Myosotis sylvatica (Forget-me-nots) — Tufted

Overview

Myosotis sylvatica is a tufted herbaceous perennial in the genus Myosotis, part of the Boraginaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Myosotis sylvatica grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, edging, ground cover, containers and underplanting bulbs. It is native to Albania, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, Cyprus, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East European Russia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Kirgizstan, Korea, Krasnoyarsk, Kuril Is., Madeira, Nepal, Netherlands, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Sakhalin, Sicilia, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Ukraine and West Himalaya.

About

Myosotis sylvatica is a tufted herbaceous perennial that flowers in spring. It forms low clumps 0.1-0.5 metres tall and wide, reaching that size in 1-2 years. Leaves are semi-evergreen and the plant suits partial shade on moist but well-drained soils. Flowering occurs from April to July.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Myosotis sylvatica

About the genus

Myosotis is a genus of flowering plants in the borage family Boraginaceae. In the Northern Hemisphere, they are colloquially known as forget-me-nots or scorpion grasses.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Myosotis

Sunlight: Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Myosotis sylvatica size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Tufted
Foliage: Semi evergreen
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 1-2 years
Suggested uses: Borders, Edging, Ground cover, Containers, Underplanting bulbs
Native to: Albania, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, Cyprus, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East European Russia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Kirgizstan, Korea, Krasnoyarsk, Kuril Is., Madeira, Nepal, Netherlands, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Sakhalin, Sicilia, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Ukraine, West Himalaya

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Myosotis sylvatica

Propagation: Seed
Pest resistance: Susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistance: Susceptible to powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Myosotis sylvatica?

Myosotis sylvatica prefers partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Myosotis sylvatica need?

Myosotis sylvatica is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay and loam. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.