Fun Flower Facts: Forget-Me-Not

The Forget-me-not is an unforgettable flower! Just about everyone knows its name!

Known scientifically as myosotis, forget-me-nots are plants with clusters of dainty little flowers, about 1 cm in diameter. There are about 50 different species. These popular spring time flowers are commonly blue with yellow centers, but white and pink varieties are also available. Leaves are grey-green, hairy and stalkless. In the wild, they can be found in wet places like woodlands and stream banks.

Forget-me-not is a favourite with gardeners. These pretty little flowers will add texture and form to any garden! They will bloom from early summer to late spring. They are easy to grow and do well in just about any condition. They can be planted in full sun or partial shade in just about any soil type, as long as the soil is kept moist. Water regularly. These low-growing plants look most attractive planted in masses with spring-flowering bulbs, like tulips. They are ideal as ground covers or in rock gardens. Forget-me-nots can also be planted in containers and make attractive cut flowers.

Fun Flower Facts:

• the botanical name, myosotis, comes from the Greek words “mus” for mouse and “otis” for ears, refers to the leaves that are shaped like mice ears
• while the flowers don’t have much scent during the day, they are very fragrant in the evening
• many species are native to New Zealand
• forget-me-not is Alaska’s state flower
• in Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, forget-me-nots are worn as symbols of remembrance, like the poppy on Remembrance Day
• National Forget-Me-Not Day is held Nov 10th to remember friends, family and loved ones
• there is a belief that wearers of the flower will not be forgotten by their lovers
• in the language of flowers, the forget-me-not represents faithfulness, true love and remembrance
• the plant has astringent properties; it has been used in lotions
• in traditional herbal medicine, forget-me-nots have been used to treat eye diseases