Forget-me-nots, with their delicate blue flowers, are a beloved garden flower. However, true forget-me-nots (Myosotis) can sometimes be tricky to grow or may not be suitable for all garden conditions. Luckily, there are several other flowers that closely resemble forget-me-nots and make good substitutes in the garden.
Brunnera
One of the closest look-alikes is Brunnera, also known as Siberian bugloss. Brunnera produces clusters of small, bright blue flowers in spring that look very similar to forget-me-nots. The flowers have the same five-petaled shape and yellow centers.
One species, Brunnera macrophylla, is particularly popular There are several cultivars to choose from, such as ‘Jack Frost’ which has silver-veined leaves, and ‘Looking Glass’ with completely silver leaves. Brunnera grows well in shade and keeps its handsome foliage all season, even after the flowers fade
Pulmonaria
Pulmonaria commonly called lungwort, is another good forget-me-not look-alike. It produces clusters of small blue or pink bell-shaped flowers in spring. From the front the flowers look very similar to forget-me-nots. However, from the side they have a slight funnel shape.
There are many pulmonaria cultivars to choose from, such as ‘Blue Ensign’ with blue flowers, and ‘Opal’ which has pale pink blooms. The foliage is attractive too, often spotted or speckled with silver. Pulmonaria thrives in shade and likes moist soil.
Amsonia
Amsonia produces clusters of star-shaped blue flowers in late spring. Species such as Amsonia hubrichtii and Amsonia tabernaemontana have flowers that resemble forget-me-nots. The delicate light blue color is very similar.
Amsonia is a versatile perennial that grows well in full sun or light shade. It has attractive willow-like foliage that turns golden yellow in fall. Species such as A. hubrichtii die back to the ground each winter but emerge fresh and full in spring.
Veronica
Some species of veronica produce tiny blue flowers that look very similar to forget-me-nots. Veronica prostrata is a creeping species well-suited to rock gardens, edging paths, or growing between pavers. It produces sheets of tiny bright blue flowers in spring.
Other good veronica choices include V. spicata and V. longifolia. Cultivars such as ‘Goodness Grows’ and ‘Royal Blue’ produce spikes of small blue blooms. Veronicas grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. They bloom for several weeks in late spring and early summer.
Phlox
Certain phlox species bear flowers that resemble forget-me-nots. Creeping phlox (P. subulata) and P. divaricata produce carpets of blue flowers in spring. From a distance the mass of delicate flowers looks similar to a patch of forget-me-nots.
Phlox thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It spreads readily to form mats or carpets of foliage and flowers. ‘Blue Emerald’ and ‘Blue Moon’ are two creeping phlox cultivars that work well as forget-me-not substitutes.
##Ajuga
Ajuga reptans, also known as bugleweed or carpet bugle, produces short spikes of blue flowers in spring. The small, tubular flowers with protruding stamens bear a resemblance to forget-me-not blooms. Ajuga makes a good groundcover and thrives in shade.
‘Burgundy Glow’ is an ajuga cultivar with attractive burgundy foliage and blue flowers. Another is ‘Black Scallop’ which has crinkled chocolate-colored leaves. The dark foliage shows off the blue flower spikes nicely.
Other Alternatives
A few other plants produce flowers that loosely resemble forget-me-nots:
- Muscari (grape hyacinth) – Clusters of small, bell-shaped blue blooms
- Aquilegia (columbine) – Delicate blue flowers with short spurs
- Campanula (bellflower) – Bell-shaped blue blooms
- Erigeron (fleabane) – Clouds of tiny daisy-like blue flowers
When choosing forget-me-not look-alikes, opt for plants suited to the light and soil conditions in your garden. With their similar delicate blue blooms, these flowers make beautiful and lower-maintenance substitutes for problematic true forget-me-nots.
Sow Right Seeds | Forget-Me-Nots
FAQ
What other flowers look like forget-me-nots?
Should I get rid of Green Alkanet?
What is the difference between brunnera and forget-me-not?
Are bluebells the same as forget-me-nots?
What flowers look like forget-me-not?
Next on the list of flowers that look like forget-me-not is bunchberry. It produces an array of star-like white blossoms with tiny greenish-yellow umbels, making it a delightful option for many gardeners.
What is a forget-me-not flower?
M. alpestris, the hardy alpine forget-me-not, is a short-lived dwarf perennial growing to 6 inches tall. Blooms are blue, pink, or white. In the language of flowers, forget-me-not’s meaning is “true love memories.” Forget-me-not seed packets are popular handouts and giveaways for funeral services and remembrances.
What does a forget-me-not plant look like?
Woodland forget-me-nots are short-lived perennials valued for their color, with pink buds followed by small, attractive, numerous half-inch five-petaled blue flowers. A short plant (often just 5 inches at maturity) with a medium growth rate, forget-me-not has hairy stems with single flowers growing at the end of bunches of flowering stems.
Can forget-me-not flowers grow in a shady spot?
The perennial forget-me-not flower spreads easily, freely self-seeding for more of the wildflower to grow and bloom in shady spots where the tiny seeds may fall. Forget-me-not flower care is minimal, as with most wildflowers. Forget-me-not plants grow best in a damp, shady area, but can adapt to full sun. Is Forget-Me-Not Invasive?
What does a wood forget-me-not plant look like?
This variety of forget-me-not is a short-lived herbaceous perennial plant that produces gorgeous blue, pink or white flowers with striking yellow or white centres which bloom from mid-spring to mid-summer. Wood forget-me-nots are easy to grow and prefer moist, well-drained, organically rich soil in full sun or partial shade.
How long does a forget-me-not flower last?
The true-blue forget-me-not plant displays clouds of tiny sky-blue flowers with yellow centers, perched on the tip of hairy stems which grow from 4 inches to a foot long. This perennial flower self-seeds and blooms for months. Here’s how to grow forget-me-not flowers in your garden!