did you know?

The Latin name of this relative of the herb borage derives is derived from the Greek meaning "dog," and meaning "tongue," a reference to the hound's-tongue shape of the leaves and the texture of its fruits, called nutlets, which have little prickles.

general maintenance:

Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering, but allow some to mature for self-sowing.

pests/diseases:

Root rot, stem rot, and powdery mildew may occur.

controls:

To discourage powdery mildew and rot, space plants for adequate air circulation, avoid wetting leaves when watering, and remove diseased leaves.

how to sow/plant:

Start indoors 3?4 weeks before last frost. Set young plants at a distance equal or slightly less than their mature spread, planting in a well-drained, sunny to partly shady site. Water after planting. Or direct sow in spring after danger of frost has passed. Thin seedlings to 8 inches apart.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil moisture all season. Do not overfertilize because this will lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of blossoms.

garden hint:

For continual bloom throughout the summer, start some seeds early indoors and sow more outside. Although Chinese forget-me-nots are drought tolerant once established, deep watering during dry summers produces more flowers.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Drought Tolerant

garden uses:

• Flowerbed borders

other uses:

• Cut Flower

combine with:

other plants with silvery-gray foliage like white cornflower ( 'Snowball'), wormwood and licorice plant