Chinese forget-me-not (Cynoglossum amabile) plant — close-up photo
Moderate to grow

Chinese forget-me-not

Cynoglossum amabile

Overview

Chinese forget-me-not (Cynoglossum amabile) is an amazing and unique species of flowering plant. It has beautiful, dark blue flowers with yellow-tinged centers. It produces an abundance of flowers throughout the spring and summer. It is drought tolerant and grows well in well-drained soil and full sun. The foliage is attractive and has a spicy scent. It also attracts a wide variety of birds and butterflies, making it a great choice for a wildlife garden. With its stunning blooms and resilience, it's no wonder that Chinese forget-me-not has been called amazing!

Care Guide

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Watering

Chinese forget-me-nots should be watered thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of the soil are dry. In addition, they should be watered more frequently in warmer months, and less frequently in cooler months. If the soil remains damp or looks waterlogged, the plant does not need to be watered. Chinese forget-me-nots should not be over-watered, as this can lead to root rot.

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Light

Chinese forget-me-not plants require full to partial sun and a minimum of 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The more sun they get, the better. When planted in a sunny spot in the garden, or when placed outdoors during the summer months, they will bloom more profusely. However, they must be protected from the intense, hottest midday sun as this will burn the delicate blossoms. If placed outdoors, light shade during the afternoon will help protect the blooms from being scorched by too much sun.

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Temperature

Hardiness zone 6-9.

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Pruning

For Chinese forget-me-not (Cynoglossum amabile), pruning should be done regularly, once in late spring and then again in early summer. The first pruning should be done just after flowering, and should be focused on removing any crossed branches or diseased or dead growth. The second time should be focused on thinning, shaping, and improving the overall structure of the plant, taking care to not remove too much of its foliage. When pruning, try not to cut off the old wood entirely, as this species is known for flowering from both new and old wood. Removing more than a third of the old, woody stems is generally not recommended.

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Propagation

Division, Seed Propagation, Cutting

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