Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds’ (Siberian Bugloss)

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds’ (Siberian Bugloss) – Giant Silver Leaves for Shade Gardens and Woodland Borders

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds’, commonly called Jack of Diamonds Siberian bugloss, Jack of Diamonds heartleaf brunnera, or false forget-me-not, is a bold, clump-forming perennial grown for its oversized silver leaves, dark green veining, and airy sprays of baby-blue spring flowers. Think of it as a supersized, more dramatic cousin of Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’, but with broader, rounder, more commanding foliage that can brighten shaded borders from spring through fall.

This shade-loving perennial is one of the best foliage plants for gardeners who want lasting brightness without relying on flowers alone. The huge leaves can reach up to 9 to 10 inches long (22-25 cm), overlapping at the base to form a rounded, almost sculptural mound. Their heavy silver overlay and vivid green veining make the plant glow in woodland gardens, shaded paths, underplantings, containers, and cool, moist borders.

In mid to late spring, delicate blue, forget-me-not-like flowers rise above the foliage in loose sprays, giving the plant a charming, romantic softness before the leaves fully expand. After bloom, the foliage becomes the main event, providing months of texture, contrast, and luminous silver color in places where many flowering perennials struggle.

Quick Facts – Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds’

Summary: Bold herbaceous perennial brunnera with huge silver, heart-shaped leaves, dark green veining, and airy blue spring flowers.
Use: Excellent for shade gardens, woodland borders, containers, groundcover-style plantings, underplanting shrubs and roses, banks, slopes, and shaded paths.
Highlight: A giant silver-leaved brunnera with far more presence than many older cultivars.
Note: Best in part shade to full shade with humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Avoid hot sun and dry soil, which can scorch or stress the foliage.

Botanical Name	Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds’; PBR; CPBR7065; PP32752
Family	Boraginaceae
Common Names	Jack of Diamonds Siberian bugloss, Jack of Diamonds heartleaf brunnera, false forget-me-not, Siberian bugloss
Plant Type and Habit	Herbaceous perennial; deciduous, clump-forming, mounded, rhizomatous habit
Hardiness (USDA)	Commonly listed for USDA Zones 3 to 8; best where summers are not extremely hot and dry
Size	About 14 to 16 in. tall and 28 to 32 in. wide; leaves may reach up to 9 to 10 in. long
Sun and Exposure	Part shade to full shade; avoid hot afternoon sun
Soil	Moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil; tolerates acid, neutral, or alkaline pH
Bloom Time	Mid to late spring
Flower Color	Baby blue to bright blue, forget-me-not-like flowers
Foliage Color	Silver, gray, green, dark green veining; large heart-shaped to rounded leaves
Wildlife Value	Bee-friendly spring flowers may support early-season pollinators
Deer Resistance	Generally deer resistant, though no plant is completely deer-proof

Care – Quick

• Planting: Plant in spring or fall in cool, humus-rich, well-drained soil.
• Light: Choose part shade or full shade; protect from hot afternoon sun.
• Water: Keep evenly moist, especially during establishment and dry spells.
• Feeding: Top-dress with compost in spring; avoid excessive fertilizer.
• Pruning: Remove tired foliage and spent flower stems to keep plants fresh.
• Propagation: Divide established clumps in early spring or autumn.
• Best use: Plant where the giant silver leaves can brighten shaded corners, path edges, woodland beds, and containers.

What Is Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds’?

Description

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds’ is a large-leaved brunnera cultivar developed for exceptional foliage presence. It is often described as a giant version of the famous ‘Jack Frost’, but the leaves are not merely bigger; they are broader, rounder, and more dramatic. Their overlapping bases create a full, circular mound that reads clearly even from a distance.

The leaves are rough-textured, heart-shaped to rounded, and heavily overlaid with silver. Wide dark green veins cut through the silver surface, giving each leaf a crisp, patterned look. In spring, sprays of small blue flowers float above the foliage, resembling forget-me-nots and softening the plant’s bold leaf architecture.

Growth Habit and Size

‘Jack of Diamonds’ forms a broad, mounded clump. Walters Gardens lists plants at about 14 to 16 inches tall and 28 to 32 inches wide, with flower scapes rising higher. RHS lists the ultimate spread in the 0.5 to 1 metre range. In a garden border, that means one mature plant can cover a generous patch of ground without running aggressively.

