Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by Zephs

Show all photos

Ageratum houstonianum

Also Known As

Floss Flower

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

H: 1'-3'
W: 1'-3'

planting zones

2a-12

More Options

Ageratum houstonianum plant details

Ageratum houstonianum is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with green foliage. In fall and summer lavender flowers emerge. Attracts bees, beneficial insects and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ageratum houstonianum

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 3 FT - wide, 1 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: lavender blooms in fall and summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ageratum houstonianum

USDA Zones: 2a - 12
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A robust perennial form of the common bedding annual Floss flower from Mexico and grown in Australia for many years, its origins lost in the mists of time. Forms a stiff shrub clothed in softly haired, triangular, mid green leaves, cupping in a dryer atmosphere. Tight clusters of light blue, pompom-like flowers are produced throughout the year on long stems, making it perfect for picking and very popular in the florist trade. Dead head and prune regularly when in active growth, never to dead wood, to promote flowering. Starts riots in the butterfly world, particular among Monarchs and Lesser Wanderers who find it irresistible. Clay soil is unacceptable, otherwise easily grown in soft conditions. Will suffer in all but the mildest frosts..

By: Zephs

Garden photo gallery of Ageratum houstonianum

By: Zephs

By: Karl Gercens III

By: Karl Gercens III

By: Karl Gercens III

By: Karl Gercens III

By: Karl Gercens III

Gardening facts about Ageratum houstonianum plant

How to Grow Ageratum houstonianum

Sun Exposure
- sun - dappled shade
Water Needs
- even moisture - regular
Soil Needs
- average
- well-drained
- rich
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- humidity tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant

Features

Foliage Color
- green
Flower Color
- lavender
Wildlife
- beneficial insects
- bees
- butterflies
- deer resistant
- rabbit resistant
Flower Season
- summer
- fall
Foliage Season
- deciduous