CHINESE INDIGO FIRMAMENT BLUE FORGET ME NOTS ARE LUXURIOUS LOOKERS AND THEY FREELY FLOWER!

Forget Me Not Chinese Firmament Blue (Cynoglossum amabile ‘Firmament Blue’) is a charming annual or short-lived biennial flower treasured for its masses of small, sky-blue blooms and soft, branching growth habit. Native to China and the Himalayan foothills, this species is also known as Chinese Hound’s Tongue and was introduced to Western gardens in the 19th century. It quickly gained popularity for its long flowering season, ease of care, and delicate, cloud-like appearance that softens garden beds and borders.

Although not a true Myosotis forget-me-not, Cynoglossum amabile is commonly grouped with them due to the similar five-petalled blue flowers and cottage garden aesthetic. In traditional Chinese herbal medicine, parts of the plant were sometimes used for skin ailments, minor wounds, and as a cooling tonic, though it is not widely used in modern herbalism. Its primary value today is ornamental, especially for attracting bees and adding gentle colour to garden edges and wildflower-style plantings. Forget Me Not Chinese Firmament Blue (Cynoglossum amabile) is not considered edible and should not be consumed.

Firmament Blue produces clusters of bright blue flowers with small white centers, held on airy, branching stems. The leaves are lance-shaped, greyish-green, and lightly hairy, giving the plant a soft texture. It grows to a height of around 30–60 cm and spreads gently to create a natural, meadow-like look. The flowers begin in late spring and continue through to early autumn, especially if spent blooms are regularly removed.

To grow from seed:

Ssow in autumn or early spring depending on your climate. In most parts of Australia, autumn sowing (March to May) gives the best results, especially in temperate zones. Sow seeds directly where they are to grow or into seed trays for transplanting. Sow lightly on the surface of moist soil and press down gently without covering, as light assists germination. Keep soil moist until germination, which takes 10–20 days.

Plant seedlings or thin direct-sown plants to about 20–25 cm apart in a sunny to partly shaded spot. Chinese Forget Me Nots prefer well-drained soil enriched with compost but will tolerate a range of conditions. They are moderately drought tolerant once established and thrive with occasional watering during dry periods. Deadheading prolongs blooming, and although they are annuals, they readily self-seed in suitable conditions, often returning year after year.

With its soft, true blue colour, light airy form, and ease of care, Forget Me Not Chinese Firmament Blue brings a calming, nostalgic beauty to borders, containers, and naturalised garden areas, making it a lovely and reliable addition to the cottage garden palette!