Myosotis

( mye - oh - SOH - tiss )

At-A-Glance Information

Mysotis, also called Forget-Me-Not or Scorpion Grass, is a genus of annual, perennial and biennial flowering plants that need partial shade and regular water to perform well. They bloom profusely with tiny blue flowers in spring, and grow as dense groundcovers. They are in their element in cool, moist habitats and are at home woodland gardens. Use these flowers along stream banks or for underplanting around shrubs or spring bulbs. They can also do well in rock gardens, mass plantings, and as edging for pathways and borders.

Myosotis Species and Varietals

The genus Myosotis includes over 510 recorded species, and is a member of the plant family Boraginaceae. The plants in this genus are closely related to those in Brunnera (False Forget-Me-Not), Omphalodes (Navelwort), Pulmonaria (Lungwort), Anchusa (Alkanet), and Mertensia (Bluebells). The genus name is derived from the Ancient Greek word for 'Mouse's Ear', alluding to the shape of the plant's foliage. Forget-Me-Not grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones A1-A3 and 1-24, though this varies somewhat depending on the species cultivated. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Myosotis alpestris (Alpine Forget-Me-Not, Mountain Forget-Me-Not, Scorpion Grass)
These plants are native to southern and central Europe and the Caucasus, and the species is the county flower of Westmorland, UK. Individual plants reach up to between 1 and 2 feet tall and have a spread of 4-6 inches.

Myosotis arvensis (Field Forget-Me-Not, Field Scorpion Grass, Corn Forget-Me-Not, Bird's Eye, Robin's Eye, Love-Me)
This species includes short-lived perennials or annuals. Individual plants reach up to 16 inches tall and produce grey-blue flowers in April through October. These plants prefer to grow in open, well-draining soils in many different landscapes and grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. This species is considered invasive across much of North America.

Myosotis concinna
These plants produce yellow flowers, and are native to the South Island of New Zealand. Plants produce single rosettes of silver-green foliage, and often grow clumped together in groups. Upper surfaces of green leaves have dense hairs. Flowers bloom from November through January in the plant's native range.

Myosotis discolor (Changing Forget-Me-Not, Yellow-and-Blue Forget-Me-Not, Yellow-and-Blue Scorpion Grass)
These plants are native to Europe, and has naturalized in eastern and western North America. It grows in a variety of different habitats, including disturbed areas like roadways. These hairy annual plants reach up to 20 inches in tall and flowers are initially cream-colored, aging to pink and then blue before fading. This gives the look of a multi-colored flower inflorescence, and gave rise to their common name. Best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.

Myosotis latifolia (Broadleaf Forget-Me-Not, Broad-Leaved Forget-Me-Not, Woodland Forget-Me-Not)
These natives of northwestern Africa can grow in a variety of habitats, including moist, shaded, disturbed areas. These perennials can reach over a foot and a half tall and form woody bases over time. Tubular flowers are pink or blue. This species is considered invasive along the west coast of North America.

Myosotis laxa (Tufted Forget-Me-Not, Bay Forget-Me-Not, Small-Flower Forget-Me-Not, Mouse-Ear Forget-Me-Not)
This species is native to various places in the northern hemisphere, and grows in many types of habitats, including moist and wet areas. It is also somewhat aquatic, able to grow in areas with shallow water. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 2-9.

Myosotis macrantha (Bronze Forget-Me-Not)
This species is native to the South Island of New Zealand and produces yellow, bronze or purplish flowers. Foliage is green to grey-green. Bronze Forget-Me-Nots typically are found growing in damp areas within grasslands, on rocky grounds, or along cliffs. This species is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 3-6.

Myosotis monroi
Endemic to the South Island of New Zealand, this rare species produces dark green to maroon foliage and leaves. Plants clump together and form rosettes of leaves, from which flowering stems emerge and hold white flowers with yellow centers in inflorescences of up to 28 blooms. Best in USDA hardiness zones 3-6.

