Ageratina ligustrina

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Ageratina ligustrina is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from September to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 5

Where it is found

Not known

Southern N. America - Mexico to Costa Rica.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

Requires a sunny position, succeeding in most well-drained but moisture retentive fertile soils. A very ornamental plant, it is often grown as an ornamental in the greenhouse but can succeed outdoors in the mildest areas of the country. Plants have withstood temperatures down to -12°c. Another report says that plants are often cut back by frost. Plants are usually grown under one of its synonyms. The flowers are very attractive to butterflies. Plants can continue flowering until Christmas in mild autumns.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame, only just covering the seed. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse. If planting them outdoors, do this in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, and consider giving the plants some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of green wood, spring in a frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 9-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Eupatorium ligustrinum. DC. E. micranthum. E. weinmannianum.