Alpine Forget-Me-Not
Alpine Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis alpestris), also known as Scorpius Forget-Me-Not, is a species of flowering plant in the Boraginaceae family. It has small, axillary, bright blue flowers that bloom in the early spring. Some cultivars have more flower petals that give off a deeper colour. The leaves are small, lightly toothed, and grey-green. The plant grows to about 10–30cm high and spreads by rhizomes. It can be found in the meadows of Europe, Siberia, North America, and South Africa.
Alpine Forget-Me-Not is fairly drought tolerant as long as the soil is well-draining. It is best to water deeply but infrequently. Check the soil every week and water when the soil is dry to the touch. Always allow the water to completely drain away.
Alpine Forget-Me-Not prefers full sun to partial shade, depending on the weather and the region it is planted in. In hotter climates, it prefers more light shade. Too much shade can prevent the flowers from blooming.
Alpine forget-me-not prefers cool temperatures and can survive winter temperatures in USDA hardiness zones four to six. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 45 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 24 degrees Celsius).
Low-moderate humidity is best for Alpine Forget-Me-Not. High humidity can cause problems such as powdery mildew and root rot. If the plant is placed in a dry, arid environment, then regular misting is recommended.
Alpine Forget-Me-Not prefers a well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Use a light peat moss-based potting mix for best results. Adding sand or perlite can help with drainage if the potting mix is too dense.
Light fertilization of Alpine Forget-Me-Not can be done in mid-spring with a balanced liquid fertilizer. For best results, use a fertilizer with a higher middle number (such as 10-10-10 or 15-15-15). Do not over-fertilize, as this can burn the roots and weaken the plant.
Alpine Forget-Me-Not is generally pest free, but certain pests may affect it. Common pests include aphids, mealybugs, slugs, and snails. To get rid of these pests, you can use insecticidal soaps and oils or horticultural oils. These should be used sparingly as they can burn the leaves. For slugs and snails, you can also use copper strips around the plant or lay down diatomaceous earth for prevention.
Repot Alpine Forget-Me-Not every two to three years or when the plant has outgrown its container. When it’s time to repot, use a potting mix that is well-draining. It should also have a slightly acidic to neutral pH. To repot, remove the plant from its pot and gently shake off the old potting mix from the roots. Carefully place the plant in the new pot and fill with new, fresh potting mix. Water thoroughly after repotting.
Alpine Forget-Me-Not does not need much pruning. To maintain shape, the flowering stems can be trimmed off at the end of the blooming season. If the plant is getting too large, it can be lightly pruned to control the size. It is not necessary to prune the plant every year.
Mulching Alpine Forget-Me-Not helps keep the soil moist and cool in summer. Mulch with organic matter such as shredded bark, straw, or leaf mould. Avoid using herbicides or fungicides on the mulch as they can damage the plant.
Alpine Forget-Me-Not can be propagated by division or by seed. For division, gently dig up the plant in early spring and divide the clumps into smaller pieces. Replant the divisions at the same level as it was original planted. For seed propagation, sow seeds outdoors in the early spring. Plant the seeds at the same level as the surrounding soil. Keep the seeds moist and in the sun.
Alpine Forget-Me-Not does not require any support, but if the plant is in an exposed area, you can provide some support. You can use a bamboo stake and tie the stems with soft material or foam pipe insulation.
Alpine Forget-Me-Not does not require a rest period. It will continue to grow all season and flower from spring to summer.
Alpine Forget-Me-Not is considered non-toxic to pets.
Alpine Strawberry
Alpine Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is a small perennial plant originating from Europe and Western Asia, and is now found in cooler parts of North Amer...
Alpine Violet
Alpine Violet (Cyclamen persicum) is a beautiful and popular flowering houseplant. It has vibrant colors, with shades of pink and purple, small oval-s...
Alpine Lily
The Alpine Lily (Lilium pyrenaicum) is a stunning flower that is often found growing in the wild in the mountainous ranges of Western Europe. Its smal...
Alpine Columbine
Alpine Columbine (Aquilegia alpina) is an easy-to-care-for flowering perennial that is native to the meadows of the Alps and Apennines. It blooms in m...