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Forget me not is one of the prettiest flowers around and one of the easiest to grow. They thrive in both sun and shade and don’t require much care or attention. Forget-me-nots can often be found growing wild along roadsides and in meadows. This flower is a good start for beginning gardeners, and it’s also a favourite of experienced gardeners because of its low-maintenance nature.
Forget-Me-Not Flowers
Myosotis Sylvatica is one of the most beautiful and delicate wildflowers. They have a long blooming season and bloom in various colours, including blue, pink, white, and yellow.
The forget-me-not is a member of the Boraginaceae family, which also includes borage, hound’s-tongue, and lungwort. The name forget-me-not is derived from the old French word Forgette mei notte which means “do not forget me”.
The forget-me-not flower symbolizes true love and remembrance. This may be due to the legend of a medieval knight picking flowers for his lady love when he was attacked and killed. As he lay dying, he threw the forget-me-nots at her feet and begged her to “forget me not”.
History
The forget me not flower is a perennial that has been around for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Europe and was brought over to North America by early settlers. The forget me not flower is known for its delicate blue petals and small stature. It grows best in moist, shady areas and blooms from late spring to early summer.
Types of Forget-Me-Not Flowers
The forget-me-not flower is a popular garden plant that is easy to grow and care for. There are many types of forget-me-not flowers, all with unique colours and patterns.
The Annual Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis Sylvatica)
Myosotis sylvatica, the forget-me-not or wood forget-me-not, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the family Boraginaceae. The name “forget-me-not” was first used in English in the 15th century and is derived from Middle English forget-me-not, it forgetteth me not, meaning “do not forget me”.[2] It is a forget-me-not floral emblem in Alberta, Canada, and is one of that province’s official symbols.
The plant referring to the forget-me-not flower should not be confused with other plants, also sometimes called forget-me-nots, such as those belonging to the genus Myosotis (the forget-me-nots in the family Boraginaceae), the genus Cynoglossum (hound’s-tongue forget-me-nots in the family Boraginaceae) and the genus Heliotropium (heliotrope forget-me-nots in the family Boraginaceae).
The First Perennial Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis Scorpioides)
Myosotis scorpioides, or forget-me-nots, are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring. These lovely little blue blooms are a welcome sight after a long winter.
Forget-me-nots are native to Europe and Asia but have been introduced to North America, where they are now widely cultivated. The forget-me-not is the state flower of Alaska.
The Second Perennial Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis Palustris)
Myosotis palustris, the forget-me-not or marsh forget-me-not, is a flower in the family Boraginaceae. The native range of Myosotis palustris in Europe and Asia. It is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 20–60 cm (8–24 in) tall by 30 cm (12 in) wide, with forget-me-not blue flowers blooming all summer.
The Biennial Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis Alpestris)
Myosotis alpestris, forget-me-not, is a flowering plant in the borage family forgets me not. The name forget-me-not was first used in English in the 15th century and derived from the German Vergissmeinnicht and Dutch vergeet-mij-nietje, meaning “forget me not” and “do not forget me”, respectively. The plant’s scientific name, Myosotis, comes from the Greek Myosotis, meaning “mouse-ear” due to the shape of its leaves.
Symbolism
The forget me not flower has been a symbol of love, hope, and remembrance for centuries. The forget me not represent true love because it blooms even in the coldest winters. This flower is also a symbol of hope because it means new beginnings. The forget me not is also a reminder never to forget the ones we love.
True Love
Did you know that forget me, not flowers (Myosotis Sylvatica), have been associated with true love? The forget me not is a small, delicate flower with a beautiful blue hue. The forget me not flower is native to Europe and Asia and has been introduced to North America.
The forget me not flower gets its name from a Greek myth. The story goes that Zeus was so enamoured with the nymph, forget me not, that he turned her into a flower so she would be with him forever.
