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Annual Biennial

Cynoglossum amabile
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Chinese forget-me-not

A bushy annual or biennial to about 60cm in height, with hairy, oval to long grey-green leaves and sprays of light blue, white or pink flowers from early to midsummer or later if sown in late spring

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Blue White Pink Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Boraginaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Cynoglossum can be annuals, biennials or perennials, usually short-lived, with roughly hairy, simple, lance-shaped to oblong leaves and cymes of blue, purple pink or white, forget-me-not-like flowers from spring to autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
C Nepal to C China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in-situ in spring. Sow early under glass for flowering in the same year

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Bedding
  • Garden edging
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to Powdery mildews

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