Because the leaves can reach up to 9 to 10 inches long, this cultivar has a bolder texture than many shade perennials. It is large enough to use as a focal point, but still refined enough for woodland-style planting, shaded containers, and underplanting beneath shrubs.

Flowers and Bloom Season

The flowers appear in mid to late spring, usually as delicate sprays of baby-blue blooms held above the foliage. They are small individually, but the cloud-like effect is charming, especially when paired with spring bulbs, hellebores, bleeding hearts, ferns, and emerging hostas.

After flowering, the huge leaves expand and become the plant’s main ornamental feature. This is one of the reasons brunnera is so useful: it offers spring flowers, then continues contributing color and structure for the rest of the growing season.

Foliage and Garden Texture

The foliage is the star. The combination of silver overlay, dark green veining, and oversized leaf shape makes ‘Jack of Diamonds’ one of the most dramatic brunneras for shade. The leaves contrast beautifully with fine-textured ferns, gold grasses, blue hostas, burgundy heucheras, and the glossy evergreen foliage of hellebores.

In mild, evenly moist sites, the leaves can remain attractive for months. In hot, dry, or sunny conditions, foliage may scorch, brown, or collapse earlier than expected. A cool, shaded position and steady moisture are the keys to keeping the plant handsome.

Hardiness and Climate

‘Jack of Diamonds’ is commonly listed for USDA Zones 3 to 8 and is very hardy in cold climates. It performs best in regions where summers are moderate and soil moisture is reliable. In warm zones, give it deeper shade and consistent moisture to prevent leaf scorch and summer stress.

This is not a dry-shade plant in the strict sense. It tolerates shade beautifully, but the soil should still hold moisture while draining well. Woodland conditions with leaf mold, compost, and filtered light are ideal.

Uses in the Landscape

• Shade focal point: Use one plant where the oversized silver leaves can anchor a small shade bed.
• Woodland borders: Combine with ferns, hostas, hellebores, epimediums, and spring bulbs.
• Groundcover-style groups: Plant in drifts for a luminous silver carpet in part shade.
• Containers: Grow in a broad shaded pot with consistent moisture and good drainage.
• Underplanting shrubs: Use beneath deciduous shrubs, roses, hydrangeas, or small trees.
• Path edging: Site near walkways where the large patterned leaves can be appreciated up close.
• Cut foliage: Use individual leaves as bold accents in small floral arrangements.

Wildlife and Pollinator Value

The blue spring flowers are bee-friendly and may support early-season pollinators when few other shade plants are blooming. For stronger wildlife value, combine ‘Jack of Diamonds’ with a succession of shade-tolerant plants that flower at different times, such as hellebores, bleeding hearts, pulmonarias, astilbes, and native woodland perennials. For broader pollinator resources, explore bee-friendly plants and butterfly-friendly plants.

Deer and Browsing Animals

Brunneras are generally considered deer-resistant plants, and ‘Jack of Diamonds’ can be useful where hostas are heavily browsed. However, deer resistance depends on local pressure, season, and available food. Young leaves may still be sampled in difficult years.

Drought Tolerance

‘Jack of Diamonds’ is not a drought plant. It prefers soil that stays evenly moist but not soggy. Dry shade can lead to smaller leaves, crispy margins, early dormancy, or weak growth. Add compost or leaf mold before planting, mulch lightly, and water during extended dry spells.

Toxicity

Brunnera macrophylla is not usually highlighted as a highly toxic ornamental perennial, but it should still be grown as a garden plant rather than an edible. Discourage pets and children from chewing leaves or flowers, and contact a veterinarian or medical professional if ingestion causes concern.

Invasiveness

‘Jack of Diamonds’ is clump-forming and not generally considered invasive. It spreads slowly by rhizomes and can be divided if clumps become too large. Seedlings may occasionally appear if flowers are left to set seed, but named cultivars may not come true from seed. Deadhead if you want to reduce self-sowing.

Growing Conditions For Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds’

Light

Part shade to full shade is best. Morning sun or filtered light is usually acceptable in cool climates if soil remains moist, but hot afternoon sun can scorch the silver leaves. In warmer regions, choose bright shade, woodland shade, or the north or east side of buildings and shrubs.

Soil

Plant in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained. RHS lists chalk, clay, loam, and sand as suitable soil types, provided moisture and drainage are right. The plant is tolerant of acid, neutral, or alkaline pH, making it adaptable in many shade gardens.

