Forget-me-not Myosotis sylvatica
ABOUT
Myosotis sylvatica, commonly known as the forget-me-not, is best recognized for its dainty and delicate appearance. This charming plant is adorned with small, soft, hairy leaves that provide a lush, green backdrop to its most striking feature: an abundance of tiny, bright, blue flowers. Each flower typically consists of five petals that are round in shape and feature a yellow to white central eye, which creates a lovely contrast against the blue petals. The plant produces these flowers in clusters, which form a carpet of color when in full bloom and give it a distinctly romantic and whimsical look. The forget-me-not also presents a gentle texture, with both foliage and flowers having a somewhat tender and fragile quality about them. The stems are slender and flexible, often bending under the weight of the blooms. Overall, the forget-me-not emanates a feeling of wild, natural charm and is a favorite for creating an atmosphere of nostalgia and tenderness in gardens and floral arrangements.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Wood Forget-Me-Not, Woodland Forget-Me-Not, Garden Forget-Me-Not, Siberian Forget-Me-Not
Common names
Myosotis alpestris F.W.Schmidt, Myosotis decumbens Host, Myosotis sylvatica Hoffm. ex Myosotis alpestris subsp. silvatica (Hoffm. ex Besser) Celak.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Myosotis sylvatica is forget-me-not. This plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence to suggest that the forget-me-not has any toxic effects when touched or ingested by people, and it is not commonly associated with any symptoms of poisoning. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities may cause mild reactions in some people, but this is not characteristic of systemic toxicity.
To pets
The common name of Myosotis sylvatica is forget-me-not. It is not considered to be toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. There are no commonly reported symptoms of poisoning in pets following ingestion of the forget-me-not plant. Like in humans, this plant is typically safe, although individual animals might experience mild digestive upset or an allergic reaction if they have specific sensitivities. Overall, the forget-me-not is not recognized for having toxic properties that would pose a concern to pet health.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
0 feet 6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
0 feet 9 inches (23 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Myosotis sylvatica, commonly known as forget-me-nots, features small, delicate blue flowers that add a burst of color to gardens and natural settings.
- Wildlife Support: The flowers provide nectar for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Shade Tolerance: Forget-me-nots can thrive in shaded areas where many other flowering plants may struggle, making them suitable for woodland gardens.
- Moisture Indicator: Their preference for moist soils can help gardeners identify areas with good moisture retention or signal the need for additional watering.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, forget-me-nots require minimal care, making them an attractive option for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Self-Seeding: These plants are proficient self-seeders, which can lead to natural propagation and reduced need for replanting each year.
- Companion Planting: Forget-me-nots can be planted alongside spring bulbs to cover dying foliage as the season progresses.
- Memory Symbolism: The name "forget-me-not" has strong ties to remembrance and is often used in gardens dedicated to memory or as a symbol in various causes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye production: The Forget-me-not can be used to derive a natural blue dye for coloring fabrics or inks.
- Garden aesthetic: Forget-me-nots are often planted for their ornamental value due to their vibrant blue flowers, enhancing the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Companion planting: In garden ecosystems, they can be used as a companion plant because they attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried Forget-me-not flowers are sometimes used in floral arrangements to add a delicate texture and splash of color.
- Symbolism in gifts: Forget-me-nots are given as a token of remembrance and love, making them a meaningful addition to gift bouquets and sentimental tokens.
- Education and conservation: They are used in educational contexts to teach about plant life cycles and in conservation efforts to protect indigenous wildflowers.
- Culinary decoration: Edible varieties of Forget-me-nots can be used as decorative elements on cakes and pastries.
- Photography: Forget-me-nots are popular subjects in macro and nature photography due to their intricate details and vivid colors.
- Literature and poetry: They often feature in literature and poetry as symbols of enduring love and memory.
- Art inspiration: The unique appearance of Forget-me-not flowers can inspire artists in creating paintings, drawings, and textile patterns.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Forget-me-not is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Forget-me-not is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- True Love: Myosotis sylvatica, commonly known as forget-me-not, is often associated with true love and faithful relationships. The legend of a knight falling into a river and tossing the flowers to his beloved, asking her to remember him, is frequently cited to explain this association.
- Remembrance: Forget-me-nots symbolize memory and rememberance, commonly used to honor someone's memory after they have passed away or when parting ways with a loved one.
- Fidelity: These small blue flowers are symbolic of loyalty and steadfastness in relationships, making them a common choice for inclusion in wedding bouquets and gifts between partners.
- Constancy: Forget-me-nots represent an enduring connection and the constancy of true love, friendship, and trust that stands the test of time.
- Endless Love: Often tied to the idea of never-ending love, forget-me-nots express sentiments of love that lasts beyond death or distance.
WaterForget-me-nots prefer consistently moist soil, so it is crucial to water them regularly. The frequency of watering should be adjusted depending on weather conditions, but generally, these plants should be watered thoroughly once a week with about one gallon of water. During hot or dry periods, increase the watering to twice a week. Ensure the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots rather than just wetting the surface. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of foliar diseases.
LightForget-me-nots thrive in partial shade to full sun, but they perform best with morning sunlight and afternoon shade. An ideal spot for these plants would be an east-facing garden where they get gentle morning light but are protected from the harsh afternoon sun. These conditions help maintain the vibrant color of the flowers and prevent the leaves from scorching.
TemperatureForget-me-nots are hardy to various temperature conditions, generally tolerating temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 75°F. The ideal temperature range for growing Forget-me-nots is between 60°F and 70°F, which encourages robust growth and abundant flowering. They can survive light frosts, but extreme cold or heat can be detrimental to their health.
PruningPruning Forget-me-nots can help promote a second bloom and maintain a tidy appearance. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding if desired. After the first flush of flowers, cut back the stems by about half to rejuvenate the plant. The best time for pruning is after the initial flowering period is over.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica), the best soil mix is rich, moist, well-draining, with a mix of garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.1 to 7.5.
RepottingForget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica) typically do not require frequent repotting and can often be treated as biennials, replanted every two years or grown as annuals.
Humidity & MistingForget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica) thrive in average to high humidity conditions but are adaptable to various environments as long as they are not overly dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist for indoor Forget-me-not growing.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade, keep soil moist, and mulch for outdoor Forget-me-not care.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA for Forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica).
Life cycleMyosotis sylvatica, commonly known as the wood forget-me-not, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in early spring. After sprouting, the seedling grows into a rosette of leaves at the soil surface, where it develops a root system. As it matures, the plant sends up flowering stalks with clusters of small, typically blue flowers, which usually bloom from late spring to early summer. These flowers are pollinated by insects, after which they set seed. The seeds may fall to the ground and lie dormant until the following spring, or they might be dispersed by wind or animals. After seeding, the plants often die back, completing their annual or biennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis sylvatica) is most commonly propagated through seeds. The best time to sow Forget-Me-Not seeds is in the fall or early spring. This encourages germination as the seeds require a period of cold stratification—a natural process that breaks seed dormancy. To propagate, distribute the tiny seeds directly onto the surface of the soil where you intend the plants to grow, as they need light to germinate. Gently press them into the soil, but do not cover them. Keep the area moist until germination, which typically occurs in two to four weeks. Once the seedlings have a few sets of true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be thinned out or transplanted to their desired location in the garden.