Myosotis pulvinaris (Cushion Forget-Me-Not)
This species is endemic to South Island of New Zealand, and was first described by Joseph Dalton Hooker in 1867. These plants form mats or cushions of green foliage, and hold flowers on stems that rise above the foliage. Blooms are white with yellow centers. Basal leaves form in a tight rosette of pointed foliage.

Myosotis scorpioides (Water Forget-Me-Not, True Forget-Me-Not, Scorpion Grass, Mouse-Ear Scorpion Grass, Marsh Scorpion Grass)
This perennial native to Europe, Asia and North America is a fan of constantly moist conditions. They are very successful growing along ponds and streams. Flowers usually are blue with yellow eyes, though varieties come in white and pink, as well. This species spreads by creeping roots. This species is considered invasive in the midwestern and New England regions of the United States.

Myosotis secunda (Creeping Forget-Me-Not)
These plants are creeping perennials that produce roots at stem nodes. Flowers are typically blue, but can also be white depending on the cultivar. Flower spikes hold multiple blooms. This species is endemic to Europe, where it prefers to grow in wetland, marsh, and swamp landscapes. Creeping Forget-Me-Not grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3a-8b. This species is considered invasive in North America.

Myosotis sylvatica (Woodland Forget-Me-Not, Wood Forget-Me-Not)
This species can be treated as a biennial or annual and is native to Europe. This is the state flower of Alaska, and grows 6-12 inches tall and spreads to 2 feet wide. Foliage is soft ad green, and flowers are blue with white eyes. Blooms and seeds profusely from late winter through early springtime. Varieties include 'Blue Ball', 'Royal Blue Improved' and 'Victoria Blue'. They look great planted under pink or salmon tulips. This species is considered invasive in moist, shaded woodlands and riparian areas in the midwestern United States and New York.

Myosotis uniflora (Riverbed Forget-Me-Not)
These plants form prostrate to cushiony plants that have green foliage. They are native to New Zealand's South Island, where they produce bright yellow to cream colored flowers from October through January that are held on short stems just above the foliage clump. Individual plants reach up to about 4 inches tall.

Myosotis verna (Spring Forget-Me-Not, Early Forget-Me-Not, Early Scorpion Grass, Spring Scorpion Grass, White Scorpion Grass)
These low-growers are native to North America, and produce inconspicuous white flowers at the end of stems. Foliage is green, and these plants reach about 16 inches tall when in bloom.

Caring for Myosotis

These woodland landscape plants do best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal exposure is dappled sunshine, with more shade during the warmer afternoon hours and sunlight in the morning. These plants do not like exposure to direct sunlight, which can burn foliage and stress plants out. They prefer soil to be rich, well-draining, and have a pH of between 6.0 and 8.0 (mildly acidic to mildly alkaline). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. When planting, space Forget-Me-Not flowers about 10 inches apart. Put down a 1-2 inch layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system. At maturity, these plants thrive in moist soils, and can even handle boggy soils close to bodies of water or streams. The more sun these plants are situated in, the more water they will need.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Forget-Me-Nots are considered to be easy-care plantings, and do not need much in the way of pruning, except to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage to clean up plants. When flowers have faded, stems can be removed to discourage reseeding. Over time, these plants can be divided to improve health and flowering. For instructions on how to successfully divide Myosotis, see the Propagation section below.

Propagation

Myosotis can be propagated either by division or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Chamomile, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Myosotis by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
In either late winter or early springtime, get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Because Myosotis plants grow so easily from seed, it is possible to simply broadcast seeds across a bed. In the middle of summertime, rake the top of a bed or border, loosening soil and leveling it out a bit. Broadcast seeds and water them in. The seedlings will emerge in fall, and blooming will occur the following springtime.

Propagating Myosotis by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in very early spring (after the plant has entered dormancy, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section attached.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.

Myosotis seeds develop within schizocarps held along flower stems. They dry out and turn brown when mature and hold four nutlets each.

Myosotis nutlets are very small, black, shiny, and pointed towards one end.

Problems and Pests

Certain Myosotis species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Forget-Me-Not plants can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape: