Myosotis Snowsylva

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Boraginaceae

Order

Boraginales

Genus

Myosotis

Species

sylvatica

Description

An ornamental herbaceous plant with a compact habit, growing to a height of 20–30 cm; it is characterised by its lush and elegant flowers, which add a decorative touch to flowerbeds, borders, planters and pots. Hardy, it tolerates low temperatures and prefers a cool climate and well-drained soil.

Variety description

A herbaceous plant that flowers profusely in the spring months, even at low temperatures. It comes in three colours, although the typical colour is blue, reminiscent of the wild ‘forget-me-not’ plant. In this case, it is a white cultivar.

Curiosities and special features

The common name ‘Forget-me-not’ dates back to the 15th century and stems from the custom of lovers exchanging a small bouquet of these flowers before parting.

Origin and distribution

A species native to Eurasia. Today, it is found in a range of varieties that differ mainly in the colour of their flowers.

Flower size

The individual flower is small, lending an air of elegance to the inflorescence in which it is grouped.

Leaf

Leaf has an elongated lamina.

Flowering period

It flowers from mid-winter to summer for a period of between 60 and 90 days, adding a touch of colour and natural beauty to your green spaces for a long time to come.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence raceme or cluster.

Leaf colour

Solid colour.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.15 and 0.2 m, making it ideal both for pots and planters and as a foreground plant in flowerbeds, combined with other ornamental plants.

Lifespan

A herbaceous plant grown mainly as an annual.

Where to plant

Owing to its size and the charm of its blooms, it is recommended for use in flowerbeds, borders, planters, small pots, outdoor planters and troughs.

Stem

herbaceous; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, small in size, with a star-shaped corolla and plain-coloured petals. It grows in small to medium-sized racemes or clusters. It flowers from mid-winter to summer, with a flowering period of between 60 and 90 days.

Growth

A variety with a compact growth habit.

Plant habit

The globular habitus allows results in flowerbeds as well as in planters of high ornamental value.

Branching

A variety with a medium number of branches.

PH

Requires a Soil or medium pH between 6.0 and 6.5.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting into the flowerbed, dig the soil to a depth of 20–30 cm, removing any weeds, residues from previous crops and large stones. Spread a layer of professional-grade potting compost for ornamental plants approximately 5–10 cm thick over the surface and level it using a rake.

Sun exposure

It adapts to different exposure conditions such as half-shade, bright shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 10 and 18 °C. The survival temperature range is between -3 and 38 °C. It tolerates cold winter climates well, surviving even in conditions where the ground is frozen.

Use

The spontaneous, natural beauty and elegance of the blooms make this variety of Myosotis sylvatica suitable for:

Outdoor ornamental use

Hardiness

A variety with medium to high hardiness, it adapts to soil and climate conditions that are not always tolerated by other ornamental herbaceous species.

Soil

For proper vegetative growth, the soil must be light and well-drained. In pots and planters, use a new, high-quality potting mix for ornamental plants, based on peat and perlite.

Difficulty

Following proper establishment in the new planting site, the cultivation of myostis is easy with an overall low level of management effort.

Growing tips

The following cultivation aspects and conditions are recommended to ensure optimal vegetative growth and abundant flowering:
Avoid over-watering It prefers a cool climate

Combinations with other plants

Ideal for compact, colourful ornamental arrangements, and can also be combined with flowers of varying heights to create a sense of depth; colour combinations may feature shades of the same hue or an alternation of colours chosen from the various available varieties, creating patterns or designs according to personal preference. You can create patches of colour or simple borders with other species such as Aubrieta and Bellis. Even in a smaller space, such as planters or window boxes, it can be planted in alternation with species or varieties featuring different shades of inflorescences.

Planting

For planting in flowerbeds, an average density of 15 plants per square metre is recommended in order to ensure the proper development of each plant, thereby achieving a harmonious and proportionate final arrangement. When transplanting, take care not to damage the roots of the seedlings and avoid burying the root balls completely; finally, water immediately after planting without causing waterlogging.

Propagation

Propagation is by seed.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively tap water with an optimal sub-acidic pH, either manually or via an irrigation system. Immediately after transplanting, apply balanced watering without allowing the soil to become waterlogged, and support the seedling during the early stages of development at its new planting site. Subsequently, allow the growing medium or soil to dry out slightly after each watering, whilst taking care to avoid letting it dry out completely; it is also advisable not to overwater to prevent waterlogging, which can encourage the development of fungal diseases leading to root rot. Always check the soil moisture level before watering and do not water the plant from above, particularly in the evening.

Fertilising

After proper establishment in the new planting site, usually three to four weeks after planting, apply a specific fertiliser for ornamental Species to the soil or medium at the foot of the plant, to be distributed liquid, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the frequency and doses applied.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Tip

If well fertilised, flowering lasts for several months before the strong heat.