Cynoglossum amabile, commonly known as Chinese hound’s tongue or Chinese forget-me-not, is a hardy annual herb native to the grasslands and open forests of Asia. It reaches a modest height of up to 50 cm (20 inches) and features hairy leaves. The plant is adorned with cymes of sky-blue flowers that bloom in late summer, offering a delicate and charming display reminiscent of the temperate garden’s common forget-me-not. The flowers are not particularly showy but have a subtle beauty that is appreciated in garden settings.

Chinese hound’s tongue is valued for its ease of growth and the soft blue hue of its flowers, which can add a touch of color to borders and flower beds. It has been recognized for its garden performance in the UK with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. It is often used for informal plantings and cottage garden styles. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade and requires medium amounts of water. Well-drained soils are ideal for this plant, and it is relatively low-maintenance once established. However, it can self-seed prolifically under favorable conditions, which may be considered undesirable in some gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0