Alpine Forget-Me-Nots

The Alpine forget-me-not is a plant that displays tiny blooms, and brightens up any winter garden, since it grows well in cold climates. The flower’s delicate appearance also lends to its romantic significance.

Size and Color

Alpine forget-me-nots are particularly small flowers, and are only about one fourth of an inch across. The stems of the plant can grow anywhere from six to 24 inches. The flowers also form tiny circles, due to their flat, round petals. While many alpine forget-me-not flowers are light blue in color, the blooms can also grow to be pink or white.

Significance

The alpine forget-me-not flower holds special meaning; ancient folklore suggests that women who wear the flower will not be forgotten by their lovers, and ladies also donned the bloom as a symbol of faithfulness to their mates, making the forget-me-not a symbol of true love. The blooms were sometimes given to women by their suitors before the man went to war or a long journey, as a way to present his lover with the eternal hope that he would return. The flower also got its name due to its unpleasant taste, which is hard to forget. The alpine forget-me-not is also the state flower of Alaska.

Gardening

Forget-me-not seeds should be sown in your garden between the months of May and September, and will flower in April, May and June. Plant the seeds between 12 and 20 millimeters deep into the ground. Once you’ve established Alpine forget-me-nots in your garden, the biennial flowers will self-seed and appear in your garden each year. It’s best to plant the flowers in a space of your yard that will receive full sun or partial shade. Alpine forget-me-nots also need soil that is slightly gritty and will hold moisture well.

Considerations

Alpine forget-me-nots will grow well in wet areas, particularly near streams. The flowers also grow well in rocky soil or rock gardens. Water the plants often if you’ve included them in your garden, and mulch around the flowers to protect them and ensure that they continue to thrive during the winter. It’s also important to consider the type of alpine forget-me-nots you’re planting in terms of how long you want them displayed in the garden. For instance, Ultramarine forget-me-nots are annual flowers , but the White Ball variation are perennials and will grow back each year at the same season once the flowers have been established in your garden. Alpine forget-me-nots also make great additions to your home centerpieces, and will last a few days after they have been cut and placed in a vase. Since the flowers bloom in the spring and summer, they can be grouped with other seasonal blooms like bluebells or shooting stars will compliment the soft color of Alpine forget-me-nots well.