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Description
Myosotis Discolor is a species of flowering plant in the Boraginaceae family, commonly known as the Changing Forget-Me-Not. It is native to the western United States, including California, Oregon, and Washington. The plant grows up to 30 cm tall and has a spreading habit, producing small blue flowers with yellow centers. Its leaves are lance-shaped, hairy and gray-green in color. The plant’s name comes from its ability to change color as it ages, starting as blue and fading to pink or white.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Myosotis |
Appearance
Myosotis Discolor is a small, herbaceous plant with a spreading habit. It grows up to 30 cm tall and produces small blue flowers with yellow centers. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem, and each flower has five petals. The plant’s leaves are lance-shaped, hairy and gray-green in color. As the plant ages, the flowers change color from blue to pink or white, giving the plant its common name, the Changing Forget-Me-Not.
Care Guide
Myosotis Discolor is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial to full sun. The plant should be watered regularly, but not over-watered as it can lead to root rot. Fertilization is not necessary, but can be done in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Myosotis Discolor is generally not prone to pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew if grown in humid conditions. Aphids and spider mites may also infest the plant, but can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Myosotis Discolor is native to the western United States, including California, Oregon, and Washington. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, open forests, and rocky slopes. The plant prefers well-draining soil and partial to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Myosotis Discolor be grown indoors?
A: While Myosotis Discolor can be grown indoors, it prefers partial to full sun and moist, well-draining soil. It may be difficult to replicate these growing conditions indoors.
Q: How often should Myosotis Discolor be fertilized?
A: Fertilization is not necessary for Myosotis Discolor, but can be done in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Myosotis Discolor be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Myosotis Discolor can be grown in containers as long as the soil is moist and well-draining and the plant receives partial to full sun.
Q: How often should Myosotis Discolor be watered?
A: Myosotis Discolor should be watered regularly, but not over-watered as it can lead to root rot.
Related Plants
- Myosotis alpestris
- Myosotis arvensis
- Myosotis sylvatica
- Myosotis scorpioides
References
- “Myosotis discolor.” USDA Plants Database, plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=MYDI6.
- “Myosotis discolor Changing Forget-Me-Not.” Plant Lust, plantlust.com/plants/14372/myosotis-discolor/.
- “Myosotis discolor.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286546.
