Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds’

Description

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds’ is a striking perennial that will enhance any shaded garden space with its large heart-shaped leaves, heavy silver mottling, and vibrant dark green veins. The plant also produces airy sprays of baby blue flowers in spring, resembling forget-me-nots. To ensure your Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds’ thrives, follow this comprehensive planting and care guide.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The optimal time to plant Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds’ is in early spring when the soil begins to warm up. Planting during this time allows the roots to establish before the growing season begins, promoting healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
• Autumn: Alternatively, planting in early autumn gives your Brunnera time to settle into its new location before the cooler weather arrives. This encourages strong root development, leading to vigorous growth in the spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds’ thrives in shaded or partially shaded locations. Choose a spot in your garden that receives dappled light or full shade. This plant is perfect for woodland gardens, beneath trees, or along shaded borders.
• Soil: This perennial prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Brunnera thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil. For best results, incorporate compost or well-rotted organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is about twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds.’ This provides the plant with ample space for root expansion.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to improve its texture and drainage. Brunnera thrives in rich, moist soil, so enhancing soil quality will ensure strong growth and vibrant foliage.
3. Planting: Place the root ball in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole with soil and firm it down to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots and help the plant establish. Brunnera prefers consistently moist soil, so ensure it drains well to prevent waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Brunnera needs regular watering during the growing season to maintain moist soil. Water the plant thoroughly during dry spells, but avoid over-watering, as the plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
• Dormant Season: During the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Only water the plant if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Brunnera is relatively low-maintenance during the winter months.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to encourage healthy growth. This will help your Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds’ establish itself and support its vibrant foliage and blue spring flowers.
• Mid-Summer: If desired, a light feeding in mid-summer can promote continued growth and enhance the overall health of the plant. Be careful not to over-fertilise, as Brunnera thrives in nutrient-rich but not overly rich soil.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Brunnera does not require heavy deadheading, but you may want to remove any spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage longer blooming.
• Autumn Pruning: After the flowering period ends, you can trim back the foliage in autumn. Cut the plant back to the ground after the leaves die back to prepare for the next growing season.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Brunnera in spring to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches like bark chips or leaf mold are ideal for this purpose.
• Winter: Mulch can also be applied in the winter to protect the roots from frost and to prevent frost heaving, which can damage the plant. A thicker layer of mulch will help insulate the roots and keep them safe from the cold.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds’ typically does not need staking as it is a low-growing perennial with a spreading habit. However, if grown in very rich soil, it may spread more widely, and you may want to provide some support to keep it contained.

Final Tips

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack of Diamonds’ is a stunning perennial that adds beauty to shaded garden areas. With its striking silver-mottled foliage, dark green veins, and bright blue spring flowers, it’s a perfect choice for creating visual interest in low-light spots. To keep your Brunnera healthy, ensure it is planted in moist, well-drained soil and receives regular water during the growing season. With minimal maintenance, this hardy plant will reward you with years of vibrant foliage and stunning springtime blooms.

RHS Details

See more Brunnera from Proctors