Photo: Kym NicolsonCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Cape Forget-me-not Plant Care
Anchusa capensis Thunb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Anchusa capensis is known for its striking bright blue flowers that contrast beautifully against its dark green, lance-shaped leaves. Originating from South Africa, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its unique and eye-catching appearance, adding a pop of color to any garden or landscape.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cape Forget-me-not?
Water Cape Forget-me-not every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cape Forget-me-not Native To?
What Is the Cape Forget-me-not?
Cape Forget-me-not (Anchusa capensis) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Anchusa genus. Cape Forget-me-not is native to Namibia, South Africa and Lesotho. Cape Forget-me-not is also known as Cape Anchusa.
Cape Forget-me-not displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Cape Forget-me-not produces tubular flowers in shades of blue, pink, or purple.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cape Forget-me-not?
Anchusa capensis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Cape Forget-me-not Need?
Cape Forget-me-not thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cape Forget-me-not Prefer?
Anchusa capensis grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Cape Forget-me-not prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cape Forget-me-not?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Cape Forget-me-not to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cape Forget-me-not?
Feed Cape Forget-me-not every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Cape Forget-me-not?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Cape Forget-me-not?
Cape Forget-me-not can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to italian bugloss plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cape Forget-me-not Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cape Forget-me-not, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Cape Forget-me-not?
Cape Forget-me-not is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Cape Forget-me-not Need?
Cape Forget-me-not grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Cape Forget-me-not is native to Namibia, South Africa and Lesotho.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Cape Forget-me-not is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Anchusa genus — compare its care with other Anchusa species on PlantoScan.
Anchusa is part of the Boraginaceae plant family — browse all Boraginaceae genera and species.
Cape Forget-me-not thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Anchusa capensis Thunb., family Boraginaceae (first published in Prodr. Pl. Cap. : 34 (1794)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cape Forget-me-not, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Kym Nicolson, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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