Myosotis latifolia
broadleaf forget-me-not
Overview
Myosotis latifolia is a short-lived perennial or biennial in the borage family, forming leafy clumps 6-24 inches (15-60 cm) tall from a basal rosette. The leaves are broad and oval, 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long, softly hairy, and larger than those of most forget-me-nots, the source of the broadleaf name. From spring into summer, coiled flowering stems unroll to open a succession of small flowers, each 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) across, sky-blue to violet-blue with a small yellow center ring. The coiled flower clusters straighten as the lowest flowers open and set seed. Small nutlets follow, four per flower, that cling to fur and clothing and aid spread. The species is native to Madeira and the western Mediterranean region and has naturalized along the Pacific coast of North America, where it grows on shaded, moist banks, roadsides, and woodland edges. It self-seeds freely and is treated as an invasive weed in parts of coastal California because it colonizes shaded ground quickly. Its short life and heavy seeding mean it persists through seedlings rather than long-lived clumps, which limits its reliability as a border plant.
Native Range
Native to Madeira and the western Mediterranean region, and naturalized along the Pacific coast of North America as a weed of shaded, moist ground.Suggested Uses
Used as a spring filler in shaded, moist borders and woodland gardens, spaced 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart, though its weedy spread restricts its use in many regions. Its blue spring flowers draw bees and other small pollinators.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 2'
Width/Spread8" - 1'4"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
sky-blue to violet-blue with yellow eyeFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in part shade to full shade on moist, well-drained loam or sandy soils rich in organic matter. It needs steady moisture in spring and tolerates dry shade only briefly before fading. Soil pH from 5.5 to 7.5 is suitable, and it grows on poor as well as fertile ground. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-10 and the rosette persists through mild coastal winters. Propagation is from seed, which germinates readily in fall and spring. Once present it self-sows and returns from seedlings with little added care.Pruning
Spent flowering stems can be sheared after bloom to limit self-seeding. The plant is short-lived, so old clumps are cleared as new seedlings take their place.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons