Forget Me Not Plugs? The 224 Detailed Answer

These dainty little flowers belong to the genus Myosotis in the Boraginaceae family. Although there is variation within the species, most flowers are about half an inch in diameter and have five petals growing at the end of the stalk. Though best known for their blue flowers, some varieties produce pink or white flowers (and even a mix). Forget-me-nots are beautiful, easy-to-grow ornamental flowers used in woodland gardens and landscapes.

The forget-me-not flower by any other name would not be so cute to gardeners, nor would the other numerous small blue forget-me-not flowers affectionately given the same name by their admirers.

But are forget-me-not plants perennial?

What do forget-me-nots look like? Picture above:

It seems odd that so many annuals and perennials have been indiscriminately labeled forget-me-nots over the years, both at home and abroad.

True forget-me-not flowers have been treasured by gardeners for generations.

Perhaps the small blue flowers of the forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) are so treasured because they evoke gardens from a bygone childhood, or those of a beloved mother or grandmother.

Forget-me-nots are water-loving plants, certainly not flashy or showy; Rather, their appeal lies in their delicacy and exquisite, heavenly color.

These plants can be grown as annuals or perennials, but typically grow biennials in most climates.

Although forget-me-not flowers typically bloom very little during their first growing season, they bloom profusely in their second spring.

These beautiful flowers bloom from early spring to the first frost and remain dormant throughout the winter.

Forget-me-not plants make great floral gifts. You can buy them in flower shops. Others use online flower services to send greetings to mothers on Mother’s Day.

Aside from serving as a Mother’s Day flower and a florist’s item, forget-me-not flowers are also used as a funeral flower.

Plants usually self-seed if well cared for and will reappear annually.

What are forget-me-not plants?

Forget-me-nots are a group of about 50 species of the genus Myosotis (Mye-oh-soh-tiss), which belongs to the Boraginaceae family. [Source]

Most Myosotis species have small, flat, five-petaled, light blue flowers (some cultivars white and pink) that grow close to their stalks.

Myosotis is a Greek name meaning “mouse ear” and was given to the plant due to the shape of the small leaves. Both the annual and the perennial plant are native to Eurasia.

In the northern hemisphere, Myosotis is known as scorpion grass.

The biennial variety Myosotis sylvatica (sil-vat-ik-uh) stops flowering with the arrival of summer heat and sets seed pods. Small Myosotis sylvatica seedlings appear inconspicuous in fall and bloom profusely the following spring.

The biennial variety Myosotis scorpioides (skorp-ee-oyd-eez) thrives very well in swampy locations.

Myosotidium hortensia is native to the Chatham Islands in New Zealand where it displays inflorescences of blue flowers in late spring.

The perennial varieties of these flowering plants don’t put on as impressive a floral display as their biennial cousins. However, they tend to bloom for a longer season, usually spring through summer.

Myosotis alpestris is the most popular and is preferred by many to the perennial. This annual is a dwarf growing to 9 inches tall with pink, blue, or white flowers.

The flowers of the perennial Myosotis palustris are blue with yellow, pink, or white centers. This species has narrow leaves and grows slightly taller.

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Where to plant the forget-me-not flowers and choose the ideal location

True forget-me-nots can be set up in spring or fall, or plants can be grown from seeds sown from early spring throughout the summer.

Myosotis alpestris needs a sunny, well-drained site, while the perennial Myosotis palustris, often called swamp forget-me-not, prefers moist soil and a partially shaded site.

These forget-me-nots are useful in planning a rock garden design, as a carpet around spring and summer bulbs and in the foreground of borders.

Forget-me-nots do exceptionally well in an area receiving filtered to moderate shade with wet gravel soil.

The natural habitat of wild forget-me-not flowers is near creek and creek beds in several inches of water. Look for a spot that is low and slightly moist to keep.

NOTE: While you can enjoy Forge Me Not flowers, remember that they are free seeding and propagating easily.

How to grow forget-me-not seeds

Forget-me-nots freely seed themselves, making seed collection easy. Before growing forget-me-not flowers, mix in organic material such as compost or manure into the planting beds.

Sow seeds of forget-me-nots, which take 8 to 14 days to germinate, directly into prepared flower beds after all danger of frost. Sow the seeds indoors a few weeks before the last frost if you want the plants to flower earlier.

