Botanical Name: Ageratum houstonianum
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Common Name: Ageratum, Floss flower  
Plant photo of: Ageratum houstonianum
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Water Saving Tip:

Even though it's hot, your lawn only needs to be watered twice a week to stay healthy.

And don't water the whole lawn for a brown spot—drag out a hose.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Annual

 

Height Range

Under 1', 1-3'

 

Flower Color

Blue, Lavender, Pink, Red, Violet, White

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green, Light Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium, High

 

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

 

Soil Type

Loam

 

Soil Condition

Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Raised Planter

 

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Steve Mullany

  • Description

  • Notes

Floss flower is a frost-tender annual that blooms from late spring to frost. The Flowers are fluffy and look like clusters of little balls at the ends of the flower stems. Size depends on variety, and range from 4 to 30 inches tall. Flower colors are typically in the pastel shades, and include various shades of blue, pink, red, white, and bicolor. Leaves are typically rounded, hairy, slightly quilted, and soft green. Taller varieties make good cut flowers.
Ageratum prefer rich, well-amended soil that receives consistent watering. Though full sun, in our hot summers they will do well with some mid-day or late-day shade. Overhead watering may cause powdery mildew. Well suited to containers.