With their delicate blue blossoms and nostalgic charm, Chatham Island Forget Me Nots bring a touch of beauty and sentiment to any garden.
Planting Calendar
Chatham Island Forget Me Nots are available from spring through autumn which is the best times to plant.
Prepare
A stunning plant with large, somewhat fleshy, glossy-green, deeply veined leaves and sprays of beautiful blue flowers in late spring. Evergreen, but some die-back in winter on exposed sites. Suited to native, tropical and cottage garden styles.
Position
Plant into a semi shaded position with protection form the hot midday sun. Can be either grown in the ground or planted into a pot.
Soil
When planted into the ground They prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers, plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil. Water more during hot periods.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a container, feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.
Protecting
Protect form slugs and snails by applying Tui Quash around the base of the plants. Re-apply after rain.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (making sure it is not in direct contact with the trunk) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to lock moisture in the ground.
Pruning
Remove any leaves that yellow and cut flower spikes off as the fade.
Beginner Tip
Chatham Island Forget Me Nots look great when mass planted under trees, which will provide them some shade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water Chatham Island forget me nots?
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil. Water more during hot periods.
When is the best time to plant Chatham Island forget me nots?
Plant in early spring or autumn when temperatures are mild to avoid the extremes of summer heat and winter cold.
Do Chatham Island forget me nots attract pests or diseases?
They are generally hardy but can be susceptible to snails, slugs, and powdery mildew. Regular checks and prompt action can help manage these issues.
How tall do Chatham Island forget me nots grow?
They typically grow to about 30-60 cm in height, making them ideal for borders and ground cover in gardens.
What type of soil is best for Chatham Island forget me nots?
When planted into the ground They prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.