The Caucasus Forget-Me-Not is an easy-care, hardy perennial that, however, must never dry out. A pruning is done in the fall.
Visually, the Caucasus forget-me-not (Brunnera macrophylla) is reminiscent of the forget-me-not (Myosotis) native to our latitudes. Apart from a similarity in flower shape, however, there is no closer relationship. The Caucasus forget-me-not can grow up to half a meter tall and has delicate blue-purple flower heads that appear to float above the lush foliage. The compact perennial can set pretty accents and, with appropriate care, feels at home in any garden soil.
Caucasian Forget-Me-Not - Origin
As the name of the plant already suggests, the original home of the borage plant is in the Caucasus and northern Russia. There the plants are found preferably in sparse forests. Natural deposits were also found in Turkey. The Caucasus forget-me-not is found in oak and spruce forests at altitudes of up to 2,000 meters.
| Caucasian forget-me-not (Brunnera macrophylla) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | Clump-like, broadly bushy |
| Growth: | 20 - 40 cm |
| Growth: | 30 - 40 cm |
| Plant Supplies: | 6 pieces / m² - planting distance 30 to 40 cm |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | fresh to moist, low in nutrients, humic, loamy |
Caucasian Forget-Me-Nots - Location
The ideal basis for growth can be created with a partly shaded to shady location. If the soil is permanently moist, a sunny location is also suitable. However, the blazing midday sun should be avoided in any case. Planting at the edges of trees is particularly attractive.
Other ways to stage the Caucasus forget-me-not in an appealing way:
- Discounts
- Perennial beds
- Natural Garden
- Japan Garden
- River zone of the garden pond
- Beautification of streams
- potted plant
AtSun exposure dries the soil very quickly. The plant does not like this. In contrast, the Caucasus forget-me-not feels more comfortable in a shady perennial bed. The bizarre plants can harmonize well with ferns and hostas in a shady location. Early bloomers such as primroses or daffodils are also attractive seasonal companions.
» Tip: The attractive foliage of the Caucasus forget-me-not is also a pretty eye-catcher in the autumn garden.
Selecting the ideal substrate
The important component when planting the Caucasus forget-me-not is moisture. The soil must not dry out at any time. Planting near water bodies is therefore preferable. Even in the shade, the plant runs less risk of being dry for a longer period of time.
Furthermore, the soil should meet the following requirements:
- fresh
- permeable
- loamy to sandy
In order to ensure the ideal soil conditions, the pH value of the soil can be determined. Any hardware store offers the appropriate test kits. If the test strips show you values between six and eight, you can plant the Caucasus forget-me-not without hesitation.
Planting Caucasus forget-me-nots
The best time for planting outdoors is spring. Then the Caucasus forget-me does not have enough time to develop a stable root system and thus strengthen itself for the next winter.
So that the lush plant can spread out bushy, a planting distance of about 40 centimeters must be maintained. Group planting makes the Caucasus forget-me-not look particularly beneficial. If you place seven plants per square meter, a closed cover of leaves will arouse admiration from the second year.
Watering Caucasus forget-me-nots correctly
Since drought is not tolerated, sufficient and regular watering is a must for the Caucasus forget-me-not. Pour directly onto the substrate and never over the leaves. It is recommended to use depleted water. It is best to water with rainwater or leave tap water overnight so that the limescale can settle on the ground.
When planting in tubs, daily watering should not be forgotten. To ensure that the soil remains consistently moist but does not become waterlogged, it is advisable to create a drainage system in the bottom of the container.
The watering is in the blazing midday sunto stop. Most of the water can soak into the soil and not evaporate wastedly when watering occurs early in the morning or later in the evening.
Fertilize Caucasus forget-me-not properly
A poor substrate should occasionally be upgraded with fertilizer. Nutrient-rich soil is a prerequisite for flowering. If you work in compost or horn shavings when planting, you create a good basis for growth and an adequate supply of nutrients in the first year.
