Chatham Island forget-me-not Myosotidium hortensia
Chatham Island forget-me-not (Myosotidium hortensia) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Boraginaceae family, native to Chatham Islands (endemic; coastal). It grows 40–60 cm (16–24 in) tall and 60–90 cm (24–35 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Chatham Island forget-me-not at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Mature height | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 60–90 cm (24–35 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 26 °C (79 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Chatham Islands (endemic; coastal) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland |
Is Chatham Island forget-me-not toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
No reliable toxicity data; borage family.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Chatham Island forget-me-not
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Chatham Island forget-me-not
- How far apart should I plant Chatham Island forget-me-not?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60–90 cm (24–35 in).
- Does Chatham Island forget-me-not need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Chatham Island forget-me-not need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Chatham Island forget-me-not?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Chatham Island forget-me-not flower?
- From about October for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Chatham Island forget-me-not poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. No reliable toxicity data; borage family.
- What grows well with Chatham Island forget-me-not?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Chatham Island forget-me-not. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
Notes and assumptions
- Huge glossy pleated leaves and domed heads of blue flowers in spring. Likes cool, moist, sheltered seaside conditions and seaweed mulch.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Borage Borago officinalis
- Comfrey Symphytum officinale
- Woodland forget-me-not Myosotis sylvatica
- Lungwort (pulmonaria) Pulmonaria officinalis
- Heliotrope Heliotropium arborescens
- Tree echium (giant viper's bugloss) Echium pininana
- Virginia bluebells Mertensia virginica
- Pride of Madeira Echium candicans