Ageratum, Bluemink, Floss Flower, Garden
Ageratum houstonianum

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Blue, Pink, Purple, White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early fall, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer, Mid spring. Form: Rounded.

Ageratum houstonianum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Pine woods and cultivated ground.

South-western N. America - Mexico. An occasional garden escape in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

The juice of the plant is used externally to treat cuts and wounds.

Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Massing, Rock garden, Specimen. Grows well in ordinary garden soil. Requires a sheltered position in full sun. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. A very ornamental plant, the flowers are very attractive to butterflies. The removal of dead flowers will extend the flowering season. Special Features:North American native, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers, Seldomly reblooms.

Propagating it: Seed - surface sow March in a light position in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 weeks at 20°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out and plant them out after the last expected frosts.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth: Medium

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. caeruleum. A. mexicanum.