Alphabetical Plant Listing

Forget-me-not: How to Grow and Care with Success

Forget-me-not: Blue flowers to cherish


Despite their small size, forget-me-nots have a big impact both as a symbol of love and remembrance and as a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape. Whether you choose to grow them for their meaning or simply for their beauty, these delicate and charming wildflowers are sure to make a lasting impression.

What is Forget-me-not?

Forget-me-not is a delicate and charming wildflower prized for its beautiful blue flowers and rich symbolism. It is part of the Boraginaceae family, which includes other well-known plants like borage and comfrey.

Diversity: Forget-me-not belongs to the genus Myosotis which includes over 150 species that are mostly native to Europe and Asia but have been introduced to other parts of the world as well.

Growth habit: They are hardy perennials or annuals, depending on the species. Forget-me-nots vary in size, with some species growing up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall and others only reaching a few inches in height.

Flowers: Forget-me-nots have clusters of tiny, delicate flowers that are typically blue but can also be pink or white.

Bloom time: They typically bloom in the spring or summer. Forget-me-nots can bloom for several weeks, providing a long-lasting source of color and beauty in your garden.

Pollinators: Forget-me-nots are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden, making them a great addition to any pollinator garden.

Uses: Forget-me-nots are adaptable and can grow in a wide range of soils and environments. They are commonly used in borders, rock gardens, and woodland gardens and are also used in traditional medicine for their diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Self-seeding: Forget-me-nots are prolific self-seeders, meaning they will readily reseed themselves in your garden year after year without any effort on your part.

Low-maintenance: Forget-me-nots are relatively easy to grow and require minimal care, making them a great choice for busy gardeners or those new to gardening.

Hardiness: Forget-me-not (Myosotis) is a hardy plant that can grow in USDA zones 3 to 9. However, the exact hardiness of the plant can depend on the specific species and cultivar. Some species, such as wood forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica), are hardy to USDA zones 3 to 8, while others, like water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) can tolerate higher temperatures and are hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9.

Forget-me-not and Symbolism

In terms of symbolism, forget-me-nots are most commonly associated with remembrance, true love, and faithfulness. They are often given as a gift to loved ones who are leaving on a journey or moving away, as a way of expressing a desire to stay connected and remember each other even when they are apart. In this context, forget-me-nots are also sometimes associated with homesickness or missing someone who is far away.

Forget-me-nots are the official flower of the state of Alaska.

Forget-me-not in History

The history of the forget-me-not as a symbol of remembrance and love can be traced back to medieval Europe, where it was believed that wearing a sprig of the flowers would ensure that the wearer would never be forgotten by their loved ones. This tradition was later popularized by the Germanic legend of a knight and his lady, in which the knight throws a bouquet of forget-me-nots to his love as he falls into a river and drowns. In this story, the flowers represent his last words to his beloved, asking her to remember him always.

Forget-me-nots are also associated with several notable figures and events throughout history. They were a favorite flower of Queen Victoria, who wore them often and even used them in her wedding bouquet. They are also associated with the Freemasons, who have adopted the forget-me-not as a symbol of their philanthropic work and dedication to charity.

Is Forget-me-not Invasive?

Some species of forget-me-nots are considered invasive in certain regions.

One of the unique features of forget-me-nots is their ability to self-seed and spread easily. This can be both a blessing and a curse, depending on how you look at it. On the one hand, it means that forget-me-nots can quickly form large, beautiful patches of flowers that are easy to care for and maintain. On the other hand, it also means that they can sometimes become invasive and take over areas where they are not wanted.

Find native plant alternatives to Water Forget-me-not

Find native plant alternatives to Wood Forget-me-not

Why Should I Grow Forget-me-not Flowers?

Forget-me-nots are a great addition to any garden or landscape for several reasons. Firstly, they are relatively easy to grow and care for, making them a good choice for beginner gardeners.

Secondly, their delicate blue or pink flowers provide a pop of color to any garden or landscape, and they are known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Additionally, forget-me-nots are versatile and can be used in a variety of settings, from borders and edging to groundcovers and woodland gardens.

They also have a rich cultural history and are associated with love, remembrance, and the enduring power of friendship.

Overall, forget-me-nots are a beautiful and meaningful addition to any garden or landscape.

Popular Forget-me-not Varieties

There are several popular species of Forget-me-not, including:

Myosotis sylvatica - this is the most common species of Forget-me-not, also known as Woodland Forget-me-not. It is a hardy perennial that is native to Europe and Asia and blooms in the spring.

Myosotis scorpioides - also known as Water Forget-me-not, this species is native to Europe and Asia and grows well in wet areas like ponds or stream banks.

Myosotis alpestris - also known as Alpine Forget-me-not, this species is native to the Alps and other mountainous regions of Europe. It is a hardy perennial that blooms in the summer.

All of these species are known for their beautiful blue flowers and delicate, airy appearance. They can be used in a variety of settings, including wildflower meadows, borders, and rock gardens.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Annuals, Perennials
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Kuttelvaserova Stuchelova, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Annuals, Perennials
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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