Perennial Plant of 2012: Brunnera m. ‘Jack Frost’

This year, with 431 total nominees, the prestigious Perennial Plant of the Year award has been bestowed upon one of last year’s runner ups; Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’

Description
The heart shaped leaves of ‘Jack Frost’ are dark green with a heavily frosted metallic silver overlay which allow only the green veining to peep through giving the plant a crackle-like finish. Sprays of bright blue forget-me-not like flowers spring forth in mid to late spring.

Use
Excellent in a woodland garden, the genus Brunnera is a group of classic perennials valued as a shade tolerant ground cover. The variegated forms are slower to spread than the species. This plant is fabulous as a specimen plant or may be massed to show off it’s phonomnal floral display. ‘Jack Frost’ would make a wonderful addition to a shady containers garden. The flowers are long-lasting when cut and this plant is deer and rabbit resistant.

Care
Brunnera is a woodland plant that should be grown in full shade and consistently moist soil in southern regions. In the north, morning sun is acceptable as long as the soil remains moist. Although tolerant of many soil types, this plant will grow best rich soil. Little care is needed once Brunnera is established. Cut back the old foliage in the spring rather than in the fall; it will help to protect the crown during the winter. A winter mulch is also recommended.