Water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides)
Water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) is an aquatic plant that can grow 10cm – 50cm tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides).
This plant has several common names including: water forget-me-not, love-me, marsh forget-me-not, mouse-ear, mouse-ear scorpion grass or snake grass.
This is a semi-evergreen plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: water forget-me-not, love-me, marsh forget-me-not, mouse-ear, mouse-ear scorpion grass, snake grass
Scientific name: Myosotis scorpioides
Plant type: Aquatic, Bogs, Perennials
Habit: Clump-forming
Height: 10cm – 50cm
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Poorly drained
Garden type: City & Courtyard Gardens, Wildflower meadow
Planting type: Low Maintenance
Other characteristics: Plants for pollinators
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) – Christian Fischer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Whether small or large, formal or informal, every garden has space for an aquatic element. The sound and reflective qualities of water have long been used to add interest to gardens.
A pond, fountain or even a smaller water container greatly increases the variety of plants you can grow. In addition, they also encourage a wide variety of wildlife, including insects, frogs, toads and birds.
Together with plants, these elements offer a diversity of interests.
Other types of Myosotis to consider:
See all Myosotis
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in clay, loam or sand.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Myosotis scorpioides likes to grow in humid or poorly drained soil.
Sunlight
Water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) – Frank Vincentz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
