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Herbaceous Perennial

Myosotis alpestris
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

alpine forget-me-not

A compact, short-lived perennial to around 20cm high, with softly hairy, lance-shaped green leaves to 8cm long. Dense clusters of small sky-blue flowers with yellow centres are produced in spring and early summer

Other common names
mountain forget-me-not
Synonyms
Myosotis alpina
Myosotis rupicola

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Boraginaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Myosotis can be annuals, biennials or perennials, with simple leaves and clusters of small, salver-shaped blue, yellow or white flowers, with yellow or white eyes, in spring or early summer

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in poor or moderately fertile, sharply drained soil in full sun or part shade. Protect from excess winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes
  • Bedding
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Cut back after flowering if seed is not required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and downy mildews

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