The Story
Plant Bio
Anchusa capensis, commonly known as Cape Forget-me-not, is a biennial or short-lived perennial, often grown as an annual. It forms a low mound of hairy, lance-shaped leaves.
The 'Blue Angel' cultivar is noted for its profusion of intense, gentian-blue, forget-me-not-like flowers that bloom over a long period, attracting bees and other pollinators.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
10 inches
Width
10 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Biennial/Annual
Native To
South Africa
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Early summer – Mid-summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
- Transplant seedlings when they are strong enough, typically after 4-6 weeks.
- Fertilize with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks during active growth.
- Prune lightly after flowering to promote bushiness and remove dead stems.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Plant in full sun for vibrant blue flowers and vigorous growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells 💧
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming
- Provide well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Apply a light mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots during flowering to prevent stress
- Refrain from using heavy, clay-based soil without amendments
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Cape Forget-me-not questions
What zones can Cape Forget-me-not grow in?
Cape Forget-me-not is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Cape Forget-me-not deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Cape Forget-me-not, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Cape Forget-me-not bloom?
Cape Forget-me-not typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Cape Forget-me-not need full sun?
Cape Forget-me-not does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Cape Forget-me-not drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cape Forget-me-not handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Anchusa to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Cape 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.