Forget Me Not Victoria Blue: A Vibrant and Carefree Flower

Forget me nots are classic cottage garden flowers that conjure up images of charming English gardens With their delicate clusters of blue flowers and lush green foliage, they add romantic old-world charm to any garden ‘Victoria Blue’ is one of the most popular and widely available forget me not varieties. This vibrant flower lights up shady spots and blooms dependably with minimal care.

Overview of ‘Victoria Blue’ Forget Me Nots

‘Victoria Blue’ is a cultivated variety of the woodland forget me not Myosotis sylvatica. It was bred to have more compact growth and deeper blue blooms compared to the species. The botanical name Myosotis comes from the Greek words for “mouse ear”, referring to the plant’s petite rounded leaves.

This variety grows in a mounded clump reaching 6 to 8 inches tall and wide. The hairy, rich green leaves form a dense base. In spring, abundant clusters of five-lobed, true blue blossoms open on short stems above the foliage. Each bloom measures about 3/8 inch across and has a tiny yellow eye.

‘Victoria Blue’ forget me nots are technically short-lived perennials but often grown as biennials or self-seeding annuals. They bloom prolifically for 4 to 6 weeks in spring. Deadheading prolongs bloom time. The plants readily reseed for years of enjoyment.

Growing Conditions

‘Victoria Blue’ thrives in the same conditions as the species. It appreciates:

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade. Afternoon shade in hot climates.

• Soil: Rich, consistently moist, well-draining soil.

• Hardiness: USDA zones 3 to 8. Withstands light frosts.

• Water: Keep soil moderately moist, not soggy. Reduce watering after bloom.

This variety tolerates clay soil but prefers loamy soil enriched with organic matter. Good drainage is essential to prevent fungal diseases. Apply a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

How to Grow from Seed

Forget me nots are easy to grow from seed. ‘Victoria Blue’ seeds can be directly sown outdoors or started indoors:

• Outdoors: Sow seeds in prepared soil in mid to late summer. This will produce plants that bloom the following spring.

• Indoors: Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Transplant seedlings outside after hardening off.

Barely cover the tiny seeds with soil, as light aids germination. Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge in 10 to 20 days. Space plants 8 to 12 inches apart.

Care and Maintenance

‘Victoria Blue’ forget me nots thrive with minimal care. Follow these tips for the healthiest plants:

• Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season.

• Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring to support flowering.

• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming into summer.

• Cut plants back to basal foliage after spring bloom.

• Divide congested clumps every 2 to 3 years in spring or fall.

• Allow some flowers to go to seed for self-sowing.

• Cut back foliage in late fall or leave intact for winter interest.

• Remove old foliage before new spring growth emerges.

Pinching or cutting back forget me nots during the first year prevents leggy growth and keeps plants compact. Occasional division rejuvenates older plants.

Common Pests and Diseases

Forget me nots are relatively trouble-free. Potential issues include:

• Mildew, rust – Promote air circulation. Remove affected foliage.

• Root rot – Improve drainage and avoid overwatering.

• Slug damage – Remove by hand or use organic slug bait.

Good cultural care is the best preventative for diseases. Quickly remove any infected plants to prevent spreading.

Uses in the Garden

Compact ‘Victoria Blue’ forget me nots shine along walkways, near entries, or at the front of flower borders. They make lovely:

• Flower bed edging
• Groundcover under roses, trees, or shrubs
• Container plantings, window boxes
• Pollinator-friendly gardens. Butterflies love them!
• Cottage gardens, rock gardens, wildflower meadows
• Woodland gardens or shade gardens
• Borders with spring bulbs and blooming perennials

Forget me nots self-sow freely. Allow them to naturalize in areas where this behavior is desirable. The bright blue flowers and fresh green foliage add a pop of color and soft texture to any informal garden space.

Other Popular Varieties

Many other Myosotis varieties offer unique traits. Some to try include:

• ‘Blue Ball’ – Large, rounded habit with deep blue blooms. 8 inches tall.

• ‘Pink Shades’ – Soft pink blossoms open from rose buds. 10 inches tall.

• ‘Snowflakes’ – Crisp white flowers with yellow centers. 8 inches tall.

• ‘Blue Bird’ – Vibrant mid-blue flowers. Tidy, mounding form. 5 inches tall.

• ‘Rosea Plena’ – Light pink, semi-double pompom blooms. 6 to 8 inches tall.

Bring Charming Blue Flowers to Your Garden

Cheerful ‘Victoria Blue’ forget me nots infuse gardens with soft blue color and carefree appeal. These charming flowers flourish with little maintenance. Allow them to freely self-sow for years of naturalistic beauty. Add forget me nots to your spring garden lineup for a touch of European charm.