Contents
Description
Myosotis Lytteltonensis, commonly known as the Lyttelton forget-me-not, is a beautiful plant species that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to New Zealand and is known for its stunning blue flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months. The plant grows up to a height of 20-30cm and spreads to approximately the same width.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Myosotis |
Appearance
The Lyttelton forget-me-not has beautiful blue flowers that are approximately 1 cm in diameter. The flowers have a yellow center and are arranged in clusters. The plant has green, lance-shaped leaves that are approximately 2-3 cm in length. The stem of the plant is hairy and can grow up to 30 cm in length.
Care Guide
The Lyttelton forget-me-not is a relatively easy plant to care for. It requires regular watering and prefers a well-draining soil. The plant can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. It prefers partial shade to full sun and can grow in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Lyttelton forget-me-not is susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. It can also be affected by powdery mildew if the plant is grown in humid conditions. Aphids and slugs can also be a problem for this plant.
Habitat
The Lyttelton forget-me-not is native to New Zealand and is found growing in rocky areas, coastal cliffs, and grasslands. It prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate salty conditions near the coast.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Lyttelton forget-me-not be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage.
Q: How often should the Lyttelton forget-me-not be watered?
A: The plant should be watered regularly, but the soil should not be too wet. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Q: Does the Lyttelton forget-me-not attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant attracts bees and butterflies.
Q: Can the Lyttelton forget-me-not be propagated by cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated by stem cuttings taken in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Myosotis alpestris
- Myosotis arvensis
- Myosotis laxa
- Myosotis scorpioides
References
- “Myosotis Lytteltonensis – Lyttelton Forget-Me-Not.” New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/myosotis-lytteltonensis/
- “Myosotis Lytteltonensis.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/19709/myosotis-lytteltonensis/details
- “Myosotis Lytteltonensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278547&isprofile=0&