If planting in outdoor flower beds, add mulch until seeds begin to germinate. The mulch will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

How to Plant Myosotis Flowers: Propagating Established Plants

Forget-me-nots are easy to propagate by cutting off clumps of established plants.

How to care for forget-me-not plants

Keep Soil Moist – Forget-me-nots love moist soil. Never let it dry out. Watering with a soaking hose or drip irrigation makes the watering process easy.

Fertilizer Requirements – Apply slow-release, balanced, all-purpose granular fertilizer at least once per season. Early spring is the ideal time. Avoid over-fertilizing. Use the recommended application rate.

Pruning and Shaping Forget-Me-Not Plants – Generally, these plants are ground cover plants. Pruning and shaping can be difficult.

Control their growth by removing them where you don’t want them to expand and shape them into your desired landscape bed designs.

Pest and Disease Control – Overall, diseases and insects are not all that common. In some cases, aphids tend to interfere with the growth of new leaves. Control aphids naturally with insecticidal soap sprays.

Keep an eye out for flea beetles, which often infest forget-me-not flowers and puncture the leaves. Learn more in our article: Fighting flea beetles.

Forget-me-nots add a gentle beauty to gardens. They are easy to care for and thrive when planted in fertile soil and watered well.

More blue plants:

Legends and history of forget-me-not flowers

These tiny flowers have been cherished and remembered for generations. Numerous legends about their origin bear witness to this.

These “legends” have survived and been passed on in many different countries. One of the earliest and most appealing of these legends comes from Wales, an unusual source for such tales.

In this land in the mountains of Glamorgan, fairy gold was hidden, so the story goes.

A carpet of blue forget-me-nots grew on the mountainside nearby, dainty and ethereal.

Evil men heard rumors about the elven gold and decided to steal it. They ignored the heavenly blue of the flowers nearby.

As they carried the treasure away, a sweet elfish voice spoke to them from one of the small blue flowers. “You took the least and left the best. Don’t forget me.”

The men paid no attention and still wanted to disappear with the loot. This angered the mountains and they shook their sides, devouring both men and gold.

The forget-me-nots were also overcast for a while, but soon pushed their way up and once again blanketed the mountainsides in blue. There they continue to grow and bloom.

Passers-by, their ears tuned to the “voices,” hear them repeatedly calling from the mountainside, “Forget-me-not… forget-me-not.”

For a cute, colorful flower that grows back year after year, consider planting forget-me-nots in your garden. “Forget-me-not flowers are dainty (with five petals and an open, flat face) and come in shades like bright blue, pink, and white,” says Kelly Wilkness, host of My Soulful Home on Smart. Healthy. Green. Life. “They add beautiful color and joy to a garden.” In addition to color and visual interest, forget-me-not flowers also have cultural significance, according to Wilkness. “There are many references to the forget-me-not plant throughout history, from the ancient Greeks to Henry IV to the present day,” she explains. “Kensington Palace in London has a memorial garden of 3,500 white forget-me-nots in honor of Princess Diana, as this humble bloom was her favorite flower.”

Would you like to learn more about how to plant, grow and care for forget-me-nots? We asked Wilkness and Josh Sevick, President of The Grounds Guys, a Neighborly company, to share their advice on everything you need to know about the gorgeous blooms.

Plant forget-me-nots in semi-shade.

According to our experts, forget-me-nots do best in partial shade and hardiness zones five through nine. “In the wild, forget-me-nots thrive in shady forests and along river banks,” explains Wilkness. “For the home gardener, plant in a moist spot that receives part shade to dappled light.” If you want to start with seeds, Sevick also recommends planting forget-me-not seeds about three inches deep in the ground to give their roots and stems room to grow. “You can use a spade or a hand shovel,” he says.

Use potting soil when planting.

Another way to ensure forget-me-not plants produce excellent buds is to plant them in the right type of soil. “Forget-me-nots do best in light soil that can breathe, so potting soil and compost are beneficial when planting,” explains Sevick. “They don’t need a lot of fertilizing, but a starter fertilizer can help with planting.”

Water forget-me-nots frequently during the warmer months.

