At a Glance
TypePerennial
HabitSpreading
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
Width12-24 inches (30-60 cm)
Maturity1 years
Overview
Myosotis scorpioides is a semi-evergreen, rhizomatous perennial in the Boraginaceae family, growing 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) tall and spreading by creeping stems that root at nodes to form loose mats 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) wide. Stems are decumbent to ascending, softly hairy. Leaves are alternate, oblong-lanceolate, 1–3 inches (2.5–8 cm) long, bright green, with a slightly rough surface. Flowers are 0.3–0.4 inch (8–10 mm) across, five-petalled, sky blue with a yellow centre (eye), borne in one-sided, coiled cymes (scorpioid cymes — the basis for the epithet) that uncoil progressively as flowers open. Flower colour may include pink buds that open blue, plus white-flowered forms. The species is native to Europe and western Asia, growing in wet habitats — stream banks, ditches, pond margins, and wet meadows. It is naturalised across much of North America and is the species most commonly associated with the name 'forget-me-not' in European tradition. Spreads vigorously by rooting stems in moist to wet soil; self-seeds readily. Can become weedy in small water garden settings. Tolerates partial shade and seasonal flooding. Susceptible to powdery mildew in dry conditions and to slug damage on young growth.
Native Range
Myosotis scorpioides is native across Europe, from the British Isles and Scandinavia south to the Mediterranean and east through Russia, the Caucasus, and into western Central Asia. Naturalised widely in North America, Australia, and New Zealand.Suggested Uses
Planted along pond margins, stream banks, and in rain gardens, spaced 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) apart. Effective naturalised in wet meadows and under deciduous trees near water. Combines with Caltha palustris, Cardamine pratensis, and Iris pseudacorus in spring-flowering wet plantings. The sky blue flowers are a classic component of cottage garden and water garden aesthetics.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Flowers open from May through August, with peak bloom in June. The scorpioid cymes uncoil progressively, producing new flowers over a 6–10 week period. Deadheading encourages continued bloom through summer. Pollinated by bees, hoverflies, and butterflies.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Sky blue with yellow centreFoliage Description
Bright greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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
Plant in full sun to partial shade in consistently moist to wet soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Space 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) apart. Tolerates standing water to 2 inches (5 cm) deep. In rain gardens, plant in the lowest moisture zone. Water regularly — do not allow to dry out. Feed lightly with a balanced fertiliser in spring. Monitor spread — remove rooting stem sections at border edges to contain colony expansion. In the Pacific Northwest, the species thrives in the moist conditions and may self-seed prolifically near water features.Pruning
Shear back by half after the first flush of bloom to encourage a fresh flush of foliage and flowers in late summer. Cut back dead or tattered growth in late autumn. In spring, remove any winter-damaged stems. Division every 2–3 years keeps colonies vigorous.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons