Cynoglossum Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 22nd Oct 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Cynoglossum plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Chinese forget-me-not, Hound's Tongue, Gypsyflower & Wild Comfy: Cultivation & Garden Use

Members of the genus Cynoglossum are long flowering biennials that are normally grown as annuals by gardeners.

They are weedy in nature and have forget me not flowers of blue, purple or white from the summer through to the end of autumn.

Pacific Hound's Tongue by Dawn Endico; creative commons.

They have spearhead like leaves that are grey to green. Some common names for Cynoglossum include Chinese forget-me-not and Hound's tongue.

How to Grow Chinese forget-me-not, Hound's Tongue & other Cynoglossum

When growing Cynoglossum outdoors the seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1/4 inch (7 mm) into a soil of pH 6 to 7 that has good drainage.

Chinese forget-me-not prefers to grow in an area of the garden that is either sunny or partially shaded.

Forget-me-not's can be sown either in the autumn or a couple of weeks before the last frost of summer.

When growing Chinese forget-me-not's as seedlings indoor for later transplanting then they should be prepared about 7 or 8 weeks before they are due to be planted outdoors at the end of spring.

Once ready the Cynoglossum seedlings should be planted out with a space of about 25 to 30 cm.

Cynoglossum officinale by Matt Lavin.

Caring for Chinese forget-me-not

At the end of the growing season the flowers of Chinese forget-me-not should be dead headed to prevent the plant from setting seed and taking over the garden.

Common Questions

How many members does the Cynoglossum genus have?

The Cynoglossum genus has about 75 species, notable for their cluster of small, usually blue flowers.

Do members of Cynoglossum make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Cynoglossum species can be a charming addition to gardens, especially cottage and wildflower gardens, thanks to their clustered blooms.

Which Cynoglossum species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Cynoglossum amabile (Chinese Forget-Me-Not) is popular for its clusters of sky-blue flowers, often used in wildflower meadow mixes.

Are members of the Cynoglossum plant genus fragrant?

Cynoglossum plants are not generally known for their fragrance but rather for their vibrant flower clusters.

What is the perfect location to grow Cynoglossum?

Cynoglossum prefers full sun to partial shade and moderately fertile, well-drained soil. It is ideal for borders or wildflower gardens.

Is Cynoglossum invasive in the USA?

Currently, Cynoglossum species are not considered invasive in the USA. They tend to naturalize without becoming problematic.

How do I remove Cynoglossum plants from my garden?

Removing Cynoglossum involves pulling or digging up the plants. Dispose of them properly as some species can self-seed prolifically.

Summary

The Cynoglossum genus, part of the Boraginaceae family, is native to various regions worldwide. Known as hound's tongue, these biennial or perennial plants are recognized for their coarse, tongue-shaped leaves and clusters of small, usually blue or purple flowers that bloom in summer.

To grow Cynoglossum, plant them in a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds sown in spring or autumn. Regular watering is necessary, but they are relatively drought-tolerant once established. They are often used in borders, meadows, or wild gardens for their vibrant color and textured foliage.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Cynoglossum plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Boraginaceae growing guides: How to grow Lithodora and Myosotis plants.