The blue mistflower, also known as wild or hardy ageratum, is a perennial known for its purplish-blue clusters of fuzzy flowers. These eye-catching blooms appear on purple-red stems adorned with green, triangular, toothed leaves. The flowers lack rays and have a fuzzy, airy appearance thanks to their long stamens. This is a fast-spreading perennial and can become invasive if left unchecked. The abundance of nectar produced by the flowers attracts many bees and butterflies.
Do not confuse this plant with the floss flower (Ageratum houstonianum), an annual bedding plant native to Mexico that is available for sale in the spring in many nurseries and garden centers.
Botanical Name | Conoclinium coelestinum |
Common Name | Blue Mistflower, Blue Boneset, Wild Ageratum, Hardy Ageratum |
Plant Type | Perennial |
Mature Size | 1-3 ft. tall, 1-3 ft. wide |
Sun Exposure | Full, partial |
Soil Type | Loamy, sandy, clay, moist |
Soil pH | Mildly acidic, neutral |
Bloom Time | Summer, fall |
Flower Color | Blue, purple |
USDA Hardiness Zones | 5 through 10 |
Native Area | Central and southeastern U.S., Canada, West Indies |
Blue Mistflower Care
These fuzzy flowers are perfect additions to pollinator or perennial gardens. They are quick spreaders. If these plants grow beyond their designated area, simply dig up the unwanted rhizomes and move them to another desired area. You can also deadhead spent blooms to prevent the flower from going to seed. As these plants mature and reach their full height, they might require supports to prevent them from flopping over.
These flowers are naturally found in moist areas such as meadows, ditches, low woodlands, or near water sources. Mimicking these conditions by keeping the soil moist will ensure a healthy blue mistflower. Common pests or diseases include powdery mildew, aphids, or leaf miners.
Warning
The blue mistflower is a quick-spreading plant that reproduces through rhizomes and self-seeding. Because of this, the blue mistflower has invasive qualities and can choke out native plants. Though native to the central and southeastern United States, other areas of the country consider this an invasive weed. Do thorough research before deciding if this plant is right for your area.
Light
The blue mistflower grows best in full to partial sun. In extremely hot climates, partial sun is ideal, especially in the afternoon.
Soil
These fuzzy flowers grow in a wide range of soil conditions, including loamy, sandy or clay soil. The key to survival for blue mistflowers is moisture, so it's wise to add a layer of mulch around these plants to help retain soil moisture.
Water
Because the blue mistflower thrives in moist soil, consistent watering is essential. This is especially true during times of drought or very high temperatures. However, these plants are somewhat drought tolerant once established and can withstand dry seasons without much harm inflicted.
Water the blue mistflower when the soil begins to feel dry. In hot climates, watering might be necessary once or twice a week.
Temperature and Humidity
The blue mistflower is a hardy plant that can handle both hot and cold temperatures, including winter and summer extremes. It is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels as well. It's considered to be hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 10, which spans a wide range of temperatures.
Fertilizer
Because this plant thrives in a variety of soil types, fertilizer is not essential for healthy growth. This plant does appreciate organic matter, so adding compost to the soil is a great option. If this plant requires extra nutrients, a well-balanced liquid fertilizer is a good choice in the spring and midsummer.
Propagating Blue Mistflowers
Because the blue mistflower spreads so rapidly, propagation is very easy. This can be done by root divisions or with cuttings.
- Using a sharp shovel, cut through the underground rhizomes at the point you would like to divide the plant. Be sure each division has healthy foliage and its own root system.
- Dig around the division until the plant can be lifted freely from the ground.
- Transplant these divisions into another suitable area.
- Using clean, sharp garden snips, cut away a stem in the late spring. Be sure that the cutting has three or four sets of leaves.
- Trim away the bottom leaves. At this point, the cutting can be placed in either water or moist soil. If placed in soil, it is best to dip the cut end into rooting hormone.
- Keep the cutting in a bright area and keep it moist.
- Check for roots by very gently tugging on the plant. When you feel resistance, roots have likely formed.
- Transplant into the garden.
How to Grow Blue Mistflowers from Seed
To start blue mistflowers from seed, the seeds must go through cold, moist stratification for a minimum of 21 days or up to three months. To achieve this, keep the seeds moist by placing them in a sealed plastic bag with moist sand or a paper towel and place them in the refrigerator.
Another option is to sow the seeds in the fall to allow this process to happen naturally over the winter.
If the seeds are started indoors and have been cold stratified in the refrigerator, here is how to start them:
- Sow the seeds on top of moist soil.
- Place the seeds in a warm, bright location. Near a window or under a grow light is ideal.
- Germination should occur in seven to ten days.
- Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, harden them off and transfer them outdoors after the threat of frost is gone.
To start seeds outdoors, follow these simple steps:
- Sow seeds in the late fall to allow cold stratification to occur over the winter.
- Once temperatures are warm enough in the spring, seedlings should emerge. Keep the seedlings moist.
Overwintering Blue Mistflowers
This plant is native to areas with cold winters and has evolved to overwinter in freezing temperatures. To help the plant do so with vigor, you might wish to cut back all foliage in the fall to ensure a clean area for the plant to reemerge in the spring. Placing a layer of mulch or leaves around the plant will help insulate its crown and roots.