For years, gardeners have turned to Brunnera macrophylla for reliable shade garden performance and stunning visual appeal. Among its cultivars, the original ‘Jack Frost’ took the gardening world by storm with its distinctive silver foliage and dainty blue blooms. But now, a new contender has entered the ring: the larger-than-life ‘Jack of Diamonds’. How do these two exceptional perennials stack up? Let’s explore the differences and see why ‘Jack of Diamonds’ might be the perfect choice for your garden.
Hey garden friends! I’ve been growing both Brunnera varieties in my shade garden for years now and I gotta tell ya – choosing between Silver Heart and Jack Frost can be tricky! Let me break down everything I’ve learned about these gorgeous perennials to help you pick the perfect one for your garden.
The Quick Comparison
Before diving deep, here’s what you need to know at a glance
Silver Heart
- Grows 15-20″ tall, 18-24″ wide
- More subtle silver leaves
- Open, vase-shaped growth
- Solid silver appearance
- Broader leaves with rounded tips
Jack Frost:
- Grows 12-15″ tall, 15-18″ wide
- Bold silver and green contrast
- Compact, mounded shape
- Frosted, crackled effect
- More pointed leaves
Size & Growth Habits
Y’all, one of the biggest differences I’ve noticed is their size. Silver Heart is like that friend who’s always standing a bit taller in photos – it’ll reach up to 20 inches tall and spread out to 24 inches wide. Meanwhile, Jack Frost keeps things a bit more compact at 15 inches tall and 18 inches wide.
Leaf Appearance (The Real Star of the Show!)
Here’s where things get interesting!
Silver Heart:
- More uniform silver coloring
- Green veining is subtle
- Leaves feel thicker
- Broader, heart-shaped leaves
- Less dramatic contrast
Jack Frost:
- Striking silver and green contrast
- Bold green veining
- Creates a frosted glass effect
- More deeply cut leaves
- Really pops in shady spots!
Growing Conditions
Both these beauties need pretty much the same care:
Light: Partial to full shadeSoil: Moist, rich, well-drainingZones: 3-8Water: Regular moisturePro tip: I’ve found they both HATE afternoon sun – learned that the hard way when I tried growing Jack Frost in a spot that got too much afternoon light. Those beautiful leaves got scorched faster than my attempt at making toast! ♀️
Real Talk: Which One Should You Choose?
After growing both, here’s my honest take:
Go with Silver Heart if:
- You want a slightly larger plant
- You prefer subtle elegance
- You’re combining it with other bold plants
- You need something that looks more “polished”
Pick Jack Frost if:
- You want more drama in your shade garden
- You love high-contrast foliage
- You need a more compact plant
- You’re looking for a real conversation starter
Care Tips from My Garden to Yours
Here’s what’s worked for me:
- Water regularly during the first year – they’re like teenagers, need extra attention at first!
- Mulch well to keep roots cool and moist
- Cut back old foliage in late fall
- Watch out for slugs – they love these plants almost as much as we do!
- Divide every 2-3 years when they get crowded
Common Problems & Solutions
Trust me, I’ve dealt with these:
- Scorched leaves: Too much sun! Move to a shadier spot
- Floppy growth: Probably too much water or fertilizer
- Poor growth: Not enough organic matter in soil
- Yellow leaves: Could be too much water or not enough
Final Thoughts
Both Silver Heart and Jack Frost are amazing plants that’ll make your shade garden pop! I personally have both in my garden – Silver Heart in my woodland area and Jack Frost near my hostas. They’re like the dynamic duo of shade plants!
Remember, there’s no wrong choice here – it really comes down to your personal style and garden needs. Either way, you’re getting a gorgeous, low-maintenance plant that’ll make your neighbors jealous!
Have you grown either of these varieties? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below! Happy gardening, folks!
Note: This article was last updated January 2025 based on my personal experience growing both varieties in Zone 6.
Jack Frost vs Jack of Diamonds: Key Differences
While both cultivars share many traits, their differences are what set them apart:
- Size: ‘Jack Frost’ is compact, while ‘Jack of Diamonds’ is significantly larger, ideal for making a bold statement.
- Leaf Shape: ‘Jack of Diamonds’ features overlapping, circular leaves that create a unique “escargot” effect, unlike the more uniform heart-shaped leaves of ‘Jack Frost’.
- Impact: ‘Jack Frost’ is perfect for smaller spaces and subtle accents, while ‘Jack of Diamonds’ commands attention and excels in larger plantings.
The Original Star: Jack Frost Brunnera
Introduced years ago, ‘Jack Frost’ quickly became a favorite for shade gardeners. Its heart-shaped leaves feature a shimmering silver overlay with prominent green veining, creating a striking appearance that lights up darker garden corners. This cultivar produces airy clusters of baby blue, forget-me-not-like blooms from mid-to-late spring, adding seasonal charm to its already gorgeous foliage.
‘Jack Frost’ is known for its versatility. It works beautifully as a groundcover or a feature plant in containers. With a mature size of about 12-15 inches tall and wide, it’s the perfect scale for smaller gardens or intimate planting schemes. Its moderate growth rate and reliable performance make it an enduring choice for gardeners of all experience levels. However, with the arrival of ‘Jack of Diamonds’, there’s a new favorite in town.
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FAQ
What is the difference between silver heart and sea heart Brunnera?
‘Sea Heart’: Silvered pale green leaves with thick, dark green veins. ‘Silver Heart’: Very silver leaves with more delicate, light green veining. Habit: Mounding herbaceous perennials growing 6 to 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide.
How big do silver heart Brunnera get?
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Silver Heart’ PP #24,685
An herbaceous perennial. WATER: Keep soil consistently moist. SIZE: Slowly reaches 6 to 12 in. tall, spreading 12 to 24.
What is the difference between Jack Frost and Looking Glass Brunnera?
‘Looking Glass’ is distinguished from ‘Jack Frost’ by having more silvery leaves with much less green veining. Although its leaves emerge in spring with some green veining, they lose that veining as they mature.
Which Brunnera has the largest leaves?
‘Jack of Diamonds‘: Features the largest leaves among Brunnera cultivars, with a bold silver and green pattern.