Long regarded by the Sunnyside staff as one of THE top shade loving perennials, were are happy that Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ is finally getting its due as the perennial of the year for 2012. Out of 431 nominations the Perennial Plant Association chose this all time favorite as the #1 perennial in the country. I couldn’t be happier with their choice.
Introduced in 2000, Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ immediately hit shade gardens throughout the country with is unique vibe. Brunnera’s are treasured for their lovely, baby blue, forget-me-not blooms the hover in dainty clusters above the foliage in mid to late spring, offering a ton of cool color for the shade garden. Yet, what makes ‘Jack Frost’ so special is its foliage, offering season long interest.  Dark green leaves are heavily frosted with a silver overly that contrast spectacularly with the deep green veining, creating a look that is appealing both from afar and close.  The versality of ‘Jack Frost’ is immense – it can be planted en masse as an attractive ground cover, or take the foreground in a specimen garden; it can be planted along large shade borders or serve as a great contrasting plant to other shade staples such as hosta or ferns. Brunneras are easy to grow in total shade, preferring evenly moist soil; they naturalize quickly and are super hardy.
I have long believed that ‘Jack Frost’ is a must have plant for any shade garden, and I am happy to see the industry agrees with me. So some on in and check this guy out for yourselves, it is simply a plant you must see to believe.
