Omphalodes verna

creeping forget-me-not

Boraginaceae

S Europe (Italy, SE Alps, Balkans; moist shaded deciduous woodland floors)

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Container Friendly

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 5–8

Overview

Omphalodes verna is a semi-evergreen, stoloniferous perennial reaching 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) tall with an indefinite spread and a low, mat-forming habit. Native to southern Europe (Italy, southeastern Alps, Balkans), this species spreads more vigorously than O. cappadocica by long surface stolons, forming extensive carpets. The basal leaves are 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long, ovate to heart-shaped, medium green, with less prominent veining than O. cappadocica. Bright blue flowers with white eye, 0.2-0.4 inch (5-10 mm) across, appear in loose sprays in March-May. Growth rate is moderate to fast. Hardy to zone 5. The most vigorous and cold-hardy Omphalodes spp.—forms ground-covering mats more quickly than O. cappadocica. Can spread beyond intended bounds.

Native Range

Omphalodes verna is native to southern Europe—Italy, southeastern Alps, and the Balkans—in moist, shaded deciduous woodland floors.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a woodland groundcover under trees or in shaded areas at 12-18 inch (30-45 cm) spacing. The vigorous stoloniferous spread fills large areas more quickly than O. cappadocica. Can spread beyond intended bounds—use where expansion is acceptable or edge to contain. Requires shade and moisture. Not suitable for full sun, dry sites, or confined spaces where spread is problematic.

How to Identify

Distinguished from O. cappadocica by the smaller flowers (0.2-0.4 inch versus 0.3-0.5 inch), the more vigorous stoloniferous spread, the lighter green and less prominently veined leaves, and the lower overall height (4-8 inches versus 6-10 inches). Distinguished from Myosotis spp. by the perennial stoloniferous habit and the heart-shaped basal leaves. The fast-spreading low mat of heart-shaped leaves with small bright blue flowers is diagnostic—the most vigorous Omphalodes spp. groundcover.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 8"

Width/Spread1'6" - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

blue

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~5 weeks

Spring

Bright blue flowers with white eye, 0.2-0.4 inch (5-10 mm), in loose sprays, March-May. Bloom duration is 4-6 weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright blue with white eye; 0.2-0.4 inch; loose sprays; Mar-May

Foliage Description

Medium green; ovate to heart-shaped 1.5-3 inches; less veined than O. cappadocica

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Requires 2-4 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat silt

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial to full shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil (pH 5.5-7.0). Hardy to zone 5. The most cold-hardy Omphalodes spp.. Vigorous stoloniferous spread—may require edging or containment. Shade and consistent moisture essential.