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.

* Care: Snip off flower stalks when flowers brown. Water in dry spells to keep leaf edges from browning. Cut foliage to a stub at end of winter. Scatter balanced organic fertilizer around plant base in spring.

* Great partner: Ring around fothergilla ‘Blue Shadow’ (a white-blooming shade shrub with blue leaves). Dark-blue hyacinths are a perfect April pal.