Description
Myosotis scorpioides (also sold as Myosotis palustris), known as water forget-me-not, is a UK native marginal plant. Its creeping stems scramble over pond edges and carry small, bright blue flowers with a yellow eye from June into September.
Water forget-me-not at a glance
| Botanical name |
Myosotis scorpioides (syn. Myosotis palustris) |
| Common name |
Water forget-me-not |
| Plant type |
Creeping, semi-evergreen perennial |
| Height and spread |
About 30 cm tall, spreading up to 50 cm |
| Flowers |
Bright blue with a yellow, pink or white eye, June to September |
| Position |
Full sun or part shade |
| Soil |
Wet soil or shallow water |
| Pond depth |
0–10 cm of water over the crown |
| Hardiness |
RHS H6 – hardy in a very cold winter (-20 to -15°C) |
| Native to |
UK and Ireland (native wild flower) |
Where to plant water forget-me-not
- The shallow shelf of a wildlife pond, 0–10 cm deep
- To soften and hide liner edges
- Wet ground beside streams and ponds
Is it good for wildlife?
Yes. It is on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list and the flowers attract bees and butterflies.
How to plant and care for it
Plant in spring with no more than 10 cm of water over the crown. Trim straggly stems after the main flush of flowers to keep plants tidy. It can get mildew in hot, dry spells, so keep it wet.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
