Brunnera Jack Frost

Common name: False forget-me-not ‘Jack Frost’

Botanical name: Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’

What it is: A perennial flower whose main attraction is heart-shaped leaves of silvery-white with green veins and green edges. Spring flowers are light blue on the ends of protruding stems – reminiscent of forget-me-nots.

Size: 18 inches tall, plant 2 feet apart

Where to use: Along north and eastern foundations, edging a shady walk or mixed into any perennial shade garden.

Why I like it: This is one of those varieties where people will ask you, “What IS that plant?” The foliage is gorgeous all season long — heart-shaped and so variegated that it reads more white than green. The blue spring-time flowers are a bonus, and they last a long time, too. A lot of time variegated plants are wimpier than their green brethren, but I’ve found ‘Jack Frost’ to be durable, trouble-free and long-lasting. Just keep it out of the afternoon sun.