Fidelity
Fidelity, because of its forget-me-not meaning, is a perfect gift for a relationship that’s going strong. It can also be given in memory of a past relationship. The forget me not flower meaning can also represent hope, which makes it the perfect gift for someone who needs encouragement or reassurance.
Long and Lasting Connection
The forget-me-not flower has been associated with love, remembrance, and hope for centuries. The forget-me-not name first appeared in print in the 15th century, but the plant’s symbolic meaning dates back even further. In medieval times, it was believed that if you picked a forget-me-not and gave it to your loved one, you would be connected forever.
The forget-me-not is also a symbol of hope. In World War I, forget-me-nots were worn to support the soldiers fighting overseas. And today, the forget-me-not is still a symbol of hope for those going through tough times.
Remembering Someone
The forget me not flower is often used as a symbol for remembering someone due to its symbolism of love and remembrance. The forget me not flower is usually given as a gift to someone to remind them of the giver’s love for them, and it can also be used to remember someone who has passed away.
Flower Color Meanings
Forget-me-nots are small, delicate flowers associated with love and remembrance for centuries. The forget-me-not flower meaning is mainly tied to the German folktale in which a young lover was picking flowers by a river when he suddenly fell in and drowned. As he floated downstream, he shouted, “Ver”.
Blue Color
Blue forget-me-nots represent true love and memorials. They can also be used to show forgetfulness or as a sign of remembrance. The forget-me-not is the state flower of Alaska and the provincial flower of New Brunswick.
Forget me not. Flowers have been around for centuries and are mentioned in Greek mythology. The flowers get their name from the Greek god Mercury. The forget-me-not flower was also used during the Victorian era to symbolize true love.
White Color
White forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica) represent purity and innocence. In Victorian times, forget-me-nots were often given as a token of true love.
Forget-me-nots can be found in woods and edges of forests throughout Europe and Asia. The forget-me-not is the state flower of Alaska.
Pink Color
Pink forget-me-nots represent love, faithfulness, and true love. It can also be used to show appreciation and gratitude.
The forget-me-not is a member of the Myosotis genus, which contains over 500 species. The flower comes from the Greek words myo (mouse) and sotis (ear) because the forget-me-not leaves resemble mouse ears.
Purple
The purple flower of forget me not symbolizes forgetfulness, true love, and deep affection. The forget me not was once used as a symbol of eternal love. The forget me not is also the state flower of Alaska.
This lovely little flower is easy to grow and adds to any garden. You can find them at most nurseries or garden stores if you’re looking for a forget-me, not plant.
Forget me not are annual plants, meaning they only live for one growing season. They typically bloom in the spring and summer months. Once the forget me not flowers start to fade, the plant will die off.
Uses
The forget me not flowers have several medicinal and practical uses. It has been used to treat various illnesses, from chest infections to diarrhoea. The petals can also be used to make a tea that is believed to help treat anxiety and stress.
Additionally, the forget me not flower is often used as a natural dye and can be added to fabric or paper to create beautiful designs.
Occasions, Where You Can Gift, Forget Me Not Flower
Forget me not. Flowers are delicate and beautiful. They have a long history and are often associated with love, hope, and remembrance. If you’re looking for a unique way to show someone you care, forget me not, flowers are a perfect choice. Here are a few occasions where forget me not flowers would be an appropriate gift:
- Birthdays: A forget me not flower bouquet is a lovely way to celebrate a birthday. The forget me not flower meaning of true love and remembrance makes it a perfect gift for someone you care about deeply.
- Anniversaries: Whether you’re celebrating a wedding anniversary or the anniversary of a particular date, forget me not, flowers are an ideal way to show your eternal love and devotion.
- Get well soon: Forget me not; flowers are often given to people who are ill or recovering from surgery. The forget me not flower meaning of hope and remembrance is a source of comfort for those who are going through a difficult time.
- Sympathy: The forget me not flower meaning of remembrance makes it a thoughtful gift for someone who has lost a loved one.
