Kaukasisch vergeet-mij-nietje 'Jack Frost'

Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'

Engels: Siberian bugloss 'Jack Frost'

perennialBoraginaceae

Kaukasisch vergeet-mij-nietje 'Jack Frost' (Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost') is a perennial from the Boraginaceae family that grows up to 45cm tall. This plant thrives in partial shade to shade and requires low maintenance. Blooms in spring and late spring with blue flowers and attracts bees and butterflies.

Hoogte

30–45 cm

Breedte

40–60 cm

Zonligging

partial shade, full shade

Waterbehoefte

moderate

Grondsoort

loam, clay soil

Onderhoud

low maintenance

Bloeitijd

spring, late spring

Bloemkleuren

blue

Ecologische waarde

Trekt bijen aan

🦋 Trekt vlinders aan

Verzorgingskalender

Taak	Jan	Feb	Mrt	Apr	Mei	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Okt	Nov	Dec
🌱Planten
✂️Snoeien
💧Bemesten

Care tips

Planting

Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens, shady borders, or beneath deciduous trees. It tolerates a range of soil types but performs best in loam or clay soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Avoid planting in full sun, especially in drier soils, as the foliage can scorch and the plant will struggle. Plant in March, April, September, or October when the soil is workable and temperatures are mild. Autumn planting allows roots to establish before winter, while spring planting gives the plant a full growing season ahead. Prepare the soil by digging in plenty of organic matter—well-rotted compost or leaf mould—to improve moisture retention and soil structure, particularly if your soil is on the lighter side. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its pot. Space plants 45 cm apart to allow for their eventual spread of 40–60 cm. Firm the soil gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets, then water thoroughly to settle the plant in. After planting, apply a 5 cm layer of organic mulch such as composted bark or leaf mould around the base, keeping it clear of the crown to prevent rot. This helps retain moisture and suppresses weeds, both important for establishing young brunnera. Water regularly during the first growing season, especially in dry spells, until the roots are well established. Once settled, brunnera is relatively low-maintenance and tolerates typical moisture levels in shaded spots.

Pruning

Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' does not require traditional pruning in the way shrubs do, but it does benefit from some tidying to keep it looking its best and to encourage healthy foliage. The main task is removing spent flower stems and any damaged or tatty leaves, typically done in June or July after the spring flowering period has finished. Once the clusters of delicate blue forget-me-not flowers have faded, cut back the flower stems to the base using secateurs or garden snips. This prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production and keeps the focus on the ornamental silver-veined foliage, which is the real star of 'Jack Frost'. Removing old flower stems also tidies the plant's appearance and reduces the risk of fungal issues in damp, shaded conditions. Throughout the growing season, check for any leaves that have become scorched, damaged by slugs, or affected by mildew, and snip these off at the base. In late autumn or early spring, you can cut back any remaining foliage that has deteriorated over winter, though many gardeners prefer to leave this job until early spring when new growth begins to emerge. Simply trim away the old leaves to ground level to make way for fresh foliage. Brunnera is a clump-forming perennial that doesn't need regular division, but if the centre of an established clump becomes congested or less vigorous after several years, you can lift and divide it in early autumn or spring. Replant healthy outer sections and discard the woody centre.

Maintenance

Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' is a low-maintenance perennial once established, but it does appreciate consistent moisture, especially during dry spells in spring and summer. Water regularly during prolonged dry periods, particularly if planted in sunnier spots or lighter soils. In typical shaded positions with moisture-retentive soil, natural rainfall is usually sufficient. Avoid overhead watering where possible, as wet foliage in shade can encourage mildew. Feed in March or April as new growth emerges. A light application of a balanced general-purpose fertiliser or a top-dressing of well-rotted compost or leaf mould will support healthy foliage and flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which can promote lush leaves at the expense of the plant's natural vigour. Brunnera is not a heavy feeder, so one application per year is enough. This perennial is fully hardy in zones 3–8 and requires no special winter protection in temperate Europe. The foliage may die back in harsh winters, but the plant will re-emerge reliably in spring. Refresh the mulch layer in autumn to protect the crown and maintain soil moisture through winter. Slugs and snails are the main pests, particularly targeting young foliage in spring. Use organic slug pellets, barriers, or hand-pick in the evening. Powdery mildew can appear on leaves in dry conditions or poor air circulation; remove affected leaves promptly and ensure adequate spacing between plants. Leaf scorch may occur if the plant receives too much direct sun—if this happens, consider relocating it to a shadier spot in autumn.