10 Gorgeous Shade Plants That Deer Always Avoid

by The Home Growns January 11, 2025, 9:27 am 5.2k Views

6. Brunnera (Siberian Bugloss)

A shade-loving, deer-resistant Brunnera macrophylla (Siberian bugloss) displaying its signature heart-shaped green and white variegated leaves and delicate clusters of bright blue forget-me-not-like flowers growing in a mulched woodland garden setting. The close-up photo showcases this popular shade plant's ornamental foliage and spring blooms.

Let me introduce you to what I like to call the “designer’s secret weapon” for shade gardens – Brunnera! This stunning plant has completely transformed how I think about ground covers, and trust me, once you see its silvery heart-shaped leaves catching the light in a shaded corner, you’ll be just as obsessed as I am!

The Silver Lining of Shade Gardens

The first time I saw Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ in person, I literally gasped! The way its:

Silver-veined leaves shimmer in shade
Tiny blue flowers float above the foliage
Frost-like patterns create light effects
Heart-shaped foliage adds romance

Growing Conditions for Success

Through some trial and error, I’ve discovered these essential care tips:

Plant in rich, organic soil
Maintain consistent moisture
Provide partial to full shade
Protect from hot afternoon sun

Pro tip: I’ve found that adding a layer of leaf mold mulch keeps them especially happy!

Designer Varieties Worth Growing

My absolute favorites include:

‘Jack Frost’ – classic silver variegation
‘Alexander’s Great’ – larger leaves and more vigor
‘Sea Heart’ – thicker leaves with enhanced silver
‘Silver Heart’ – most heat-tolerant variety

Modern Garden Applications

Here’s how I use Brunnera in contemporary designs:

As living groundcover under trees
In modern container combinations
Creating textural mass plantings
Along contemporary pathway edges

Maintenance and Division

These beauties are pretty low-maintenance, but here’s what I’ve learned:

Divide clumps every 2-3 years
Remove any damaged leaves in spring
Cut back spent flower stems
Maintain consistent watering schedule

Companion Planting Success

I love pairing Brunnera with:

Japanese Painted Ferns
Dark-leaved Heuchera
Early spring bulbs
Native woodland plants

Season-Long Interest

One thing that makes Brunnera special is its multi-season appeal:

Spring: Forget-me-not blue flowers
Summer: Stunning silver foliage
Fall: Continued leaf interest
Winter: Evergreen in mild climates

Ready for some serious flower power? Click “next” to discover the feathery plumes of Astilbe – a shade garden superstar that brings firework-like blooms to your garden! I can’t wait to share my secret technique for getting the most vibrant colors and longest-lasting blooms from these beauties.

Remember: While Brunnera might seem delicate with its ethereal flowers and frosted leaves, it’s actually quite tough and long-lived. It’s like having a piece of living silver jewelry in your garden! ✨