Growing the scorpion grass
The scorpion grass or “forget-me-not” is one of the world’s most loved and cultivated flowers. It is easily recognisable by its blue petals and a yellow dot in the centre. A scorpion grass flower can also be pink or white. In many cultures, giving scorpion grass is a sign of appreciation and love. In Norse mythology, the scorpion grass is associated with the goddess of love, Freya. In Christianity, too, it is a flower with deep symbolic meaning. According to tradition, it bloomed on Calvary, where Jesus was crucified. Today, it is common to grow scorpion grass because it is a beautiful and easy-to-grow flower that fits in most homes and gardens.
Different varieties of forget-me-nots
There are many different varieties of scorpion grass. This means that you can find a variety to suit whatever you want to achieve by growing scorpion grass/ forget-me-not. Here are some of the most common varieties:
- “Caucasian forget-me-not” – Perennial with silvery leaves that thrives in shade.
- “True forget-me-not” – Annual forget-me-not that works well in both pots and borders. Blooms all summer.
- “Chinese forget-me-not” – An annual variety that is common as a houseplant.
- “Woodland forget-me-not” – Biennial forget-me-not suitable for rock gardens and flower beds with meadow flowers.
scorpion grass – growing tips
Scorpion grass is an easy-to-grow flower that is suitable both as a houseplant and in the garden. The soil should be well-drained. You can grow scorpion grass in both sun and partial shade. If you grow scorpion grass from seed, you can sow them in early spring and plant them out when there is no longer any risk of frost. The seeds germinate by being exposed to light, so you should place them on top of the soil and not push them down. A distance of around 15cm between each plant is fine for scorpion grass. You’ll need to water regularly during dry periods if you’re growing scorpion grass. Remove wilted flowers – then new ones will appear! Fertiliser can help, but you don’t need much. Check out the specifics of the variety you have for more specific tips.
Scorpion grass spreads easily and can even become a weed if you don’t keep after planting. The fact that it self-sows can also be an advantage. “Caucasian forget-me-not” is a low ground cover that can create a pleasant environment, with higher biodiversity than a lawn.
Making the most of scorpion grass
Scorpion grass is actually edible. You can use the beautiful flowers in a salad or as a tasty decoration on a dessert. The flavour is sweetish. Scorpion grass leaves are also used in stews in some cultures. They have mild but slightly bitter flavour. It is also popular to brew tea with scorpion grass. It becomes a beverage that is considered calming. The root has a strong bitter flavour but in natural medicine it is said to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. However, we do not recommend experimenting with it on your own. Some varieties may contain substances that are not beneficial. Another way to utilise mugwort is to dry and press the flowers.
Scorpion grass is commonly used in wedding bouquets and other flower arrangements. It also keeps well in a vase for a long time.
Author: Johanna Damm
Fact-checked by Erik Hoekstra
Last updated 2023-12-28