It attracts butterflies and resists rabbits and deer.
Forget-me-nots are cold hardy.
Although they can grow in the sun or shade, they prefer moist, woodland environments with dappled light.
Federica Grassi / Getty Images
In warmer, southern climates with high heat, they grow best in a shady spot.
It is used as agroundcover, in garden beds, woodland gardens,rock gardens, or containers.
The word “myosotis” in the species name comes from Greek words meaning “mouse ear.”
mikroman6 / Getty Images
The plant’s foliage has short, pointed leaves resembling mouse ears.
Forget-me-nots are a popular bridal flower for their symbolism.
They historically symbolize true love, respect, fidelity, and devotion.
At the southern end of its range, give forget-me-not afternoon shade.
This plant does not like intense sunlight.
Soil
Forget-me-not prospers in organically enriched, consistently moist, well-drained soil.
Never allow the soil to dry out.
It grows best in neutral pH, although it handles slightly alkaline or acidic soil pH.
Water
Forget-me-notprefers wet soil.
It can handle muddy or waterlogged soil and thrives near a stream, pond, or bog.
The more sunlight it receives, the more water it will need.
Temperature and Humidity
With a range covering six USDA zones, forget-me-not withstands heat and cold well.
Fertilizer
Is This the Right Plant for You?
Most are called forget-me-nots or scorpion grass.
Use sterilized pruners to remove the spent flowering stalks at the base.
Basal pruning also prevents seeds from dispersing.
Pruning Tip
No pruners?
Propagating Forget-Me-Not
Forget-me-nots are best propagated by seed and division.
Plant it on its own in a 8- to 12-inch pot with good drainage filled withfresh potting mix.
It also makes a good filler plant in a larger container with a mix of shade-loving plants.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy and check that the plant has good air circulation.
Water the plant regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.
When the plant becomes root-bound, move it into a container one size larger than its current pot.
Water it well to eliminate air pockets and allow the pot to drain.
What Do Forget-Me-Not Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The plant produces many dainty blue, pink, or white flowers, just under 1/2-inch across.
The five-petalled star-like blooms have no discernible scent.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more flowers.
Forget-me-not, as a biennial or short-lived, reseeding perennial, reblooms annually with minimal care.
Aphids are sap-suckers that can be controlled by a regular spray of water or wiping them away by hand.
Slugs and snailsare best eliminated by hand-picking and dropping them in soapy water.
If the problem is extensive, use traps made of sunken bowls of beer around the plants.
The fermentation smell entices the pests and drowns them.
Reset and repeat until these traps no longer capture new slugs or snails.
Seldom fatal, it temporarily ruins plants' appearance.
Minimize it by avoiding overhead watering.
Common Problems
Forget-me-nots are easy plants to care for and grow.
The biggest concerns with these plants are managing their spread and giving the right amount of water.
Or, remove and discard them if you want to limit them in your garden.
Wilting Leaves
Forget-me-nots are water lovers.
If the plants look like the leaves are wilting and crispy, they are likely not getting enough water.
If the leaves look wilting and limp, they may be getting too much water.
Adjust the water level accordingly.
If the problem continues, consider digging up the plant and replacing the soil with better-draining soil.
Forget-me-nots do not bloom all summer; short-term bloomers max out with a six- to eight-week bloom period.
It takes about a year for forget-me-nots to bloom after growing them from seeds.
Forget-me-nots grow best in cooler regions in full sun or partial shade.
If they are growing in warmer, sunnier regions, they should be planted in a shadier spot.
Forget-me-not is attractive to small butterflies that feed on the nectar during its bloom period in the spring.
The plant is resistant to foraging by deer or rabbits.
Forget-me-not (Myosotis).The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
