High Country Gardens
Cape Forget-Me-Not (Anchusa)
Best low-maintenance choice for gardeners seeking vibrant, drought-tolerant blue blooms.
Add a splash of vibrant cobalt blue to your garden with the Cape Forget-Me-Not (Anchusa capensis). This hardy biennial produces striking, deep-blue flower clusters on knee-high stems, blooming from spring through fall. Native to South Africa's dry regions, it thrives in various elevations and tolerates drought once established. Its upright growth habit makes it ideal for flower beds, borders, and containers, or for filling gaps between paving stones. While individual plants may be short-lived, they readily self-sow, ensuring a continuous display of color.
$11.04
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
28
/ 2577
#28 in Flowers
Price vs Category Average
-73%
Below average
Life Cycle
Biennial
/ Biennial
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking rare, vibrant blue floral accents
- Conservationists aiming to support local pollinator populations
- Xeriscape enthusiasts prioritizing low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants
Who should skip it
- Perfectionists desiring pristine foliage throughout the summer heat
- Gardeners wanting to avoid frequent weeding or plant overcrowding
- Planners looking for long-term, permanent garden fixtures
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Intense cobalt blue hue provides a standout focal point for borders.
Pollinator Utility
Reliably draws butterflies and bees throughout the extended blooming season.
Drought Resilience
Thrives in dry conditions once the root system is fully established.
Deer Resistance
Natural deterrent properties help protect your garden from hungry local wildlife.
Growth Versatility
Compact upright habit fits perfectly in containers or tight garden gaps.
Longevity Reliability
Short-lived biennial nature requires self-sowing to maintain a permanent display.
Key Specs
Life Cycle
Biennial
Mature Height
8-16 inches
Mature Spread
4-8 inches wide
Growing Zones
5-10
Soil Type
Loam, Sandy Soil, Clay Soil, Well-Drained
Light Requirement
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Bloom Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Fragrance Level
No Fragrance
Features
- Striking deep-blue blooms
- Long blooming season
- Attracts butterflies and bees
- Drought-tolerant
- Deer resistant
- Upright growth habit
- Suitable for containers
- Tolerates high altitudes
What customers say
Gardeners are genuinely impressed by the quality and reliability of the Cape Forget Me Not. The plants arrive exceptionally healthy due to meticulous packaging, leading to immediate successful establishment. A consistent theme is the plant's dependable performance; it thrives easily, offering a profusion of vibrant blue blooms that last throughout the season. This robust nature and low maintenance requirement confirm its status as a high value, reliable choice for adding effortless color to the landscape.
Know before you buy
While individual plants typically live for two years, they are prolific self-sowers. If you allow the flowers to go to seed, you will likely see new plants emerge in your garden each season, maintaining a consistent display.
No, Cape Forget-Me-Not is not considered pet-safe. It is best to plant it in areas of your garden that are inaccessible to curious cats or dogs.
It is quite low-maintenance. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires only moderate watering, making it an easy addition to sunny borders or containers.
Cape Forget-Me-Not is deer-resistant, making it a reliable choice for gardens in areas where deer pressure is a concern. However, it is highly attractive to beneficial pollinators like butterflies and bees.
It is well-suited for containers due to its upright growth habit and compact size. Ensure your pot has good drainage, as this plant prefers well-drained soil to thrive.
It performs best in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. Providing at least six hours of sunlight will help ensure the most vibrant color and consistent blooming from spring through fall.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$11