Forget-me-nots thrive in moist soil conditions, which is why our gardening experts recommend watering them about three to four times a week during spring and summer. “Lots of water keep these radiant beauties blooming from spring through summer,” says Wilkness. To ensure the soil stays moist (not soggy), water the plants deeply when the top three inches of soil feels dry to the touch during warm weather months, but reduce watering to about once or twice a month when they rest in winter.

Try growing forget-me-nots as a container plant.

Wilkness warns that one downside to growing forget-me-nots is that they often produce more plants than there is space, earning them a reputation for being a potentially invasive species. “To avoid a bed that’s too lush, plant forget-me-nots in a container,” she says. “Provide a shady spot and plenty of water, and choose a plastic pot as this material retains water better than ceramic or clay.”

Prune regularly.

The forget-me-not is a flowering plant in the genus Myosotis in the family Boraginaceae.

The colloquial name borrows from the original German name Vergissmeinnicht, which translated means “forget-me-not”.

The flowers are also prominent in literature. They appear in poems, epics and novels by many famous authors such as Henry David Thoreau and J.R.R. tolkien

There are many varieties of the plant, but the most popular is the variety with blue flowers. Other varieties produce pink or white flowers.

In this article we take a look at everything you need to know to grow forget-me-nots.

Growing conditions for forget-me-nots

Forget-me-not flowers grow in a variety of habitats from sea level to altitudes of around 4000 m.

However, most garden varieties come from the temperate forests and evergreen forests of the northern hemisphere. A popular example of such a variety is the Myosotis alpestris, or Alpine forget-me-not.

Common cultivars thrive in USDA zones 3 through 8. But true forget-me-not is slightly less cold tolerant and does well between zones 5 and 9.

Aside from the USDA zone, the following conditions also affect the growth of your forget-me-nots:

Light: Plant forget-me-nots in partial shade in the southern part of their range and in full sun in the north. In areas with hot summers, plant them where they get plenty of sunlight in the morning and shade in the afternoon.

: Plant forget-me-nots in partial shade in the southern part of their range and in full sun in the north. In areas with hot summers, plant them where they get plenty of sunlight in the morning and shade in the afternoon. Soil: Plants need moist, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. You can mix in about 2 to 3 inches of well-aged compost, manure, or peat moss before planting. Also make sure the soil has a pH between 5.6 and 7.

: Plants need moist, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. You can mix in about 2 to 3 inches of well-aged compost, manure, or peat moss before planting. Also make sure the soil has a pH between 5.6 and 7. Water: Forget-me-nots need plenty of water, keep them well hydrated. They are typically found on river banks in the wild and grow well in moist environments.

Types of forget-me-nots

There are two main types of forget-me-nots. Both types look very similar but have slight differences in growing conditions and flowering times.

Here is a table showing the differences between the two:

True forget-me-not

(Myosotis scorpioides) Forest forget-me-not

(Myosotis sylvatica) USDA Plant Hardiness Zones Zones 5 to 9 Zones 3 to 8 Height 6 to 12 in 6 to 12 in Spread 9 to 12 in 6 to 9 in Flowering Period June to August April to May Flowering Description Sky blue with yellow center Blue with yellow or white eyes

How to plant forget-me-not flowers

The location is the most important factor that determines the success of your flowers. Understand the natural habitats these plants grow in so you can grow them in the right area.

Most Myosotis strains come from either:

True forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) – this is an aquatic or marsh plant. It grows mainly in wet ditches and shallow watercourses. They are ideal for a shady garden and pond edges and require full sun to part shade.

The forest forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica) – also known as the “blue ball”. It grows in moist forests and mountain meadows and requires well-drained soil and partial shade.

How to start forget-me-not

Forget-me-not seedling | Image courtesy

Sow your forget-me-not seeds on top of a moist, well-drained seed starter from early spring. You can do this in seed trays or 2 to 3 inch pots.

Store the trays at temperatures between 65 and 72℉. Check the growing media regularly for moisture content.

Germination usually occurs after about 10 to 14 days. It then takes about a year for forget-me-nots to grow fully and bloom.

Thin the seedlings as they develop their first set of true leaves. Note that the first leaves they develop are “seed leaves.” Wait for the second sentence to appear. These are the real leaves.

When the seedlings are large enough to handle and have a healthy root system, transplant them to your garden.

