Annual Ageratum Houstonium - Garden Butterfly Favorite © 2006

Ageratum houstonium
Family - Compositae - Daisy
Ageratum - Floss Flower

Ageratum is an annual member of the Daisy, or Compositae family. The common name is floss flower. There are many varieties. The most common flower color is blue, but it is also available in white and pink as well as a bi-color called Capri which is pink with a white eye. Blue Mink grows 8 - 10 inches tall; Leilani grows to 14 - 16 inches tall, Blue Danube 6 - 8 inches tall. Hawaii is a variety which is available in three colors - pink, white, and blue. Hawaii grows to about 6 - 8 inches tall, so is a good border plant.

Floss flower prefers full sun, but will tolerate light shade. Ageratum is a favorite of butterflies, so if you wish to attract these fluttering beauties, a few ageratum plants are a good choice for edging.

Propagation of ageratum is by seed. I like to seed my own into my greenhouse in March, setting them out in May after the danger of frost has passed. For those inclined to sow their own seed, plant about eight weeks before the last frost in your area for bedding pack size plants. The seeds should germinate in eight to ten days at a soil temperature of 70 - 80 degrees F. Ageratum seed is fine and elongated. I sometimes use a postcard folded to sow the seed. Fold the post card; sprinkle the seed over the surface of the planting medium. Cover with about one eighth inch of soil and mist lightly.

You should be able to find a nice selection of plants at your local garden center. The only problem I have with ageratum is it seems to be a favorite of aphids, which cause the leaves to curl. Safer's Insecticidal Soap or Rotenone is good organic controls for aphids.

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