Omphalodes verna aka Creeping Forget Me Not

Omphalodes verna is a low, herbaceous perennial in the borage family, Boraginaceae. Gardeners also call it creeping forget-me-not or blue navelwort. Other names include blue-eyed Mary and Venus's buttons. Its native range runs from the southeastern Alps to the northern Apennines and central Romania. It grows in a temperate climate. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Cynoglossum omphaloides is a synonym for this species.

This plant forms a low mat through vigorous growth. The RHS describes plants reaching about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] tall. Its broader garden size range reaches 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. The listed spread also reaches 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. These figures describe a low ground cover rather than an upright plant. It takes two to five years to reach full size. The leaves are oval, and the foliage is deciduous. The mat provides leafy cover during the growing season.

Bright blue flowers appear in sprays during spring. Each flower has a white eye at its centre. Flowers measure about 0.04 feet [0.012 metres] across. Their small size suits the plant's low form. The blue flowers give spring colour to beds and borders. Its spreading habit also suits ground-cover planting in lightly shaded spots. The RHS lists rock gardens and gravel gardens among its uses. It also suits cottage gardens, informal beds, and city courtyards.

Choose partial shade and soil rich in humus. Keep the soil moist, but allow excess water to drain. The RHS lists chalk, loam, and sand as suitable soils. It accepts acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions. North-, east-, and west-facing sites all suit it. It can grow in exposed or sheltered places. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H6. This rating covers winter lows from −20 to −15°C under UK conditions.

Routine care is light, with no pruning needed. Plants can be raised from seed or divided. Division is one way to make more plants for ground cover. The RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. Its vigorous growth is worth noting when choosing a planting space. The supplied sources give no species-level information on edible parts or toxicity.