Siberian bugloss 'Jack Frost' in July: monthly care

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.