Overview
Myosotis ramosissima is a small spring annual of the borage family, usually only 1-6 inches (3-15 cm) tall, branching from near the base into a wiry, hairy little plant. The oblong to spoon-shaped leaves form a loose basal rosette and clothe the lower stems, all covered in short, stiff hairs. From April to June it bears tiny blue flowers about 0.08 inch (2 mm) across, carried in coiled sprays that straighten as the flowers open. Each flower has five rounded sky-blue lobes around a yellow eye, and the calyx is covered in hooked hairs that cling to fur and clothing to spread the seed. It grows on dry, open, often sandy or lime-rich ground, including banks, walls, dunes, and short turf, completing its life cycle quickly before summer drought. The plant is easily overlooked because of its size and withers soon after seeding. Its flowers are markedly smaller than those of the familiar garden and water forget-me-nots.
Native Range
Native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, where it grows on dry, open, sandy or calcareous ground such as banks, walls, dunes, and short grassland.Suggested Uses
Grown in rock gardens, sand beds, gravel, wall tops, and dry naturalistic plantings, where it adds early blue flower at a small scale. It self-sows into gaps and short turf rather than being planted in blocks. It suits dry, sunny spots that stay open and uncrowded.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 6"
Width/Spread2" - 5"
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from April to June, early among the forget-me-nots, with minute blue flowers opening along uncurling sprays. The flowers are mostly self-pollinated and hold little nectar. Seed sets quickly, and the bristly calyces cling to animals to carry the seed away.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Early forget-me-not grows in full sun on dry, free-draining, sandy or lime-rich soils, and depends on open ground with little competition. It tolerates poor, thin soils and drought but completes its cycle and dies before high summer. Seed is sown on the surface in autumn or spring, as light aids germination, and the plant needs no feeding. It self-seeds freely on suitable open ground and returns year to year from seed. Rich soil and dense planting shorten its life and reduce flowering. The tiny plants need no routine care beyond leaving some seed to ripen.Pruning
No pruning is needed for this tiny annual. Plants are left to set and shed seed before they wither in early summer. Clearing spent plants after seeding tidies the ground without preventing return.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Autumn or spring
Plant Spacing
4 inches