Xela's Garden
Forget-Me-Not ...
Genus: Myosotis.
Species: Myosotis alpestris.
Sown 2001 Vistabile
icon of perennial/biennial/annual
Perennial growing to 0.2m by 0.3m.
It is hardy to zone 4.
Flowers: July to Sept
The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies).
The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist or wet soil.
Habitats
Woodland Garden; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden;
Medicinal Uses
Astringent; Ophthalmic.
The whole plant is astringent and ophthalmic[7]. Used as a lotion, it is an excellent remedy for many eye diseases[7]. It is also ground into a powder and applied externally to wounds, at one time the leaf juice was used to stop nose bleeds[7]. The plant is harvested in May and can be dried for later use[7].
Other Uses
Scented Plants
Flowers: Fresh
The flowers are deliciously fragrant in the evening and night time though there is little or no scent in the daytime[245].
Cultivation details
Prefers a well-drained gritty soil[245]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[187]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]. The flowers are deliciously fragrant in the evening and night time though there is little or no scent in the daytime[245].
Propagation
Seed - sow outdoors in situ in late spring or early summer. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 4 weeks at 20°c. Division in spring[111]. Large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of young shoots, summer in a shady border[111].
