Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla) has long been a go-to perennial for shade gardens, thanks to cultivars with eye-catching variegated leaves. Breeders continue to work on enhancing this trait while boosting vigor, resulting in new varieties like Frost King (‘Balfroskin’). Large leaves and a good resistance to scorching set Frost King apart from older buglosses.
Common name: Frost King Siberian bugloss
Botanical name: Brunnera macrophylla ‘Balfroskin’
Origin: Brunnera macrophylla is native to mountain forests of Western Asia and Eastern Europe. Frost King is a cultivar introduced by DarwinPerennials in 2025.
Flowers: Small blue flowers, similar in appearance to forget-me-nots, appear above the foliage in the spring.
Foliage: Five inch wide, heart-shaped leaves unfurl in spring. The leaf is bright silver with a dark green margin and veining.
Size and habit: Herbaceous perennial growing just over a foot tall and up to two feet wide, with a mounding shape.
Related: ‘Trevi Fountain’ lungwort is another fun foliage perennial for shade.
Growing Frost King bugloss
Exposure: Part shade, full shade, dappled light
How to grow it: For its best health and appearance, provide Frost King bugloss with at least partial shade. It will also grow well in full shade or all-day dappled light. Keep the soil consistently moist and top-dress with leaf mold or another soil-building mulch annually. Zones 4–9a.
Related: Find fine-textured companions for bugloss in “Ornamental Grasses for Shade.”
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