Botanical name:

Myosotis colensoi

Common name(s):

Castle Hill forget-me not

About:

Confined to a relatively small area of the Waimakariri Valley in the South Island, M. colensoi is regarded as one of the most readily available and easily grown species among gardeners. It forms lovely low clumps of greyish green leaves and, during the vibrant seasons of spring and summer, it bears attractive white flowers that feature a distinctive yellow eye. This plant is especially good for incorporating into the rock garden, adding both charm and colour to the landscape.

Natural habitat:

Limestone talus and thin soils over limestone rock. Most common in open areas of relatively fine limestone debris.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Eastern South Island. South Marlborough to Canterbury.

Height: 10cm

Flowering: 

October - January with a white - yellow coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:

December - February

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings

How to grow:

An ideal and attractive rock-garden or pot plant. Easily grown from rooted pieces and fresh seed. Best kept in a small pot or planted in a sunny, free draining soil enriched with lime. Will not tolerate humidity, excessive soil moisture or competition from weeds. This is one of the few New Zealand forget-me-nots that is commonly cultivated. In good conditions it often throws seedlings.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though