Myosotis scorpioides (Water Forget-Me-Not)

Myosotis scorpioides (Water Forget-Me-Not) is an erect rhizomatous perennial with delicate sprays of sky blue, tiny flowers adorned with yellow centers in early to late summer. The sprays (cymes), resemble a coiled scorpion’s tail, hence the epithet. The flowers rise atop a semi-evergreen foliage of shiny, oblong, bright green leaves.

Myosotis scorpioides (Water Forget-Me-Not) is an erect rhizomatous perennial with delicate sprays of sky blue, tiny flowers adorned with yellow centers in early to late summer. The sprays (cymes), resemble a coiled scorpion’s tail, hence the epithet. The flowers rise atop a semi-evergreen foliage of shiny, oblong, bright green leaves. Easy care, resilient to most pests, this perennial Forget-Me-Not sprawls on the ground to form an attractive flower carpet. Ideal for water gardens and wet areas.

  • Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 9-12 in. wide (22-30 cm). This plant will self seed and spread by creeping rhizomes without being overly aggressive.
  • Easily grown in full sun or part shade, in organically rich, moist to wet soils. May be grown in water no deeper than 4 in. (10 cm).
  • A remarkably low-maintenance plant, this excellent performer looks terrific around stream banks, bog gardens, rain gardens, water gardens or ponds. Perfect for water gardens.
  • Generally pest free. Some susceptibility to mildew and rust. Deer resistant.
  • Pinch young plants to promote bushiness. Cut back after flowering.
  • Propagate by seed sown in-situ, or by division in spring.
  • Native to moist meadows and stream banks from Europe to Siberia.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 9

Heat Zones 5
– 9

Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Perennials
Plant Family Myosotis – Forget-me-Nots
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 6"
– 1'
(15cm
– 30cm)
Spread 9"
– 1'
(22cm
– 30cm)
Spacing 12″ (30cm)
Water Needs High
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ground Covers, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow