearly fell over in glee, or did I bow before her and kiss her feet? Whatever fool I made of myself, it does not matter; my true love is now mine to plant in my garden, near and dear to my heart. This love story has lasted for nearly three years and shows no sign of fading. I am grateful to Hiroko for a beautiful plant I call my own.

Now that we have the romance novel out of the way, let us get down to business. Brunnera was named after Swiss botanist, Samuel Brunner. The species name, macrophylla, means large leaves. The Brunnera 'Jack Frost' discovered in Walters Gardens in Michigan is believed to have originated from Brunnera 'Langtrees'. Patents protect this cultivar, so it is illegal to propagate without a license (marriage?). I am not the only one that thinks this plant is special. It received first place for Best New Perennial of the Year in Holland at the Plantarium Fair. So far, here in the Northwest it has not been picked as a Great Plant Pick, but it is only a matter of time. Update: It is now a 2005 Great Plant Pick.

I was perusing a plant catalog today and saw this fabulous looking Calluna (Heather). Once again, I am in love. What a red head!

More Brunneras.