Potted Forget-Me-Not Care: Growing Forget-Me-Not Plants In Containers

forget me not pot
forget me not pot
(Image credit: LuXpics)

Growing forget-me-not in a pot is not the typical use for this pretty little perennial, but it is an option that adds some visual interest to your container garden. Use containers if you have limited space or if you want to grow forget-me-nots indoors.

Container Grown Forget-Me-Nots

Forget-me-not plants in containers is not how most gardeners use this perennial flower. It is more typically used in perennial beds, as a border, or to fill in space around other plants. It self-seeds and spreads without being weedy, so it is a great choice for an area that needs filling, especially a shady area. Container grown forget-me-nots can do just as well as those in beds and borders, and there are several reasons to go with a pot instead of a bed. If your garden space is limited, for instance, you may want to add containers with flowers. Containers with forget-me-nots and other flowers are great for sprucing up a patio or screened porch. Of course, you can always grow these flowers in pots to enjoy them indoors as well.

How to Grow Forget-Me-Nots in a Container

Potted forget-me-not care is important because these native perennials are adapted to growing outside in certain conditions. You’ll have to recreate those conditions in a container and take care in choosing a location for it. First, choose a pot that has drainage holes. Your forget-me-nots will need moist soil, but not soggy soil. Don’t cram them into the container either. They need space or the plants could develop mildew. With light, basic potting soil and good drainage, find a spot for your plant that will be adequately warm. Forget-me-nots do well in shade, but full sun is fine. Water your potted forget-me-nots often enough that the soil stays moist but not soggy, slightly less during the winter. Pinch off dead flowers after they are spent to encourage new blooms. Fertilizer should not be necessary unless your plant isn’t growing well or you see some yellow foliage. If you find the right spot for your forget-me-not in a pot and give it just a little bit of care, it should thrive year after year. Alternatively, you can keep the pot blooming all summer by replacing the forget-me-not when it is done blooming with a summer annual.

Mary Ellen Ellis
Writer

Mary Ellen Ellis has been gardening for over 20 years. With degrees in Chemistry and Biology, Mary Ellen's specialties are flowers, native plants, and herbs.