Alternatively, you can sow the seeds directly in the garden once the danger of frost has passed.

To do this, rake the garden into fine soil and sow the seeds in straight drills. This makes it much easier to identify and eradicate weeds.

Can forget-me-nots grow in pots?

Forget-me-not flowers make excellent pot plants that require little maintenance. You can grow them in containers provided you meet their growing conditions.

The planters you choose will also affect your flowers. For example, plastic containers retain more moisture than ceramic or clay pots. This makes them a better option for moisture-loving plants like forget-me-nots.

In addition, the plants need a lot of air circulation. Grow single plants in 12 inch planters with enough drainage holes.

Forget-me-nots tolerate moderate and even poorly fertile soil. But for best performance, mix 1 part compost and 1 part coarse sand when making your potting soil. This will help improve drainage and nutrient levels for your plants.

Image courtesy

Forget-me-not care

Remove wilted flowers and dead foliage by pinching off their stems. This encourages the formation of new flowers and helps control overseeding.

When they begin to wilt in late summer, remove the plants by pulling up, stems, and roots. Forget-me-not is spread by both seeds and stolons that take root at leaf nodes. This could prove problematic as the plant is aggressive. It is even considered invasive in some parts of the United States.

You can fertilize your forget-me-not plants once a month. But only if the leaves look yellow or wilted.

To do this, mix one teaspoon of 5-10-10 water-soluble fertilizer with one gallon of water. Use the mixture in place of a watering session and use the amount you would normally use to water your plants.

Water your forget-me-not plants when the top 3 inches of soil feels dry. You can check the moisture level by sticking a finger in the soil.

Hydrate deeply enough to allow water to drip out of the container’s drainage holes. Reduce this schedule to once or twice a month during the winter dormancy period.

Do forget-me-nots come back every year?

Perennial varieties of forget-me-nots come back in the spring. They seed or sprout from underground roots to create new growth.

However, there are also biennial and annual varieties that do not come back every year.

How to Harvest Forget-Me-Not Seeds

If you’re growing forget-me-nots, you probably won’t have much reason to collect the seeds. But in case you must collect them, spread some newspapers under your plants when they start to turn brown.

Once in place, pull up the stems and place them on top of the newspapers. Shake the stems to make the flower heads drop the glossy black seeds onto the newspapers.

Then fold the newspapers and put the seeds in a suitable container.

Forget-me-nots are beautiful, low-maintenance flowers, ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners. They are generally pest and disease resistant, making them easy to care for.

Check out the Gardening Channel for more gardening tips, tricks, and how-to guides.

Here’s everything you need to know to turn your home garden into an oasis. Here is free advice from experienced gardeners to put you on the path to a thriving home garden.

In mild Mediterranean climates, plant forget-me-nots from seed in fall, winter, or early spring. Scatter the seeds in the garden and let nature do the rest. You can also plant in early spring. The space starts 6 inches apart. Keep the soil moist throughout the growing season by watering deeply weekly for lush, lush growth. In the fall, after the plants are seeded, you can pull them up to tidy up the garden, just make sure the seeds have had a chance to disperse when you want new plants next year.

Seeds of Myosotis Sylvatica

Flower Specifications Approximate Seeds per Pound: 816,466 Season: Perennial USDA Zones: 3-9 Height: 6-12 in. Flowering Time: Late Spring Flower Color: Blue Environment: Full sun to part shade Soil Type: Moist, pH 6.1-7.8 Deer Resistant: Yes Houseplant: No Latin Name: Myosotis Sylvatica Planting Direction Temperature: 68 – 72F Average Germination Time: 10 – 20 days Light Requirement: No Depth: 1/16 in. Seed Rate: 2 ounces per 1,000 square feet or 5 pounds per acre Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germinating Plant Spacing: 9-12 inches Care and Maintenance: Myosotis

Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis Sylvatica) – One of the all-time worldwide favorite wildflowers, often used at funerals. Forget-me-nots got their name after the romantic legend: A medieval knight who was collecting blue flowers for his beloved by a stream was suddenly swept away by flood water. As he disappeared, he threw the bouquet to his lady with the immortal words: “Don’t forget me.” Myosotis Sylvatica seeds grow in all regions of North America and are very easy to establish. Blue forget-me-not flowers grow in sun or shade and start blooming early.

Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Susceptible to mold and rust. Use: bedding. border fronts. rockeries. Wild gardens and wooded areas or around ponds where plants can be naturalized. Transplant with green onions. This plant is listed as a noxious weed in one or more Midwestern states outside of Missouri and should not be moved or grown in conditions that would present a risk of spread.

Lovely container plant Forget-me-nots are low growing and make a lovely ground cover as well as a border for the front of the border or even in containers.

Colorful combinations

Forget-me-nots are one of the few plants that can display a true blue color. But the adorable and prolific blooms also come in light pink, purple and even a pure white, and yellow centers brighten up any hue. The curving stems that support the flowers give forget-me-not one of its common names: scorpion grass. Blooms appear in early to late spring and continue until the summer heat slows the plants down.

Forget-me-not care must-knows

Forget-me-nots are easy-to-grow plants that require little maintenance. Usually grown from seed, forget-me-nots are often treated as biennials or short-lived perennials. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden in fall for flowering early in spring. The self-seeders can become invasive unless spread is controlled by Totkopf. Forget-me-nots form dense mats of foliage by producing aerial stolons. The foliage is deer resistant and resembles rounded mouse ears.

One of the biggest killers of forget-me-nots is summer heat and humidity. Especially in the south, summers tend to kill off these charming plants. In that case, treat forget-me-nots as cool-season annuals or look for heat-tolerant cultivars and species. Forget-me-nots prefer full sun, but where the summers are hot they are better placed where they can get some afternoon shade. Forget-me-nots also prefer consistently moist soil. Some species can actually grow in stagnant water and work well as marginal aquatic plants.

Forget-me-nots in the course of time

As you can imagine, this plant has many historical references and meanings closely tied to its name. Forget-me-nots were commonly grown in gardens to commemorate lost loved ones. At other times, people wore sprays of these delicate blooms as a token of their loyalty to a loved one. The flower was also taken as a mark of remembrance for fallen soldiers in wars and other significant events.

Myosotis sylvatica Like tiny bits of bright blue sky falling in your garden, forget-me-not is one of the few true blue flowers available to gardeners. Packed with history and symbolism, these plants are easy-to-grow beauties. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy through one of our links, we may receive a commission.

So go ahead, plan some of your own!

Just read this article first to learn everything you need to know before you start.

cultivation and history

The genus name Myosotis means “mouse ear,” named for the rounded shape of these plants’ fluffy leaves.

There are about 100 species in the genus, and most of these are commonly known as forget-me-nots or scorpion grass.

Typically found in temperate regions, some species are found in alpine areas.

Most species are native to western Eurasia and New Zealand, while only ten species grow wild in North America, South America, Africa, New Guinea and Australia.

Although this plant has been a favorite of French and German gardeners for centuries, it only became popular in British gardens in the 19th century.

Of the 100 species, there are three that are most commonly grown as garden plants.

Myosotis sylvatica, also known as the forest forget-me-not, is a biennial plant native to Europe and parts of southern Asia, including Bhutan, India and Nepal.

It grows in woods, forests and rocky places. This species is the most commonly grown variety and is the focus of this guide, but a few other species have similar growing requirements.

Prone to crowding out other native plants, this can become a problem if she evades cultivation in non-native areas like North America and Australia. Along with M. scorpioides, known as true or water forget-me-not, it is considered an invasive and noxious weed in some Midwestern states.

Another notable species is the Alaskan state flower.

M. asiatica, also known as alpine forget-me-not, is a short-lived, summer-flowering biennial native to the northwestern states and provinces of the United States and Canada.

It makes a beautiful rock garden plant and can be an excellent alternative if the other two species described above are considered invasive in your area.

M. asiatica

Forget-me-not flowers carry a great deal of meaning, often related to their sentimental name.

According to legend, a drowning knight threw a bouquet of blue flowers to his beloved, who was standing on the bank, and exclaimed “Don’t forget me!”. and the name was born.

Since then, the flowers have become a symbol of remembrance.

The clear, sky-colored petals were King Henry IV’s emblem when he went into exile and remained his royal symbol after he returned.

Forget-me-nots are the poppy equivalent of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Residents wear forget-me-not flowers on the first of July each year to commemorate the deaths of hundreds of their soldiers in France on July 1, 1916.

