Chinese Forget-Me-Not Care And Characteristics
The Chinese forget-me-not flower is a pretty plant native to Asia that is now popular around the world as an ornamental. It is considered invasive in some areas. Learn more about this species before deciding whether or not it belongs in your garden. If you choose to grow it, take care to avoid letting it spread or naturalize.
About Chinese Forget-Me-Not
Chinese forget-me-not (Cynoglossum amabile) is a flower native to China and Bhutan. It can be grown as a perennial or annual, depending on your region’s climate. In most places, gardeners use it as a cool weather annual. Other common names include blue showers and hound’s tongue.
The leaves of Chinese forget-me-not are grayish-green, oval, and long, and the growth habit is full and bushy. The real show, though, are the flowers. They resemble forget-me-nots and grow in spectacular sprays with multiple small blooms. The color is usually blue, but they can also be pink or white.
Chinese forget-me-not is best grown in regions without hot, dry summers. Alternatively, you can grow them in spring and again in fall. Under the right conditions, they will bloom from spring to the first frost, but they often die back and then fail to bloom in fall if the summer weather is too hot.
Good uses for Cynoglossum amabile include beds, borders, cottage gardens, meadow gardens, and in containers. It grows up to about two feet (0.6 meters) tall.
Growing Chinese Forget-Me-Nots
Cynoglossum amabile seeds are easy to find online. Chinese forget-me-nots grow easily from seeds, so this is an affordable way to cultivate them. They also continually re-seed throughout the growing season, providing months of blooms.
You can start seeds indoors and plant Cynoglossum amabile seedlings outdoors after the first frost. However, they do very well sowed directly into a bed or container outside just before the first frost.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
You can also sow seeds in fall and watch Chinese forget-me-not seedlings sprout in early spring. In other words, this plant is easy to grow. It’s forgiving and grows readily no matter how you start it.
If your summers tend to be hot, put Chinese forget-me-nots in a location that gets some shade in the afternoon and plenty of morning sun. Otherwise, they are not too picky. They tolerate poor soils that drain well. The soil should stay a little moist throughout the growing season, so water when it hasn’t rained for a few days.
Chinese forget-me-not has very few problems and no real pests. Powdery mildew is a rare but possible issue. Give your plants adequate space for air circulation to avoid mildew.
Is Chinese Forget-Me-Not Invasive?
Because they re-seed so readily, some people consider Chinese forget-me-nots to be invasive. You can check with your local extension office to determine if it is invasive in your state.
In general, although Chinese forget-me-nots like to re-seed, they don’t easily escape cultivation like many other non-native plants. If you are concerned, plant your flowers well away from natural areas or grow them in containers.
Chinese forget-me-not is a pretty flower with season-long blooms that suit many kinds of gardens. Unless you garden strictly with native species, consider adding this low-maintenance plant to beds and edges.
Mary Ellen Ellis has been gardening for over 20 years. With degrees in Chemistry and Biology, Mary Ellen's specialties are flowers, native plants, and herbs.
-
Climate Change And Pests: Do Warmer Winters Mean More Pests?
Warmer climates can result in an increase of some pests and decrease of others, which isn’t always a good thing. Here's how to protect your garden.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
What Is A Water Wick? How To Use One To Keep Houseplants Hydrated While You’re Away
A water wick for plants will give you a worry-free break if you need to leave your plant babies for a while. It’s easy to set up and pretty much runs itself.
By Amy Grant
-
Forget-Me-Nots As A Houseplant – Growing Forget-Me-Nots Inside
It is definitely possible to grow forget-me-nots as a houseplant, either during the winter or year round. Click this article to learn how.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
My Forget-Me-Nots Won’t Bloom: How To Fix A Forget-Me-Not With No Flowers
Forget-me-nots are iconic flowers in the garden and easy enough for even the beginning gardener to see a lot of success in a short time. Unfortunately, they can also be fussy if they're too far out of their comfort zone and may refuse to flower. Click here to learn more.
By Kristi Waterworth
-
Forget-Me-Not Troubles: Problems With Forget-Me-Nots In Gardens
Growing forget-me-nots can be a walk in the park if you know what signs of danger to be on the lookout for. Even though these plants have few problems, there's always a risk of fungal disease or insect pests, so use this article for help with common forget-me-not problems.
By Kristi Waterworth
-
Are Forget-Me-Nots Edible: Tips For Eating Forget-Me-Not Flowers
Do you have forget-me-nots in your landscape? Have you ever wondered "Can I eat forget-me-nots?". After all, there are sometimes hundreds of the plants, or at least there are in my yard. Click this article to find out if forget-me-nots are edible.
By Amy Grant
-
Dividing Forget-Me-Nots: Should Forget-Me-Nots Be Divided
Should forget-me-nots be divided? This really depends upon what variety you are growing. If your plant comes up every year in the same spot, it is likely a perennial; but if the plant seems to migrate and multiply in other areas, it is the self-seeding annual. Learn more here.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Forget-Me-Not Companions: Plants That Grow With Forget-Me-Nots
The forget-me-not is a popular and pretty late spring to early summer bloomer beloved by gardeners. The flowers don't last long, though, so you need to know what forget-me-not companions will grow well with them and provide continuous blooms. Learn more here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Potted Forget-Me-Not Care: Growing Forget-Me-Not Plants In Containers
Growing forget-me-not in a pot is not the typical use for this pretty little perennial, but it is an option that adds some visual interest to your container garden. Use containers if you have limited space or if you want to grow the plant indoors. Learn more here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Forget-Me-Not Seed Planting: Best Time To Plant Forget-Me-Not Seeds
Planting forget-me-nots from seeds is rarely necessary because they are rampant self-seeders. If you want to introduce the plants to new territory, know when to plant forget-me-nots to ensure success with these easy little plants. This article will help.
By Bonnie L. Grant