Chinese Forget-Me-Not Seeds

• Cynoglossum
• The Plant
• How to Sow
• How to Grow
• Growing Tips
• Diseases and Pests
• Uses and Curiosities

Cynoglossum

Cynoglossum (Cynoglossum amabile), also known as Chinese forget-me-not, is native to China and Bhutan, belonging to the Boraginaceae family. It is grown as an annual or biennial in temperate climates.

The Plant

It has a bushy, vigorous habit, with oval grey-green leaves and upright stems reaching about 40 cm in height.

From late spring through autumn it produces a generous bloom of small turquoise-blue flowers, closely resembling the classic forget-me-not in shape.

How to Sow

Sow from early April to mid-June, directly in open ground or in pots. Since the flowering period is relatively short, it is best to stagger sowing every 2-4 weeks to extend the bloom over time.

How to Grow

It prefers light, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, in full sun or light partial shade. Water regularly, never letting the soil dry out completely or become waterlogged.

The plant self-seeds easily, spreading on its own in the garden year after year.

Growing Tips

Perfect for borders, flower beds and rock gardens, it also does well in pots. It attracts many pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it ideal for a pollinator-friendly garden.

Diseases and Pests

It is a hardy plant generally not very prone to disease. The most common pest is aphids, best monitored on the youngest shoots.

Uses and Curiosities

Also known by the common names "blue showers" and "hound's tongue", in some areas it can naturalize easily: it is always best to check local conditions before sowing. It is highly valued in informal cottage-style gardens for its intense blue colour.