The flower is also a symbol of the memory of the Armenian Genocide.

In 1921, in the United States, before returning service programs existed, November 10 was declared National Forget-Me-Not Day and the flowers were sold to raise funds for injured veterans.

Forget-Me-Not Days on June 5th and 6th are dedicated to raising awareness and fundraising for Alzheimer’s disease in New Zealand. Packets of seeds are distributed to be planted in honor of those who suffer.

propagation

Myositis plants are relatively easy to propagate, either by seed or by division.

Most garden forget-me-nots are biennials, growing from seed dispersed in late summer and fall, flowering and dispersing seed the following year, and then dying.

But because they self-seed easily, keeping your flower bed going is easy.

From seeds

M. sylvatica sets seeds in the heat of summer and easily self-seeds, meaning they will persist in your garden for years if you don’t kill them after flowering. The seeds are spread further by animals and water.

You can collect seeds from your plants before they are naturally propagated, or buy seeds at your local nursery or online.

Sow the seeds directly in your garden in midsummer. To prepare the soil, rake it to loosen it and smooth the surface, then water lightly.

Scatter the seeds on the surface of the soil or sow them individually, four inches apart. The seedlings appear in the fall and the plants flower the following spring.

Alternatively, start sowing indoors eight to 10 weeks before the last frost in small pots filled with moistened soilless medium.

Sow three to four seeds together and lightly press them into the surface of the medium.

Store the pots in a dark, warm place at around 20-20°C, making sure the medium stays moist. The seeds germinate within 14 to 21 days.

Instead of watering from above, place the pots in a bowl of water to water from below to prevent root rot.

Begin hardening off when the seedlings have two sets of true leaves. You can choose to transplant immediately after hardening or wait until fall to transplant.

Plants transplanted in the spring should flower that same year, and those planted in the fall will flower the following spring.

After division

Although most plants only live biennially, some can survive a little longer as short-lived perennials, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Divide surviving forget-me-nots every three to five years in spring after flowering or in early fall. Carefully dig up the root ball and divide it by pulling the roots apart with your hand.

Replant the divisions as described below.

transplantation

If you bought potted plants from a nursery, set them up in the spring or fall just as you would your own plants grown from seed.

Make sure you choose a spot that is well drained and moist. Water potted plants well before transplanting.

Dig a hole slightly larger than the size of the root ball or pot, loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole, put in the root ball and refill. Make sure the soil isn’t piled too high or touching the base of the stem.

Water after planting.

how do i breed

Forget-me-not is not a fussy plant and will thrive in zones 3-8. It tolerates drought but will be dormant in the hottest part of summer once seed has been set.

Plant in full sun or partial shade. In areas where the summer gets very hot, make sure the plant gets some shade during the day.

Forest forget-me-not does well in a variety of soils including sandy, loamy or loamy soil.

Provided it’s in a well-draining spot and you keep the soil moist, it will tolerate a wide pH range, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.0-8.0).

Check soil moisture regularly and water when dry to a depth of two inches.

Fertilize your plant once a month during spring and summer, especially when the leaves are turning yellow. Use a fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 5-10-10 or similar and apply according to package directions.

If you wish, cut or pull off the entire plant once it has finished flowering to prevent self-seeding.

Forget-me-nots can also be grown in containers.

Use well-drained soil in a container with good drainage and be even more careful about soil moisture when potting than when planting in the ground, as containers will dry out quickly!

Fertilize as in soil and allow the plants some shade during the day.

growing tips

Plant in full sun but allow partial shade in hot locations.

Provide moist, well-drained soil.

Fertilize monthly with 5-10-10 (NPK).

cut and care

Although these plants do not require pruning in the usual sense, a little annual gardening is required if you want to curb their spread.

To prevent forget-me-nots from self-seeding in places you might not want them to sprout next year, be sure to deadhead before the flowers go to seed.

Volunteers can also be transplanted to other spots in the garden.

Older plants that survive past the second year as perennials can be divided to keep them healthy and ensure they have plenty of room to spread out.

Varieties to choose from

Think forget-me-nots, and if you’re like me you probably think bright blue flowers.

