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 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 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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.

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.

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Cape Forget-Me-Not

Anchusa capensis

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

Cape Forget-Me-Not (Anchusa capensis) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 12 to 18 in tall and 10 to 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 to 18 in tall and 10 to 14 in wideXeric / water-wise

Photos

Photo 1: (c) Caroline Voget, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 2: (c) Caroline Voget, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 3: SAplants, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 4: Stickpen, Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 3 to 8
Water needs: low to medium water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 12 to 18 in tall and 10 to 14 in wide
Planting spacing: ~10 to 14 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: late spring, early summer, mid summer, late summer
Bloom color: blue
Bloom length: Long (several weeks)
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Planting & establishment

Deep water every 1 to 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 to 18 in tall and 10 to 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 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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.
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.