Brunnera 'Jack Frost'

The Perennial Plant Association (PPA) has selected Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ as the 2012 Perennial Plant of the Year. Runnersup for 2012 honors were Panicum virgatum ’Northwind’, Heuchera ‘Caramel’ and Chelone lyonii ‘Hot Lips’.

Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ foliage is deer resistant. It grows to a height and width of 12-15 inches. Its silvery foliage stands out in a shade garden. Brunneras produce racemes of blue star-like flowers in mid to late spring.

Grow ‘Jack Frost’ brunnera in a compost-rich, well-drained soil. Water plants regularly during summer dry spells. Mulching around plants  also benefits.

Brunnera inhabits the shade garden alongside other favorites such as hostas (Hosta spp.), lungworts (Pulmonaria spp.), coralbells (Heuchera spp.) and variegated Solomon Seal (Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’).

Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ was commercially introduced in 2000 by Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan.

Reminder: The 2011 Perennial Plant of the Year is Arkansas Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii)