This traditional symbol of love is perfect for adding brightness to your garden. Luckily, many flowers bloom in a variation of red. Scroll through to find the shade your heart desires.
We researched sun and soil needs plus growing tips to make your garden a little easier to manage. Read through the options below and learn how to grow bold florals with our guide.
Forget me nots are one of the most beloved flowers, known for their petite size and bright blue blossoms. While true forget me nots (Myosotis) have a distinctive delicate charm, there are several look-alike flowers that capture the same ethereal beauty
In this article, we’ll explore 7 stunning flowers that resemble forget me nots. Discover enchanting doppelgangers from Verbena’s vibrant purple-blue blooms to Brunnera’s frothy sprays of sky blue. Add dimension to your garden with these forget me not look-alikes!
1. Blue Verbena
With its clusters of tiny 4-5 petaled purple-blue blossoms, Blue Verbena (Verbena hastata) looks strikingly similar to forget me nots. However, verbena blooms in summer rather than spring like forget me nots. The tall, slender stems of blue verbena add graceful movement to bouquets. Plus, verbena attracts butterflies and requires little care once established.
2. Blue Eyed Mary
At first glance, the frilly bright blue blossoms of Omphalodes verna could be mistaken for a forget me not. However, blue eyed Mary has larger, richer blue flowers compared to the more delicate forget me not The cute name comes from the white centered flowers resembling eyes Blue eyed Mary thrives in shade gardens and looks darling edging walkways.
3. Bugloss
Bugloss (Anchusa capensis) is immediately recognizable by its small starry blue flowers and the 5 feathery white scales in each bloom’s center. A member of the borage family like forget me nots, its blossoms have a wild, romantic look. Bugloss is easy care, tolerating drought and poor soil. The ruby-throated hummingbirds flock to its nectar-rich flowers.
4. False Forget Me Not
Brunnera macrophylla lives up to its common name False Forget Me Not, with clusters of blooms identical to a true forget me not. In early spring, this shade loving perennial produces abundant sprays of petite sky blue flowers with yellow centers that last 3-4 weeks. It maintains a tidy mound of heart shaped leaves.
5. Spring Beauty
While not blue, Spring Beauty’s (Claytonia virginica) delicate white and pink 5 petaled flowers have a starry shape reminiscent of forget me nots. Spring beauties blanket wooded areas in spring, creating spectacular displays. The blooms open on sunny days and close at night. Despite its ephemeral flowers, it spreads readily by bulbils.
6. Bunchberry
Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) offers a white flowered alternative to forget me nots. This groundcover produces showy white bracts surrounded by tiny yellow-green flowers, resulting in a look similar to forget me nots. Growing only 4-6 inches tall, it forms a lush, dense carpet in shady forests and woodland gardens.
7. Alkanet
Sometimes called green alkanet, Anchusa azurea flowers in spring with dense clusters of tiny blue blossoms on tall stems, much like forget me nots. Its rough, lance shaped leaves and taller size distinguish it from delicate forget me nots. Alkanet thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and tolerates drought once established.
Final Thoughts
Forget me not look-alikes like verbena, bugloss, and spring beauty add their own spin on the iconic forget me not flower. Experiment with different shades of blue, growth habits, and foliage to find look-alikes ideally suited for your garden conditions. Just be sure to provide most with shade and moist soil for lush growth. Soon you’ll have a landscape dotted with enchanting flowers reminiscent of beloved forget me nots.
Types of Blue Flowers
Cornflowers are annuals with ruffled, bright blue blooms that attract bees and butterflies.
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Soil Needs Well-drainedSunlight Needs Full SunGrowing Zones 2 – 11Flower Tip Cornflower does not transplant well. Rather than planting them indoors, sow the seeds in fall or early spring. |
Empire Blue’ Butterfly Bush Buddleia davidii
The Butterfly Bush had lance-shaped leaves with arching branches. This variety had scented pale blue flowers that lure wildlife.
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Soil Needs Well-drainedSunlight Needs Full SunGrowing Zones 5 – 10Flower Tip Buddleia is one of the most fragrant shrubs and is almost guaranteed to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. |
Water Forget-Me-Not – It’s Unforgettable!!
FAQ
What flower is similar to forget-me-nots?
Throughout April and May, ‘Jack Frost‘ is covered with lots of small, bright blue flowers which look rather like forget-me-nots. These are complemented by the beautiful heart-shaped foliage which is a pale silver-grey with pronounced dark green veins.
What is the blue plant that looks like “forget-me-not”?
Brunnera macrophylla, commonly known as Siberian bugloss or false forget-me-not, is a perennial plant appreciated for its lush foliage and charming summertime flowers.
What to plant instead of forget-me-nots?
There are several native plants that serve as good alternatives to forget-me-not. Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium reptans) is a woodland perennial with small, lavender-blue flowers that bloom in April or May and serve as a food source for early pollinators. It grows well in moderately shady sites with loose, rich soil.
What flowers resemble forget-me-nots?
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. One of the closest look-alikes is Brunnera, also known as Siberian bugloss.
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 flower look like?
Typically, forget-me-nots are known for their bright blue flowers, often with a yellow center, which is a key identifying feature. However, there are also species or varieties that can have pink, white, or even yellow flowers. The flowers are small, usually around 5-10 mm across, with five slightly notched petals.
Where can Forget-Me-Not Flowers be placed?
Forget-Me-Not Flowers, scientifically known as Myosotis sylvatica, are beautiful and delicate flowers that can be placed anywhere in your garden. They will enhance the look and feel of the place.
Are blue flowers a forget-me-not?
Their pure blue flowers are classic forget-me-not style, the simplest of flower shapes with a starry look. Tiny, open flowers about as big as our smallest fingernail contain five rounded petals around a yellow, orange or white centre. But is it a forget-me-not? Perhaps it is, perhaps not.
What genus does a forget-me-not flower belong to?
Forget-me-not flowers belong to the Myosotis genus. The name comes from the Greek words mus and ous, which mean ‘mouse’ and ‘ear,’ respectively. This name is fitting because the leaves of the forget-me-not flower somewhat resemble mouse ears. Let’s explore more about these charming flowers.