- Thinking of you: Sometimes you don’t need a special occasion to show someone you care. A forget me; not flower bouquet is a beautiful way to let someone know you’re thinking of them.
How to Plant and Grow
- Choose a sunny spot for forgetting me not, as they need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
- Sow forget me not seeds in late winter or early spring, planting them about an inch deep and spacing them 2-3 inches apart.
- Keep the soil moist but not wet until the seedlings emerge.
- Once the plants are a few inches tall, water them regularly and fertilize them twice a month with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Pinch back; forget me not to encourage bushier growth.
- Deadhead spent flowers on keeping forgetting me not blooming all summer long.
- Cut forget me not plants back by half after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent them from getting leggy.
- In late fall, cut forget-me-nots back to the ground after the first frost and mulch them heavily to protect them over winter.
Growing forget me not is easy, and they make a great addition to any garden. With their cheerful blue flowers, they add colour all summer long. Follow these tips on how to plant and grow to forget me not, and you’ll enjoy their beauty in no time.
Cultivation
The forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica) is a herbaceous perennial plant in the borage family, Boraginaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia and has been introduced to North America and Australia. The species appears variable, with blue, pink, white, or yellow flowers.
The forget-me-not is a small tall plant growing to 20–50 cm (8–20 in). The erect stem is hairy and unbranched or occasionally branched. The leaves are alternate, 2–5 cm (0.8–2 in) long and 1–2 cm broad, with an entire or crenate margin. The flowers are borne in clusters of 10–30 blooms on a single stalk; each flower has five petals, the upper two usually being united to form a lobed calyx.
How to Care
Water forgets me not sparingly, keeping the soil lightly moist. Fertilize, forget me not, with a balanced fertilizer once a month in the spring and summer. Deadheads forget me not regularly to encourage blooming. Cut forget me, not back to the ground in the fall. To care:
Soil
Forget me. No flowers do well in average, slightly acidic soil. They can also tolerate dry soil conditions but will not perform as well. Forget me not. Flowers prefer full sun to partial shade, but they can also take full shade.
Light
Forget me; I do not need full sun to partial sun. They need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Forget-me-nots will do well in either full sun or partial sun. They need at least six hours of daylight daily.
Fertilizers
For forget-me-nots, a nitrogen-rich fertilizer is ideal. Apply the fertilizer twice a year – once in early spring and again in midsummer. Fertilize sparingly to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the plant. Water forgets me not regularly, especially during periods of drought, and keeps the soil moist but not wet.
Pruning and Shaping
Pruning, forget me not (Myosotis Sylvatica) is best done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. You can cut the plants back by up to half their height at this time. This will encourage bushier growth and more flowers. If you want to keep your forget me not compact, you can pinch the tips of the stems in early summer.
To shape forget me nots, cut back any straggly or long stems. You can also deadhead the plants regularly to tidy them up and prevent them from self-seeding too much.
Common Problem
Forget me not. Flowers are prone to fungal problems and can also be affected by pests such as aphids and other diseases.
Pests and Diseases
Although forget me nots are relatively hardy plants, they can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can attack, forget me not, and the plants can also be affected by powdery mildew and crown rot.
To prevent problems, start with healthy plants and water them regularly (but be sure not to overwater). You can treat pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil if pests become a problem. And if you see powdery mildew or crown rot, remove affected leaves and stems and dispose of them immediately.
With some care, forget me not will thrive in your garden for years to come!
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that can affect forget me, not flowers. It causes a white powdery substance to form on the surface of the flowers and leaves and can lead to stunted growth and reduced yields. If you notice powdery mildew on your forget me, not plants, take steps to treat the infection as soon as possible.
To treat powdery mildew, you’ll need to apply a fungicide to your forget me, not plants. Be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully, and use the fungicide evenly over all parts of the plant. You may need to reapply the fungicide multiple times to eradicate the infection.
