Forget-me-not on Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is a celebration of memories special to the beloved person who raised you.
Some are linked to flowers in season at present.
The sprays of tiny, cobalt blue flowers of the indigenous forget-me-not (Anchusa capensis) are that for me.
Delightful is that they have made a surprise appearance in my garden now blossoming from seed randomly scattered there in spring last year.
I’m reminded of the precious memory associated with forget-menots when our childhood nanny, Dora Gzaza, threaded a spray of these little blue flowers through the ear of a tea cup before presenting the morning beverage to my mom one Mother’s Day many years ago.
So, these beautiful, dainty little flowers will ever be associated with the two important “great mothers” in my life.
Forget-me-not plants occur throughout SA — except in the Limpopo and North West provinces — and into Namibia and Lesotho. They may be seen growing among the spring flowers in Namaqualand too.
They are related to the borage family which have the same beautiful blue blooms.
The genus Anchusa is from the Greek word “anchousa”, of which its relative Anchusa tinctoria has roots which are used to make cosmetic paint. I imagine possibly blue eye shadow. Capensis indicates that it is “from the Cape”.
Probably easier to remember is how the plant acquired its common name.
German legend has it that a knight strolling along with his lady was urged by her to save some flowers which were sinking into the water.
As he picked up the flowers, the weight of his armour made it impossible for him to save himself as he fell into the pond.
Just before sinking into the water to his death, he tossed the flowers to her and calling out to her “Forget-me-not”.
In lore, forget-me-not flowers are associated with remembrance in relationships, especially of that love which transcends death. They are also associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Look closely at the individual flowers. Each is exquisitely created with a white feathery centre which protects the productive parts of the flowers.
All parts of the forget-me-not are useful.
They are edible too, offering themselves as a choice of garnish.
The leaves are eaten as a type of spinach by the Sesotho people and the flowers are used for making blue dye.
Pollinating insects are attracted to the flowers, especially butterflies and bees which enjoy their nectar.
Plant them in full sun in soil with good drainage.
The plant is fast-growing and very easy to grow.
It readily seeds itself. Forget-me-nots are drought-hardy and tolerate hot sites with poor dry soil, but respond well to a medium to which organic matter has been added.
If fertilising the plant, do so lightly as too much nourishment will encourage leafier growth to the detriment of flower formation.
The plants will last for up to five years in the garden.
Cut them back to about 8cm after flowering to encourage further flowering.
Leaves on the plant are furry, which means they pass the “Braille” test for braving harsher climates.
A plus is that forget-me-nots succumb to few pests and diseases.
The seeds are easily collected. Once the flowers have dried, they leave behind hairy little seeds which stick to your clothing or even your dog’s coats as you walk by providing a natural dispersal of them.
To control the harvesting of the seeds, once they have dried run your fingers along the stems gathering them in a cupped hand as you go.
Cut back the plant in late winter.
The non-indigenous forget-menots include seeds from Kirchhoffs Myosotis Blue which flower from late spring into summer and again in autumn. They prefer moist areas and shade in hot places.
The herbaceous perennial Myosotis scorpiodes (water forget-me-not or true forget-me-not) which hail from Europe and Asia bear blue flowers with yellow centres.
This plant also belongs to the borage family.
If you’ve not tried traditional borage flowers in a salad before, you’re missing out on their close to cucumber — but better — flavouring.
They are known as scorpion grass as they resemble a coiled scorpion’s tail.
The flowers are first pink as buds and when they open fully become blue.
They do best in damp areas, bog gardens and on the water’s edge in rich soil.
The plants self-seed and spread by creeping rhizomes.
Parts of the plant are used in the treatment of whooping cough and bronchitis.
Grow them in full sun or part shade in soil rich in organic matter that is moist to wet.
They may be grown in water which is no deeper than 10cm.
They are generally pest free. Cut back the plants after flowering.
Myosotis sylvatica are pale blueflowering forget-me-nots which also have their native home in Europe and Asia.
Their flowers appear in spring. Sow them directly into beds in autumn.
They prefer a damp, shaded position.
Space the seedlings 20cm apart. The plants will germinate 12 to 14 weeks after planting. They will also self-sow.
● In the Garden is written by feature writer, garden enthusiast and former teacher Julia Smith, who has returned home to live in Chintsa East. The column aims to inform novice and accomplished gardeners on how to make the most of their green patches.