Wildflower
Chinese forget-me-not (Cynoglossum amabile) is a charming cool-season flower that produces abundant sprays of delicate light blue blossoms from late spring through frost, blooming reliably in its first year from seed. Growing 12 to 24 inches tall in zones 6 through 9, this hardy annual or short-lived perennial thrives in full sun with moderate water and tolerates poor soils that would challenge many other plants. The showy one-sided flower clusters and fine, gray-green foliage create an airy, naturalized look that rewards minimal care.
6-12 inches apart
Full Sun
Moderate
6-9
24in H x 12in W
Biennial
Moderate
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The flowers arrive in generous sprays of pale blue, each delicate bloom barely a quarter-inch across but numerous enough to create a luminous effect in the garden. Plants bloom reliably from seed sown in spring or fall, and in zones 6 through 9, you can even sow seed in autumn to establish plants that flower the following spring. Low maintenance and unfussy about soil quality, Chinese forget-me-not fills garden space without demanding fussing, yet produces flowers showy enough to catch every eye that passes.
Chinese forget-me-not excels in garden settings where its naturalized habit softens borders and fills gaps between other plants. The abundant, long-blooming flowers attract attention in mixed beds and scattered plantings, and the plant's willingness to reseed makes it valuable for creating drifts of color year after year.
Start seed indoors in pots 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Keep seeds at germination temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost has passed.
Harden off seedlings gradually before moving them to the garden. Space plants 9 to 12 inches apart to allow room for mature width. Plant after the last spring frost date in your zone.
Sow seed directly in the garden just prior to your last spring frost date. In zones 6 through 9, you can also sow seed in fall for bloom the following spring, taking advantage of the plant's cool-season preference.
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