Eritrichium canum

‘Baby Blues’

SILKY FORGET-ME-NOT

Eritrichium canum ‘Baby Blues’
SILKY FORGET-ME-NOT

Eritrichium canum ‘Baby Blues’ has flowers of heavenly, pure sky blue, which look like Forget-Me-Nots blooms.
But a Forget-Me-Not it is not.

Blooms like a Forget-Me-Not in pure, heavenly sky blue

Eritrichium canum ‘Baby Blues’ looks for all the world like a dwarf Forget-Me-Not plant.
With large, branching, domed heads of piercing sky-blue little blossoms over a compact rosette base.
But it is a different plant, and happily not subject to the mildews that can beset real Forget-Me-Knots (Myosotis) during humid summers.

Spring & early summer blooming
– striking when massed or in a pot

Eritrichium canum ‘Baby Blues’ is a prolific bloomer in spring and summer, and the blooming can then be extended into autumn by deadheading to start new domed heads coming.
It looks fabulous – like a piece of sky fallen to earth – when it is multiple planted, or grouped in a decorative container.

Perennial, but self seeds like an annual

While ‘Baby Blues’ is actually a short-lived perennial, and the same plant can go on for a number of years with a winter cut-back.

Quick – 3 to 4 months from seed to bloom

But it is so quick and easy to raise from seed, that many treat it as an annual, and sow it fresh each year / or just let it seed itself in the garden.
It is in bloom 3-4 months after sowing the seed.
It is not invasive like Forget-Me-Nots.

Easy to grow in garden or pot

Eritrichium canum ‘Baby Blues’ has simple needs.
Enjoying Full Sun in cooler temperate areas, and Part Shade in hotter districts.
It makes a great little under-plant for taller shrubs and flowers.
And it is also quite resistant to periods of dry once established.

Water-wise & likes good drainage

‘Baby Blues’ prefers well drained soil, even sandy and gravelly soil for good drainage.
With a summer mulch on top to prolong blooming over the hottest weather.
It is not a water-hungry plant.

Bees, butterflies & pollinators work the flowers

The pollinators are kept busy with all the flowers, and really appreciate the long blooming season.

Perennial or self sowing annual.
25cm. High billowing clouds of vivid blue flower heads x 20cm. Wide rosette foliage clump.

SEED SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY
Suits beginners & gardening with kids

Seed of Eritrichium canum ‘Baby Blues’ can be sown in autumn / or in late winter – when temperatures are suitable.
Or sow indoors at any time when suitable temperatures can be provided.

Sow indoors for quick & early plants:
First sow the seeds in a punnet onto the surface of moist, well-drained, good quality seed raising mix.
Then cover the seed with just a light sprinkling of sieved mix or fine vermiculite.
Because light helps these seeds to germinate.

Now thoroughly moisten the punnet by standing it in a shallow water bath and allowing the moisture to percolate up to the surface of the mix from below.

Then place the moist, sown punnet in a warm, well lit position (not in any direct sunlight).
Temperatures of  15-20°C are ideal for rapid and optimum germination.
You can use a heat mat if you have one to maintain optimum temperatures during cold weather.

Continue to keep consistently moist but not wet by misting from a spray water bottle.

Germination usually takes 14-21 days in suitable conditions.

When the seedlings have true leaves prick out into pots and grow on to plant out in the garden.

Seed Count: 10 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count, and give a generous serve).

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