Broadleaf Forget-me-not (Myosotis latifolia)

Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist

Broadleaf Forget-me-not Plant Care

Myosotis latifolia Poir.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant's broad basal leaves have a striking deep green hue with a velvety texture. Originating from New Zealand, Myosotis latifolia is prized by plant collectors for its delicate, sky-blue flowers that bloom in graceful, airy clusters.

🌱Herbs🌼Perennials🌻Annuals
Water

Every 3–5 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Broadleaf Forget-me-not?

Plant Broadleaf Forget-me-not in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 3–5 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Broadleaf Forget-me-not Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Broadleaf Forget-me-not?

Broadleaf Forget-me-not (Myosotis latifolia) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Myosotis genus. Broadleaf Forget-me-not is native to the Canary Islands, and.

Broadleaf Forget-me-not displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Broadleaf Forget-me-not produces small, delicate blue flowers with yellow centers.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Broadleaf Forget-me-not?

Water a young or newly planted Broadleaf Forget-me-not every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 3–5 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Broadleaf Forget-me-not Need?

Broadleaf Forget-me-not thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Broadleaf Forget-me-not Prefer?

Myosotis latifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Broadleaf Forget-me-not prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

50–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Broadleaf Forget-me-not?

Well-draining, fertile soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Broadleaf Forget-me-not to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Broadleaf Forget-me-not?

Feed Broadleaf Forget-me-not every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Broadleaf Forget-me-not?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, fertile soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Broadleaf Forget-me-not is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Broadleaf Forget-me-not?

Broadleaf Forget-me-not can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Broadleaf Forget-me-not?

Prune Broadleaf Forget-me-not while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Broadleaf Forget-me-not in Winter?

Broadleaf Forget-me-not is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Broadleaf Forget-me-not?

Broadleaf Forget-me-not can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mountain forget-me-not plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Broadleaf Forget-me-not Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Broadleaf 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 Broadleaf Forget-me-not?

Broadleaf Forget-me-not is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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 Broadleaf Forget-me-not Need?

Broadleaf Forget-me-not grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Broadleaf Forget-me-not is native to the Canary Islands, and. In cooler regions, grow Broadleaf Forget-me-not as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Broadleaf 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 Myosotis genus — compare its care with other Myosotis species on PlantoScan.

Myosotis is part of the Boraginaceae plant family — browse all Boraginaceae genera and species.

Broadleaf Forget-me-not thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Myosotis Species

Other Myosotis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Myosotis latifolia Poir., family Boraginaceae (first published in Encycl. , Suppl. 4: 45 (1816)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Broadleaf 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • 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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