Forget-Me-Not vs Purple Fountain Grass Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Forget-Me-Not
Myosotis sylvatica
Myosotis sylvatica, commonly known as Forget-me-not, is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant typically grown for its delicate, vibrant blue flowers. It forms a low-growing, bushy habit, reaching heights of about 6-12 inches. The plant features small, hairy, lance-shaped leaves and clusters of tiny, five-petaled flowers with a yellow center. While primarily an outdoor plant, it is sometimes attempted indoors for its charming blooms, though success is limited due to its need for specific temperature and light conditions. People grow it for its sentimental value and the beautiful carpets of blue it creates in gardens.
Purple Fountain Grass
Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'
Purple Fountain Grass is a striking ornamental grass prized for its arching, burgundy-purple foliage and bottlebrush-like flower plumes. It typically grows in a mounded form, reaching several feet in height and width. While technically a perennial in warmer climates, it is often grown as an annual in cooler regions due to its sensitivity to frost. It is primarily an outdoor plant, grown for its dramatic texture and color in gardens and landscapes. People grow it for its ornamental value, adding movement and visual interest to borders, containers, and mass plantings.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Forget-Me-Not | Purple Fountain Grass |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight outdoors. | Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) |
| Watering | Every 2-3 days outdoors, depending on weather conditions. Indoor attempts will likely need more frequent watering due to drier air. | Every 7-10 days, depending on weather and soil drainage |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 20-50% |
| Temperature | 15-21°C | 18-30°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Max Height | 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) outdoors. Indoors, it may remain smaller and less vigorous. | Outdoor: 0.6-1.5 meters. Indoor (unlikely to thrive): 0.3-0.6 meters |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ✅ Safe |
| Soil | Well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. A mix of potting soil, peat moss, and perlite is suitable. | Well-draining soil, such as a sandy loam or a potting mix amended with perlite |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 15 minutes weekly | 15 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Forget-Me-Not
| Scientific Name | Myosotis sylvatica |
|---|---|
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Native To | Europe and Asia |
| Also Known As | Forget-me-not, Woodland Forget-me-not, Garden Forget-me-not, Scorpion Grass |
| Leaves | The leaves are small, lance-shaped, and hairy, with a slightly rough texture. They are typically green in color and arranged alternately along the stems. |
| Flowers | It rarely flowers indoors. Outdoors, it produces clusters of tiny, five-petaled flowers that are typically bright blue with a yellow center. The flowers bloom profusely in spring and early summer. |
Purple Fountain Grass
| Scientific Name | Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Native To | Hybrid cultivar; species native to Africa, Southwest Asia |
| Also Known As | Purple Fountain Grass, Red Fountain Grass |
| Leaves | The leaves are long, narrow, and arching, with a deep burgundy-purple color. They have a fine texture and create a graceful, flowing appearance. |
| Flowers | It produces bottlebrush-like flower plumes that are initially a deep burgundy-purple, fading to a tan color as they mature. Flowering typically occurs in summer and fall. It is unlikely to flower indoors. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Forget-Me-Not
Purple Fountain Grass
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Forget-Me-Not
Methods: Seed, Division
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Sow seeds directly in the garden in late spring or early fall. For division, carefully separate the plant into smaller clumps and replant in well-draining soil.
Purple Fountain Grass
Methods: Seed, Division
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Divide clumps in spring or early summer. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Forget-Me-Not
The most distinctive feature is its small, vibrant blue flowers with a yellow center. It's also known for its association with remembrance and enduring love, making it a popular choice for memorial gardens.
- ✓ Adds a touch of classic beauty to gardens
- ✓ Attracts pollinators, supporting local ecosystems
- ✓ Provides a sentimental and nostalgic element
- ✓ Can be used in cut flower arrangements
- ✓ Relatively easy to propagate from seed
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Purple Fountain Grass
Its deep purple foliage and graceful, arching habit make it a standout in any garden. The bottlebrush-like flower plumes add further visual interest and movement.
- ✓ Adds visual interest and texture to the garden
- ✓ Attracts birds
- ✓ Drought tolerant
- ✓ Deer resistant
- ✓ Provides movement in the landscape
- 🐾 Pet Safe
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Forget-Me-Not
Purple Fountain Grass
🌞 Light Requirements
Forget-Me-Not
Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight outdoors.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Purple Fountain Grass
Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Forget-Me-Not
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering will cause the plant to wilt and the leaves to turn brown.
