1 named cultivar
The Story
Plant Bio
Cynoglossum amabile, Chinese forget-me-not, is a rounded annual from Nepal and central China, one to two feet high. Softly hairy stalked basal leaves up to eight inches long form a rosette beneath smaller stem leaves, and loose sprays of small funnel-shaped flowers in intense blue open from late spring into autumn.
The blue is deeper and truer than the true forget-me-not it is named after, and it flowers for far longer — from late spring right through to frost rather than a brief spring flush. The seeds carry hooked burrs that grip clothing and animal fur, which is how it spreads, so cut spent stems if you would rather it did not.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Annual
Height
18 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
Nepal to central China
Toxicity
Contains alkaloids; not eaten
Planting
How to Grow
- Sow direct in spring where plants are to grow.
- Choose full sun or partial shade and drained soil.
- Thin seedlings rather than transplanting them.
- Water sparingly; it tolerates dry soil well.
- Deadhead to prolong flowering and limit seeding.
- Expect burred seed to catch on clothing.
Pro Tip
The seed is burred and catches on clothing and fur, so deadhead before it ripens unless you want it everywhere next year.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Sow direct rather than transplanting 🌱
- Deadhead to prolong flowering ✂️
- Let it take dry soil 🌵
- Cut stems before seed ripens 🌾
Don't
- Feed or over-water it ❌
- Let burred seed ripen unchecked ❌
- Transplant the seedlings ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Sow |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Chinese Forget-me-not questions
What zones can Chinese Forget-me-not grow in?
Chinese Forget-me-not is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Chinese Forget-me-not deer resistant?
Yes — Chinese Forget-me-not is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Chinese Forget-me-not bloom?
Chinese Forget-me-not typically blooms in late spring to fall through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Chinese Forget-me-not need full sun?
Chinese Forget-me-not does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Chinese Forget-me-not with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.