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Asperugo procumbens

Asperugo procumbens · Boraginaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant asperugo procumbens: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Family
Boraginaceae
Type
Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
Foliage
Deciduous, hispid (covered with rough hairs)
Flowering
Spring to summer (April-July)
Mature size
15-30 cm tall, spreading-trailing habit
Growth
Fast
Hardiness
Low hardiness, sensitive to winter frost
Origin
Mediterranean and temperate regions of Eurasia

Care

Exposure

Rough forget-me-not prefers a sunny to partially shaded location. It tolerates bright environments well and adapts to breezy coastal gardens. Place it where it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct light daily for optimal flowering.

Soil

This plant enjoys light, well-draining and rather poor soils. It tolerates rocky, gravelly or sandy terrain very well. Avoid compact soils and those too rich in organic matter, which encourage vegetation at the expense of flowering.

Watering

Water moderately, only when the soil surface becomes dry. Once established, rough forget-me-not is very tolerant of drought thanks to its hispid foliage which reduces evaporation. Avoid excess moisture, particularly in winter, which causes root rot.

Pruning

Little intervention is needed. You can lightly pinch young plants to encourage denser and more compact branching. At the end of the season, simply remove dry or bare parts to maintain a neat silhouette.

Fertilizing

Rough forget-me-not requires little fertilization. A light application in spring is more than sufficient. Too much fertilizer, particularly nitrogen-based, makes the plant too lax and reduces flower production. Favor a balanced or slightly lean feed.

Diseases and pests

Generally robust, rough forget-me-not is little susceptible to common diseases. Ensure good drainage to prevent fungal rots. Aphids may occasionally infest young shoots; a spray of soapy water is usually sufficient to eliminate them.

Did you know?

The name 'rough forget-me-not' comes from the very rough texture of its leaves and stems, covered with stiffened hairs that resemble a grater. This hispid characteristic is more than just a detail: it reduces evaporation and protects the plant against herbivores. It's a discreet yet hardy inhabitant of Mediterranean wastelands for millennia.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.