Myosotis sylvatica
garden forget-me-not
A tufted, hairy perennial, usually grown as a biennial to 30cm in height, with grey-green leaves to 11cm long, flowering between spring and early summer, bearing small, bright blue, 5-lobed flowers with white or yellow centres
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- 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
Content in many garden conditions, a native of woodland and rocky places. Nectar and pollen is enjoyed by bumble bees and butterflies
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- Flower borders and beds
- Banks and slopes
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
You may wish to remove or cut back old plants to prevent self-seeding
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.