Myosotis scorpioides (Water forget-me-not)

Botanical name

Myosotis scorpioides

Other names

Water forget-me-not, Mouse-ear scorpion grass, Snake grass, Love-me, Marsh forget-me-not, Mouse-ear, Myosotis palustris, Water forgetmenot, Myosotis aquatica

Genus

Myosotis Myosotis

Species

M. scorpioides - M. scorpioides is a clump-forming perennial with oblong, hairy leaves and sky-blue flowers with a central yellow eye in summer to autumn. It makes an ideal plant for pond margins or a bog garden.

Native to

Temperate Northern Hemisphere

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Erect

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Colour

Flower

Yellow, White, Blue in Summer

Foliage

Green in Summer

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Specific diseases

Downy mildew , Powdery mildew

General care

Pruning

Cut back at the end of flowering.

Propagation methods

Division, Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Myosotis scorpioides (Water forget-me-not) will reach a height of 0.3m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Aquatic, Beds and borders, Bog garden, City, Cottage/Informal, Waterside

Cultivation

Plant in moist soils or shallow water (maximum 10cm) in either sun or partial shade.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy

Soil drainage

Moisture-retentive

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Myosotis scorpioides (Water forget-me-not)

Common pest name

Green semi-looper

Scientific pest name

Chrysodeixis eriosoma

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous moth pest which is morphologically identical to a pest already established in the UK in protected environments and being controlled by IPM. Not expected to cause greater impacts than other species of Chrysodeixis in the UK.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/