Tall Forget-me-not
myosotis scorpioides
Also known as: ["Water Forget-me-not","Scorpion Grass"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia, known for its small blue flowers and creeping habit.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Boraginales |
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Genus: | Myosotis |
| Botanical Name: | Myosotis scorpioides |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: moist garden beds or near water features
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days in dry climates
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; soil should retain moisture but not stay waterlogged.
- Soil Type: Moist, fertile, well-draining soil with organic matter; peat-based mixes work well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed during the growing season; deadhead regularly to encourage reblooming.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates bright indirect light but prefers protection from harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to outdoor light; protect from direct sun to prevent scorching; ideal for shaded garden beds or containers in partial shade.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Avoid direct sunlight; provide dappled light; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 3–5 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly when top inch of soil feels dry; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; avoid letting soil dry out completely.
Soil
moist, rich, well-drained soil
pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Keep soil consistently moist; ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions, especially at night.
Keep away from heat sources; maintain cool nights; protect from frost.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; use a low-nitrogen formula for flowering plants; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F or 18–24°C).
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with perlite for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth may appear in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use clean tools to prevent disease; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or snip off spent flowers just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Tools
Clean pruning shears or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or damaged growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., 2 inches wider in diameter).
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting; place in shade for a few days to recover.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure drainage holes are clear.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, allowing water to soak into the root zone; water early in the day to minimize leaf wetness; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during active growth; reduce watering in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or peat moss to improve moisture retention; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause leaf damage, slow growth, or dormancy; frost can be fatal.
Solution: Protect from frost with mulch or row covers; move potted plants indoors during cold snaps; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; heat stress may cause plants to go dormant.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting; ensure consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season only; avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are susceptible to gastrointestinal irritation and potential liver damage if they consume Myosotis scorpioides. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the plant can accumulate and cause harm over time.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Myosotis scorpioides. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids present can potentially lead to liver issues with chronic exposure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicMyosotis scorpioides, commonly known as water forget-me-not, contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can cause liver damage upon ingestion. The toxicity is generally mild but can be more severe with large quantities or prolonged exposure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Myosotis scorpioides require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade to full shade and can tolerate full sun only if kept consistently moist.
Q: Is Myosotis scorpioides toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Myosotis scorpioides?
A: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 3–5 days during active |
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