Forget Me Not Flowers

Forget-me-nots (Myosotis spp.) are delicate, five-petaled flowers—most often sky blue with a yellow eye—that bloom in spring. Loved for their self-seeding habit and carpet-forming displays, they carry a long association with remembrance, constancy, and gentle affection.

Occasions & recipients - Find flowers by occasion

Best occasions

Rooted in medieval legends of steadfast love, forget-me-nots symbolize remembrance, loyalty, and bonds that endure distance or loss. They are used as emblems of memory, including by Alzheimer’s and dementia organizations, and in weddings they serve as a quiet pledge of fidelity and as a way to honor loved ones who cannot be present.

Card Message Ideas

In loving memory—gone from sight but never from our hearts.
A little forget-me-not to say: I’m thinking of you today and always.
To us, love means never forgetting—today we celebrate what we share.
Something blue to mark this day and every day to come.
You are in my thoughts now and always—with gentle remembrance.

Presentation Etiquette

Present forget-me-nots as a small posy or as a soft, airy accent in mixed spring bouquets with tulips, ranunculus, or lily of the valley. Handle and transport gently—they have fine stems and a short vase life—condition in cool, clean water and keep stems short. For memorials or sympathy, choose simple, understated wrapping and a modest ribbon; for weddings, include them as the ‘something blue.’

Ideal Delivery Time

Deliver on a cool spring morning with stems conditioned and just opening; avoid heat and long transit to preserve delicate blooms.

At a glance

Key details

Quick reference for key details choosing flowers for different occasions and recipients. Use this section as a practical checklist: where they grow and what to keep in mind regarding toxicity and sensitivity.

Distribution

Native to Europe and Asia; widely naturalized in North America, New Zealand, and other temperate regions; commonly grown in gardens worldwide.

Conservation

Common and not threatened in cultivation; some localized or endemic species within Myosotis are threatened/protected (e.g., certain island and alpine species).

Toxicity

Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

Allergenicity

Low; generally not a significant pollen allergen, with only occasional mild skin irritation possible.

Family: Boraginaceae; Genus: Myosotis; Common name: Forget-me-not; Habit: annual/biennial/perennial herbs; Notable species: Myosotis sylvatica (wood forget-me-not), M. scorpioides (true forget-me-not).

Color Taboos

Growing & tools

Care & gear

Growing tips

Light: full sun to partial shade (prefers cool conditions). Soil: moist, well-drained, humus-rich, neutral to slightly acidic. Water: keep evenly moist, not waterlogged. Sowing: broadcast or tray-sow midsummer to early fall for blooms the following spring; self-seeds readily. Spacing: 15–25 cm. Climate: hardy in USDA zones ~3–8 (varies by species). Care: deadhead to prolong bloom and limit self-seeding; cut back after flowering; divide perennials. Pests/disease: generally easy; watch for powdery mildew, slugs, and snails. Vase life: typically 3–5 days.