You are correct, M. sylvatica flowers are typically varying shades of light true blue. However, some pink and white varieties are also available! Rose Forget-Me-Not Eden Brothers Nursery offers packages of Rose, Indigo, White, or Dwarf Ultramarine M. sylvatica seeds that make a beautiful addition to the garden. Or, if you can’t decide which color to go with, try pink, blue and white all together in a mixed collection available in a small pack or in bulk from Eden Brothers.

Bluesylva

Part of the Sylva series, ‘Bluesylva’ has light blue flowers with a yellow eye and is a low spreading biennial variety with spring and early summer beauty.

Snow Sylva

Blooming from early spring to late summer with lots of bright white, yellow-eyed flowers, this garden favorite is also part of the popular Sylva series.

Victoria Blue Just in case you need another classic sky-reflecting forget-me-not variety, ‘Victoria Blue’ features dainty, iridescent buds on a compact plant. ‘Victoria Blue’ ‘Victoria Blue’ is available in 250 milligram seed packets from Botanical Interests. Victoria Pink Compact and with many small pink flowers with white centres, ‘Victoria Pink’ is an early spring bloomer. ‘Victoria Pink’ seeds in 250 milligram packets are available from Botanical Interests. Dealing with pests and diseases

There aren’t very many pests that affect forget-me-nots, but there are several diseases to look out for and try to prevent.

aphids

Aside from the ever-hungry aphid, Myosotis plants are not often attacked by insects.

If your plant is infested with aphids, you’ll likely notice either the white skin the insects shed as they grow, or the curled leaves before you see the pests themselves.

They especially like to hang on the undersides of leaves and stems. Monterey Horticultural Oil If your plant is crawling with aphids, try a horticultural oil like this one from Monterey, available from Arbico Organics.

You can find out more about dealing with aphids in our guide.

crown rot

Most diseases affecting M. sylvatica are caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in moist and humid conditions.

Crown rot is caused by soil-borne Sclerotium delphinii fungi and becomes a problem in wet conditions or in heavy soil. Crown rot affects the lower part of the stem near and in the ground.

You can identify crown rot as brown rot by the bottom line slowly creeping up. This eventually girdles the plant, and the leaves begin to die and fall off because no water is flowing through the stem.

This disease is spread by tools and water spray, and there is little you can do once crown rot has taken hold other than remove and discard the entire plant to try to prevent further spread to neighboring plants.

Prevent this disease from infecting your plants in the first place by planting in well-draining soil, watering only when needed, and making sure the soil surface does not touch the plant’s stem or pile up.

For more tips on identifying and controlling crown rot, click here.

powdery mildew

High humidity and dry leaves are home to Golovinomyces cynoglossi, a fungus that causes flaky white growth on leaf surfaces.

Known as powdery mildew, this disease can also cause yellow spotting on the leaves, which eventually leads to complete chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves) and leaf death.

To prevent powdery mildew, make sure your plants have enough space between themselves and other plants.

If you see white, fuzzy spots on the leaves, remove individual leaves before they spread, or remove the entire plant if heavily infected.

To prevent, treat, or control powdery mildew, you can opt for an organic product like ZeroTol, available at Arbico Organics. ZeroTol Fungicide ZeroTol is a fungicide, algaecide and bactericide that combines hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid for a safe, effective product that both homeowners and commercial growers can use.

As always, make sure you use the product according to the directions on the label.

Read more about some of the best organic powdery mildew remedies here.

rust

Various species of Puccinia fungi are pathogens that cause patches of rust-colored spores on the leaves or stems.

These reddish-brown spots are surrounded by a halo of yellow tissue. Plants affected by Puccinia are also often stunted.

You may choose to remove the plant if you are growing it as an annual or biannual, but if it is a plant that has survived as a perennial in your garden you may choose to use a copper or sulfur based fungicide Apply as soon as you notice symptoms. Bonide Copper Fungicide Check out Bonide’s Liquid Copper Fungicide for a possible treatment option, available from Arbico Organics.

Best use

Imagine a border of blue surrounding or underplanting a bed of tulips, roses or shrubs, or an entire bed of forget-me-nots dazzling the bees, butterflies and people who visit.

Forget-me-nots look fabulous and do well as ground covers on slopes and banks, and they do just as well in the garden as in a container on the patio.