About
Cynoglossum amabile, the Chinese forget-me-not, is a freely branching annual or biennial to around 60 cm with hairy, oval to lance-shaped, blue-green leaves and sprays of light blue, white or pink, forget-me-not-like flowers from early to midsummer. An excellent and easy annual for a sunny or partly shaded border, with a long flowering season.
About the genus
Cynoglossum, the hound's tongues, are annuals, biennials and short-lived perennials with roughly hairy, lance-shaped to oblong leaves and forked cymes of blue, purple, pink or white, forget-me-not-like flowers from spring to autumn. Easy-growing plants for sunny or partly shaded borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Coastal, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toC Nepal to C China
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in-situ in spring. Sow early under glass for flowering in the same year
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Powdery mildews