Every gardener knows the struggle of finding the perfect plant for the perfect spot. And when it comes to Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’, the widely accepted wisdom is clear: this stunning perennial, with its luminous silver-veined leaves and delicate blue flowers, absolutely demands consistently moist soil. Conventional gardening resources will firmly tell you it’s not a fan of dry shade.

However, here in my garden, my ‘Jack Frost’ Brunnera plants are telling a different story entirely. Despite being tucked into a border that experiences undeniably dry shade conditions, they’re not just surviving; they’re genuinely thriving. Their characteristic frosty foliage remains vibrant, and the pretty blue blooms appear reliably each spring.

So, what’s their secret to defying the common consensus? I believe it boils down to one crucial factor: morning sun with afternoon shade. While the spot is indeed dry, it receives a good few hours of gentle morning sun, which seems to give the plants the energy they need to grow robustly. As the day progresses and the sun intensifies, they are then enveloped in the cool, protective embrace of afternoon shade. This prevents the harsh midday and afternoon sun from scorching their leaves and, crucially, helps to reduce the rate of moisture evaporation from both the foliage and the soil.

This observation has been a fantastic lesson in the nuances of gardening. While general guidelines are incredibly helpful, microclimates and specific site conditions can often lead to surprising successes. My ‘Jack Frost’ Brunnera is living proof that sometimes, a plant’s adaptability, combined with just the right balance of light and protection, can overcome perceived limitations, creating a beautiful and thriving display even in a less-than-ideal spot.