Forget-me-not flowers (Myosotis scorpioides)
Planting, Growing, and Caring for Forget-Me-Nots
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The true-blue forget-me-not plant displays clouds of tiny sky-blue flowers with yellow centers, perched on the tip of hairy stems, which grow from 4 inches to a foot long. This perennial flower self-seeds and blooms for months. Here’s how to grow forget-me-not flowers in your garden!
About Forget-Me-Nots
The genus name, Myosotis, is derived from two Greek words, mys, meaning “mouse,” and ous, meaning “ear,” to refer to the shape of the flower petal, which has a rounded shape with a rounded notch in the center.
This perennial plant’s natural habitat is near marshes, bogs, river banks, woodlands, and wet places, so they prefer wet to moist conditions in full to partial sun. They can also tolerate cold conditions.
In the yard and garden, these charming light blue blossoms look best in large masses as ground cover or as a carpet of flowers in partial-shade spots. They’ll also grow in flower beds and containers. Both butterflies and bees are attracted to these blue and yellow beauties, which may bloom from May through October.
Note: Please note that forget-me-nots are invasive in some areas. Otherwise, plants will spread by creeping rhizomes but are not overly aggressive. Pinch young plants to promote bushiness.
Growing
How to Grow Forget-Me-Nots
- After seedlings appear, add mulch around the plants.
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist.
- Apply a granular slow-release fertilizer to the plants in early spring.
- Deadhead spent flowers for continued bloom through the summer.
- Leave the flowers on the plant if you want the forget-me-nots to reseed.
Types
Myosotis sylvatica is the common bi-annual forget-me-not with hairy leaves. It’s also known as the woodland forget-me-not.
- ‘Rosylva’ has pink flowers.
- ‘Victoria Rose’ blooms early with small pink flowers.
M. scorpiodes is similar to the common forget-me-not. It is a true perennial and will bloom year after year. One-quarter-inch bright blue flowers with yellow centers appear in late spring or early summer and will bloom into late summer.
M. alpestris, the hardy alpine forget-me-not, is a short-lived dwarf perennial growing to 6 inches tall. Blooms are blue, pink, or white.
Catherine Boeckmann
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