Rust
Rust is a type of corrosion that eats away at the metal, weakening it and making it prone to breaking. It’s caused by the reaction of iron with oxygen in the presence of water and can damage everything from cars to structural beams. Prevention is critical and includes keeping metal surfaces dry and well-protected from the elements.
Did You Know?
- What you didn’t know about this plant is that it attracts bees! This is due to the forget me not flowers being a rich source of nectar. The bees can then make honey from the nectar, which makes this plant a great addition to any garden!
- Did you know that forget me not (Myosotis Sylvatica) is part of the borage family? This means they are closely related to forget-me-nots such as comfrey and borage.
- The forget me not is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe. However, it can now be found in other parts such as North America and Australia. Forget-me-not flowers typically bloom between May and June.
- The forget me not plant a small plant that typically only grows about 30cm tall. The leaves of the forget me not are oval-shaped and have a toothed margin. The Forget-me-not flower is blue and has five petals.
- The forget me not is a trendy plant often used in gardens and as a cut flower. The forget me now is also the state flower of Alaska.
If you are looking for a plant that is easy to care for and attracts bees to your garden, then forget me not (Myosotis Sylvatica) is the perfect plant for you!
Frequently Asked Questions about Forget Me Not Flowers
Where is the best place to plant forget-me-nots?
The best place to plant is in areas that get a lot of suns. They prefer well-drained soil and should be watered regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting.
They are available in both blue and pink and make a beautiful addition to any garden. They’re also great for attracting bees and other pollinators.
Do forget-me-nots need full sun?
Yes! this flower loves the sun and needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to bloom their best. They’re wonderful additions to any sunny garden, and can also be planted in containers or window boxes. They grow well in most soil types but prefer moist, well-drained soil. They’re also very tough and can survive in cold climates, making them a great choice for northern gardens. Forgot-me-not flowers are available in a variety of colours, including blue, pink, purple, and white.
How often should you water forget-me-nots?
Generally, forget-me-nots should be watered every three to four days. However, during hot weather, they may need to be watered daily. If the soil is dry to the touch and the leaves are wilting, then it’s time to water them.
Do forget-me-nots come back every year?
Yes, they do come back every year. They are perennial plants, meaning they come back year after year from the same root system. They grow well in cool climates, so if you live in a warm climate, your best bet is to grow them in a pot and bring them inside during the winter.
Should you deadhead forget-me-not?
Yes, you should deadhead forget-me-not flowers. When you deadhead a flower, you remove the spent bloom before it has a chance to turn into a seed pod. This helps keep the plant looking neat and tidy, and it also encourages new blooms to form.
How long do forget-me-not plants last?
These flowers are a type of perennial, so they last for multiple years. The flowers will start to fade after about a month, but the leaves will stay green for much longer.
Do forget-me-nots spread?
Yes, forget-me-nots spread. They are a hardy perennial that often naturalizes in gardens and yards. The seeds are tiny and easily spread by wind or water. If you want to keep them from spreading too much, you can remove the flowers before they go to seed.
How do I stop forget-me-nots from spreading?
The easiest way to stop them from spreading is to dig them up by the roots. You can also try cutting off the flower stalk as close to the ground as possible, but this may not be 100% effective. If you don’t want to disturb the plants, you can also try using a weed killer, but this may also not be 100% effective.
Are forget-me-nots toxic to dogs?
Yes, forget-me-nots are toxic to dogs. The leaves and flowers of the plant contain a toxin called cyanogenic glycoside, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures in dogs. So it’s important to keep your pet away from this flower if you have one in your garden.
Can forget-me-nots be dried?
Yes, they can be dried. They can be dried by hanging them upside down in a dry place or by spreading them out on a paper towel and allowing them to air dry.
Once they are dried, the petals can be removed from the stem and stored in an airtight container. The leaves can also be removed from the stem and stored in an airtight container, but they tend to bruise easily so they are not recommended for long-term storage.
