When it comes to flowers that are commonly mistaken for forget-me-nots, one plant that often comes to mind is Pulmonaria. These lovely flowers bear a striking resemblance to forget-me-nots, especially when viewed from the front. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the flowers of Pulmonaria extend into a tiny horn shape and are held by green or dark leafy holders. This unique feature sets them apart from true forget-me-nots.
One distinctive characteristic of Pulmonaria is its leaves, which are often spotted silver or white. These variegated patterns add an extra layer of beauty to the plant and can help in distinguishing it from forget-me-nots. The leaves of Pulmonaria are usually broad and elongated, providing an attractive backdrop to the vibrant flowers.
While Pulmonaria is available in various colors, it is the blue varieties, such as ‘Blue Ensign,’ that are most likely to be misidentified as forget-me-nots. The delicate blue flowers closely resemble those of forget-me-nots, leading to the confusion. However, it’s important to note that forget-me-nots typically have a more delicate and dainty appearance, with their flowers being less elongated and lacking the horn-like shape of Pulmonaria.
In my own experience as a gardener, I have witnessed this confusion firsthand. I remember a time when I planted Pulmonaria ‘Blue Ensign’ alongside forget-me-nots in my garden. The similarities between the two were striking, and I had to take a closer look to identify which flowers belonged to each plant. It was fascinating to observe how slight differences in flower shape and leaf patterns could create such confusion.
It’s worth mentioning that while Pulmonaria may be mistaken for forget-me-nots, it is a beautiful plant in its own right. Its unique flower structure and variegated leaves make it an attractive addition to any garden. So, if you do come across a plant that resembles forget-me-nots but has elongated flowers and spotted leaves, chances are it’s Pulmonaria.
To summarize, Pulmonaria is often mistaken for forget-me-nots due to its similar flower color and overall appearance. However, its elongated flower shape, green or dark leafy holders, and spotted leaves help in distinguishing it from true forget-me-nots. The blue varieties of Pulmonaria, such as ‘Blue Ensign,’ are particularly prone to being misidentified. Nonetheless, both Pulmonaria and forget-me-nots bring beauty and charm to any garden setting.
