How To Grow Forget-Me-Not Flower

The Forget-Me-Not flower might be less appealing to gardeners if it had a different name. For millennia, gardeners have searched out true forget-me-not flowers. Forget-me-nots are water-loving plants with a delicate appearance and gorgeous, heavenly color.

Forget-Me-Nots Flower as Annuals or Perennials

Forget-Me-Nots may be cultivated as annuals or perennials, although they perform best as biennials in most regions. They can be grown as perennials in hardiness zones 3 to 8. Although Forget-me-not flowers bloom little during their first season of development, they blossom profusely in their second spring. This leads to people purchasing year-old plants as annuals. These lovely blooms bloom from mid-spring till mid-summer and then go dormant for the winter.

Forget-me-nots are excellent floral presents that can be purchased from florists. Others utilize online flower providers to express their feelings to moms on Mother’s Day. Forget me not, flowers are also used as funeral flower and florist items. Plants frequently reseed on their own if they are carefully maintained and return every year.

What Are Forget-Me-Nots?

Forget-me-nots are a group of roughly 50 species in the genus Myosotis (Mye-oh-soh-tiss) which belongs to the Boraginacae family. [source] Most have racemes of small, flat, vivid blue flowers (some in white and pink), with five petals growing abundantly on the stems.

Myosotis sylvatica (sil-vat-ik-uh) is a biennial variety that stops flowering and sets seeds when summer heat arrives. Small seedlings emerge unobtrusively in the fall and bloom profusely the following spring. Myosotis scorpioides (skorp-ee-oyd-eez), a biennial variant, flourishes in bogs.Perennial varieties do not put on as stunning flower displays as their biennial counterparts. However, they flower for a longer period of time, typically from spring to summer.

Myosotis alpestris is the most popular, and many people prefer it to the perennial. This dwarf annual grows to 9 inches and has pink, blue, or white blooms. Perennial Myosotis palustris flowers blue with yellow, pink, or white centers. This kind has narrower leaves and grows slightly taller.

Myosotis is a Greek term that means “mouse-ear” and refers to the plant’s tiny leaf form. Both annuals and perennials are native to Eurasia.

Symbolism of Forget-me-nots

Forget-me-nots are regarded as a representation of faithfulness and fidelity, and a sign of respect and genuine love. Giving someone these little flowers is a way of saying that you will never forget them and that you will continue to think of them.

One Historical Legend

According to folklore, a knight and his lady were strolling down a riverbank when the knight selected these tiny blue flowers for her. However, the weight of his armor caused him to fall into the sea. As he drowned, he tossed the flowers to her and shouted, “Don’t forget me!” This charming yet tragic narrative explains why they are associated with love and remembering.

Another Legend Of The Forget-Me-Not Flower

For decades, these small blue blossoms have been treasured and remembered. This is supported by the various stories. Legends have survived and been passed down across many different countries.

One of the earliest and most delightful of these legends comes from Wales, an unusual source for such tales. In that country, in the mountains of Glamorgan, fairy gold was hidden so goes the story. On the mountainside nearby grew a carpet of bluest forget-me-nots, dainty and ethereal. Evil men heard rumours of the elfin gold and decided to steal it. They took no notice of the heavenly blue of the flowers close by. As they were carrying off the treasure, a sweet elflin voice spoke to them from one of the little blue flowers. “You have taken the least and left the best. Forget-me-not.” The men paid no attention and were about to disappear with the loot, regardless. This angered the mountains and they shook their sides, swallowing up both men and gold. The forget-me-nots, too, were covered for a time but soon thrust their way up and up to deck the mountain slopes once again covering them with blue. There they continue to grow and bloom. Passers-by whose ears are attuned to the “little voices” hear them calling from the mountainside again and again, “Forget-me-not…” Forget-me-not.”

When and Where To Plant The Forget Me Not Flower

These flowers are considered to be highly versatile, thriving in moist, shaded situations. They can be produced in gardens or found in the wild along streams and woodlands, often flowering from early spring until late summer. They work well in a rock garden, as a carpet around spring and summer flowering bulbs, or in the foreground of borders. The wild Forget-me-not’s natural habitat is near stream and creek bottoms in a few inches of water. Look for a location that is low and easy to keep damp.

Myosotis alpestris needs a sunny, well-drained location while the perennial Myosotis palustris, frequently called the “marsh” forget-me-not, prefers moist soil and a semi-shaded location.

True forget-me-nots can be planted in the spring or fall, or plants can be grown from seeds seeded in the spring and summer. Although you may appreciate forge me not flowers, keep in mind that they self-seed freely and spread fast.

How To Plant Forget-Me-Not Seeds

Forget-me-nots self-seed readily, making seed acquisition simple.

1. Before sowing seed, amend planting beds with organic material such as compost or manure.
2. After all risk of frost has passed, sow seeds of forget-me-nots, which take 8 to 14 days to germinate, immediately into prepared flowerbeds.
3. If you want your plants to blossom earlier, start them indoors a few weeks before the last frost.
4. When planting in outdoor flowerbeds, cover with mulch until the seeds germinate. The mulch will aid with moisture retention and weed suppression.

Propagating From Established Plants

Forget-me-nots can easily be propagated by dividing clumps of the established plants.

How To Care For Forget-Me-Not Plants

Keep Soil Moist

Forget-me-nots love moist soil. Never allow to dry out. Watering with a Soaker hose or drip irrigation make the watering process simple.

Fertilizing Forget-Me-Nots

Apply slow releasing 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 & Shaping Forget-Me-Not Plants

Generally, these plants are ground cover plants. Pruning and shaping can be difficult. Control their growth by removing them in places where they are not supposed to extend and shape them into your desired landscape bed designs.

Controlling Pests and Diseases

Overall, diseases and insects are not too common. In some cases, aphids tend to affect new foliage growth. Control aphids with applications of insecticidal soap sprays. Keep an eye out for Flea beetles, which often infest Forget me nots and puncture the leaves. Learn more in our article: How To Control Flea Beetles.

Forget-me-nots create offer a soft beauty to gardens. They are easy to maintain and do well when planted in rich soil and kept well watered.