Myosotis laxa
Myosotis laxa · Boraginaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant myosotis laxa: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Myosotis laxa
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Type
- Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
- Flowering
- April to July, small sky-blue flowers
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -15 °C
- Foliage
- Deciduous, light green, fine and delicate
- Origin
- Temperate regions of Europe
Care
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist, without excess standing water. Water in the morning at the base of the plant. During active growth, regular watering every 2 to 3 days is sufficient in temperate climates. Reduce slightly in winter.
Light exposure
Prefer a partially shaded or sunny location, with at least 3 to 4 hours of direct light daily. Forget-me-not will tolerate partial shade, especially in warm regions where it will appreciate protection from the midday sun.
Soil type
Cultivate forget-me-not in well-drained, light soil rich in organic matter. A potting mix for herbaceous plants mixed with fine compost will work perfectly. Absolutely avoid heavy and compacted soils that promote root rot.
Pruning and pinching
Pinching young stems at the 4-6 leaf stage promotes branching and better flowering. After the first bloom, you can prune partially to extend the flowering period. Remove faded flowers regularly to prevent plant exhaustion.
Nutrient supply
A balanced diluted NPK fertilizer, applied every 2 to 3 weeks during growth, is more than sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which would make the plant too leafy at the expense of flowering. Stop fertilizing after September.
Disease prevention
Watch for powdery mildew and grey mold in case of excessive humidity. Ensure good air circulation in the growing area and avoid wetting the foliage. In case of infestation, remove affected parts and improve air circulation. Aphids may occasionally colonize young shoots: treat with soapy water.
Did you know?
The name "Myosotis" comes from the Greek "mys" (mouse) and "otis" (ear), because the hairy leaves resemble tiny mouse ears. In the Middle Ages, this little blue flower symbolized true love and "forget-me-not": lovers would exchange them as tokens of eternal faithfulness.
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.