Myosotis Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 28th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Myosotis plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Myosotis features delicate blue flowers with a unique eye shape. Their ethereal beauty makes them desirable for gardens.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: These plants thrive in well-drained soil with partial shade. They prefer cool temperatures and consistent moisture.
- General Care: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Forget-me-nots are relatively easy to grow. Ensure they are not left in standing water, and be watchful for mildew.
Forget-me-not, Scorpion Grass: Cultivation & Garden Use
Members of Myosotis plant genus can be hardy annuals, biennials, or perennials. They are usually grown as annuals by gardeners (dependent on climate). These woodland plants can reach about eight inches (20 cm) in height.
Myosotis – Forget me not by Anemoneprojectors; creative commons.
Their size makes them useful for rock gardens, or at the front of borders.
Myosotis flower from the beginning of spring through to summer (species dependent). The blooms are aggregated tiny flowers of blue.
Myosotis - Pink forget me not by Phoebe photo (FeeBeeDee).
A common used name for Myosotis plant is the Forget me not.
Commonly Grown Myosotis Species Photographs and Plant Identification
Myosotis sylvatica
Myosotis sylvatica (Woodland Forget-me-not / Wood Forget-me-not), photograph by Joshua Mayer; CC.
Myosotis alpestris
Myosotis alpestris (Alpine Forget-me-not), photograph by Gunera; CC.
Myosotis scorpioides
Myosotis scorpioides (True Forget-me-not / Water Forget-me-not), picture by Andreas Rockstein; CC.
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Myosotis Plant Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Forget me not.Life Cycle: Hardy annual. Hardy perennial. Hardy biennial commonly grown as a hardy annual by gardeners.
Height: 4 to 20 inches (10 to 50 cm).
Native: Europe, Asia, North America, Australasia.
Growing Region: Zones 3 to 8.
Flowers: Early spring and /or summer.
Flower Details: Blue, pink white; centres are yellow. Flat flowers. Five lobes.
Foliage: Alternate. Lanceolate. Oblong.
Sow Outside: Cover seed. Annuals: before last frost. Perennials: before last frost or in autumn. Biennials: summer. Spacing 5 to 10 inches (12 to 20 cm).
Sow Inside: Vermiculite. Water from below. Germination time: one to four weeks in the dark. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Nine or ten weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors before the last frost or in autumn.
Requirements: Light shade. Soil pH 5.5 to 7.5. Rich soil. Moist soil. Regular watering. Propagate: dividing at the start of spring.
Family: Boraginaceae.
Miscellaneous: The genus is named Myosotis (Mouse ear in Greek) because of the similarity of its leaves to the ears of a mouse.
How to Grow Forget Me Not and other Myosotis Plants in the Garden
If growing outdoors, then sow the seeds of Forget Me Not's on the surface just before the last frost of spring.
Forget me not plants like to grow in a partially shaded area of the garden. This should idelaly have a rich moist soil and a pH of 6 to 7.
If starting off Forget me not and other Myosotis plants indoors, then start about 2 months in advance.
The seeds of forget me nots should be sown in vermiculite. It will take from one to four weeks to germinate at 18 to 20 degrees centigrade in the dark.
It is necessary to water the forget me nots from below to stop them rotting.
Once seedlings are ready, transplant into the garden and grow at a spacing of about 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) apart.
Caring for forget me nots (Myosotis)
It is easy to grow forget me nots. You may like to cut them back before they have chance to drop seed, as they are liable to spread. If you require more Myosotis plants then the perennial varieties can be propagated by division at the start of spring.
Common Questions
How many members does the Myosotis genus contain?
The Myosotis plant genus contains around 50 species. The most famous of these is the Forget-me-not.
Do Myosotis members make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Myosotis plants make delightful additions to a garden or landscape. Their tiny, sky-blue flowers provide a beautiful groundcover and are excellent in borders or woodland settings.
Which Myosotis species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
The most frequently grown species is Myosotis sylvatica (Woodland Forget-Me-Not). It is loved for its charming blue flowers and its ability to self-seed and return year after year.
Are Myosotis plants fragrant?
Myosotis plants are not known for their fragrance. They are primarily grown for their attractive, star-like flowers.
What is the perfect location to grow Myosotis?
Myosotis prefers part shade to full sun, with moist, well-drained soil. It is perfect for a woodland garden or shaded border.
Is Myosotis invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Myosotis is not considered invasive in the USA. However, it can self-seed aggressively, so you may need to manage its spread in your garden.
How do I remove Myosotis plants from my garden?
Myosotis can be easily removed by pulling or hoeing them out. To prevent self-seeding, deadhead the flowers before they set seed.
Summary
The Myosotis plant genus is part of the Boraginaceae family, and includes the beloved Forget-me-nots. These charming perennials or annuals bear clusters of tiny, typically blue flowers that create a sea of color in the garden.
Myosotis prefers a location with partial shade to full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Plant them in spring or fall, and water regularly. They are self-seeding and may spread throughout the garden, providing delightful splashes of color.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Myosotis plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Onosma, Yucca plant, Patrinia plant, Kale plant, and Heliotropium plants.
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