Water

Keep soil evenly moist during establishment. Mature plants appreciate steady moisture, especially in spring and during dry summer weather. Avoid waterlogged soil, but do not allow the root zone to become bone dry for long periods.

Feeding

A spring topdressing of compost or leaf mold is usually enough. Heavy feeding is unnecessary and may encourage soft growth. In containers, use a light slow-release fertilizer and refresh the potting mix as needed to maintain moisture and structure.

Planting, Maintenance, And Propagation

Planting Tips

Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants about 28 to 32 inches apart if you want them to reach full size without crowding. Set the crown at soil level, water well after planting, and mulch lightly with leaf mold, compost, or fine bark to keep the root zone cool.

Maintenance and Pruning

‘Jack of Diamonds’ needs little pruning. Remove spent flower stems after bloom if you want a cleaner look or want to reduce self-seeding. Trim away damaged, scorched, or tired leaves during the growing season. In late winter or early spring, clear away old foliage before fresh growth emerges.

Propagation

Propagate by division in early spring or autumn. Lift mature clumps carefully, separate vigorous sections with roots and buds, and replant immediately in moist, prepared soil. Named cultivars should be propagated vegetatively to preserve their foliage pattern and leaf size.

Problems And Pests

‘Jack of Diamonds’ is generally low maintenance and has no major insect or disease problems when grown in the right conditions. Most issues come from environmental stress rather than serious pests: too much sun, dry soil, heavy wet soil, or hot, humid weather. The goal is simple: cool shade, steady moisture, and good drainage.

• Slugs and snails: These are occasional visitors and may chew young leaves in moist, shaded gardens. Watch for ragged holes in spring and protect new growth where pressure is high.
• Leaf scorch: Hot sun, dry soil, or reflected heat can brown the large silver leaves. Site plants in part shade to full shade and keep the soil evenly moist.
• Dry shade stress: Brunnera tolerates shade, but ‘Jack of Diamonds’ performs best with reliable moisture. Smaller leaves, crispy margins, or early summer decline often point to dry soil or root competition from nearby trees and shrubs.
• Very heavy, wet soil: Brunneras dislike waterlogged ground. In very heavy, wet soil, plants may rot or decline. Improve drainage before planting and avoid sites where water sits around the crown.
• Hot, humid climates: In warm regions, foliage may become tired or damaged earlier in the season. Deeper shade, mulch, good spacing, and steady moisture help reduce stress.

Design Ideas and Companion Plants With Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds’

These companion plants suit Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds’ because they share its preference for part shade to full shade, moist but well-drained soil, and humus-rich woodland conditions. They are especially effective when used to contrast the plant’s giant silver leaves, dark green veining, and blue spring flowers.

• Silver shade tapestry: Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ – use as a smaller silver-leaved echo near the front of the border, where both plants enjoy part shade, moist but well-drained soil, and cool woodland conditions.
• Blue and silver woodland: Hosta ‘June’ – blue-green and gold foliage creates a refined contrast with the silver brunnera leaves in moist, well-drained shade.
• Bold variegated contrast: Hosta ‘Patriot’ – crisp white-edged leaves brighten the same shaded, evenly moist conditions and pair well with brunnera’s silver patterning.
• Fern texture partner: Athyrium niponicum var. pictum – Japanese painted fern repeats the silver tones while adding fine, airy texture in moist, humus-rich shade.
• Gold movement: Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ – cascading gold foliage warms the cool silver brunnera and thrives in part shade with moist, well-drained soil.
• Warm foliage accent: Heuchera ‘Caramel’ – amber foliage creates a beautiful warm-cool contrast and works in part shade with well-drained, moderately moist soil.
• Early spring romance: Dicentra spectabilis ‘White Gold’ – white flowers and golden foliage brighten the same cool, moist shade and extend the spring display.
• Classic shade structure: Astilbe ‘Bridal Veil’ – feathery white plumes add vertical softness in moist, humus-rich soil and pair beautifully with brunnera’s broad leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

RHS – Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds’ PBR: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/387407/brunnera-macrophylla-jack-of-diamonds-pbr/details

Walters Gardens – Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds’: https://www.waltersgardens.com/variety.php?ID=BRUJD

Updated: June 2026 • Reviewed by Gardenia Editors