Purple Fountain Grass
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Signs of underwatering include drooping or browning leaves. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and soggy soil.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Forget-Me-Not
Temperature: 15-21°C
Humidity: 40-60%
Purple Fountain Grass
Temperature: 18-30°C
Humidity: 20-50%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Forget-Me-Not
Myosotis sylvaticaGardeners who want to add a touch of classic charm and a carpet of blue to their outdoor spaces.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a plant with beautiful, delicate blue flowers.
- You want to attract pollinators to your garden.
- You appreciate plants with sentimental and historical significance.
- You have a cool, partially shaded outdoor space.
- You are willing to provide consistent moisture and care.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You are looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant.
- You have pets that may ingest the plant.
- You live in a very hot and dry climate.
- You don't have a suitable outdoor space.
- You prefer plants that thrive in low-light conditions.
Purple Fountain Grass
Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'Gardeners looking for a dramatic ornamental grass to add color and texture to their landscape.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a striking focal point in your garden.
- You need a drought-tolerant plant for a sunny location.
- You desire a plant with beautiful purple foliage and plumes.
- You want to attract birds to your garden.
- You need a deer-resistant plant.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You live in a cold climate and don't want to treat it as an annual.
- You don't have a sunny location.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Both plants have similar basic care requirements but differ in appearance and specific needs. Compare plants carefully to find the best fit for your space.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Forget-Me-Not Care Tips
Forget-me-nots are primarily outdoor plants that require specific conditions to thrive. Indoor cultivation is challenging due to the need for bright light, cool temperatures, and consistent moisture. Success indoors is limited, and the plant may not flower as profusely as it would outdoors.
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during hot weather.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
- Monitor for pests and diseases, and treat promptly.
Purple Fountain Grass Care Tips
Purple Fountain Grass is primarily an outdoor plant and will struggle indoors due to its high light requirements. It needs full sun and well-draining soil. While it can be grown in containers, it requires regular watering and fertilization. Overwintering indoors is possible in colder climates, but the plant may not thrive.
- Plant in well-draining soil in a sunny location.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
- Cut back foliage in late fall or early spring.
- Protect from frost in colder climates.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Forget-Me-Not
Purple Fountain Grass
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Forget-Me-Not
What are the light requirements for Forget-Me-Not?
Forget-Me-Nots flourish in partial shade to full sun, depending on the climate. In hotter regions, provide shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent scorching. In cooler climates, they can tolerate more sun. Aim for at least four to six hours of sunlight daily for optimal flowering. Insufficient light can result in leggy growth and reduced bloom production.
How do I care for Forget-Me-Not?
Forget-Me-Nots thrive in moist, well-draining soil. Plant them in a location that receives partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further flowering.
How do I propagate Forget-Me-Not?
Forget-Me-Nots can be propagated through seeds, division, or stem cuttings.
Purple Fountain Grass
What are the light requirements for Purple Fountain Grass?
Purple Fountain Grass requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive and develop its characteristic vibrant purple foliage and abundant flower plumes. Insufficient sunlight can lead to leggy growth, faded color, and reduced flowering. When planting, choose a location that receives full sun throughout the day. If growing in containers, rotate the plant regularly to ensure even sun exposure on all sides. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to prevent scorching, but avoid placing it in deep shade, which will hinder its growth. Supplemental lighting may be necessary if grown indoors during winter months.
How do I care for Purple Fountain Grass?
Purple Fountain Grass thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Prune away dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. In colder climates, treat it as an annual or bring it indoors during the winter. Provide adequate air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Regularly inspect for pests like aphids or spider mites, and treat accordingly. Avoid planting in overly compacted or poorly draining soil. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Protect from strong winds.
How do I propagate Purple Fountain Grass?
Purple Fountain Grass can be propagated by division. In early spring, carefully dig up the plant and divide the root ball into smaller clumps, ensuring each clump has healthy roots and foliage. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil and water thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist until the new plants are established. Division is the most reliable method. Seed propagation is possible but can be inconsistent in producing plants true to the ‘Rubrum’ cultivar. Stem cuttings are not typically used for propagating this grass. Keikis are not applicable as this plant doesn’t produce them. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases after dividing.
Last updated: April 19, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.