During the growth phase between April and August, a standard perennial fertilizer can also be applied.
Caucasian forget-me-not - 3 popular varieties
Together with four other species, the Caucasus forget-me-not forms the genus Brunnera. Only the species described here is important as an ornamental plant, plus the numerous attractive varieties:
Caucasian forget-me-not 'Jack Frost'®
| Caucasian Forget-Me-Not 'Jack Frost' ® (Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' ®) | |
|---|---|
| Special Features: | silver-veined leaf surface, very hardy |
| Growth: | 20 - 40 cm |
| Growth: | 30 - 40 cm |
| Flower: | panicle shaped, blue |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | well drained, high humus and nutrient requirement |
Caucasian Forget-Me-Not 'Hadspen Cream'
| Caucasian Forget-Me-Not 'Hadspen Cream' (Brunnera macrophylla 'Hadspen Cream') | |
|---|---|
| Special Features: | cream colored leaves, very long lasting, very hardy |
| Growth: | 20 - 40 cm |
| Growth: | 30 - 40 cm |
| Flower: | panicle shaped, light blue |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | fresh, permeable, rich in humus and nutrients |
Caucasian Forget-Me-Not 'Sea Heart'
| Caucasian Forget-Me-Not 'Sea Heart' (Brunnera macrophylla 'Sea Heart') | |
|---|---|
| Special Features: | silver shimmering leaves, very hardy, insect friendly |
| Growth: | 20 - 40 cm |
| Growth: | 30 - 40 cm |
| Flower: | panicle shaped, light blue |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | fresh, well-drained, rich in humus, nutrients, loamy-sandy |
Cutting Caucasus forget-me-nots
If you want to prevent the uncontrolled spread of the seeds, you must cut back the plant immediately after flowering. Pruning also has the advantage that the perennial grows more luxuriantly and bushily after new growth.
In autumn the Caucasus forget-me-not is cut back to the ground. It will then sprout as usual next spring.
Propagating Caucasus forget-me-nots
There are two options for propagation:
- Propagation by seed
- Reproduction by division
Propagating Caucasus Forget-Me-Nots by Sowing
The seeds can be collected from existing plants in autumn or purchased in small seed bags. Sowing takes place in plant trays. The seeds are sown in a mixture of clay and sand.
The planter can be placed on the bright window sill. Avoid direct sunlight. The substrate must be kept evenly moist. The seedlings are pricked out as soon as the first leaves appear. Can be planted outdoors in spring.
» Tip: In harsh climatic regions, it is advantageous to cultivate the plant in a bucket for the first year and to overwinter frost-free indoors.
Caucasian forget-me-nots by division
If you have a larger plant that is already well established, you can propagate the Caucasus forget-me-not by dividing it. The plants are preferably divided after flowering or in autumn.
The root ball is carefully dug up. After removing the substrate, damage can be identified more easily. Old and dead plant parts are to be removed. The root is divided with a sharp knife.
» Note: Each section should have at least two shoot buds.
The sections obtained are quickly transplanted to separate locations. New vigorous plants will develop next spring.
Detect diseases and pests
The Caucasus forget-me-not is robust and largely resists diseases and pests. The rough leaves of the plant appear rather unappetizing to snails. Powdery mildew or gray mold can occur if care is not taken.
The affected parts of the plant should be removed and disposed of with the residual waste.
CaucasusForget-me-nots in winter
In case of frost, the parts of the plant above the ground die off and the plant retreats to its roots. Winter protection is not necessary. A covering of leaves or brushwood can help to protect the perennial from frost.
When cultivating as a container plant, there is a risk in winter that the soil in the planter will freeze through and the plants will no longer be able to absorb nutrients. The pot can lead outdoors if it is covered with garden fleece and placed on a base made of wood or polystyrene. A bright hibernation in the house or conservatory is preferable. Even in winter, the Caucasus forget-me-not must not dry out and needs occasional watering on frost-free days or in its winter quarters.