Cape Forget-Me-Not
Anchusa capensis
Cape Forget-Me-Not (Anchusa capensis) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 12–18 in tall and 10–14 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Sky-blue flowers all summer; short-lived but reseeds reliably.
Plant Select®low to medium water12–18 in tall and 10–14 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
Plan your garden
Not sure what to plant? The finder matches Front Range trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcover to your soil, water, sun, and zone.
Ready to plant this?
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Anchusa capensis
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 12–18 in tall and 10–14 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~10–14 in apart
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- blue
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer, mid summer, late summer
- Pollinator value
- high
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Planting & establishment
Deep water every 1–2 weeks during establishment (first growing season), then water sparingly per Plant Select guidance.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Cape Forget-Me-Not good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Cape Forget-Me-Not is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Cape Forget-Me-Not get?
- It matures to about 12–18 in tall and 10–14 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Cape Forget-Me-Not?
- Space Cape Forget-Me-Not about 10 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 14 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Cape Forget-Me-Not hardy on the Front Range?
- Cape Forget-Me-Not is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Cape Forget-Me-Not need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Cape Forget-Me-Not native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Cape Forget-Me-Not deer-resistant?
- Cape Forget-Me-Not is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- How long does Cape Forget-Me-Not bloom?
- Cape Forget-Me-Not blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
