Floss Flower (Ageratum houstonianum): Fast-Growing Annual with Fuzzy Blue-Purple Blooms

Overview

Floss flower (Ageratum houstonianum) is a fast-growing annual with oval, downy leaves and panicles of blue, pink, purple, or white fuzzy flowerheads from midsummer to frost. Many cultivars available. Attracts butterflies. Mexican native.

Botanical Details

• Genus: Ageratum
• Species: houstonianum

Culture & Uses

Full sun to partial shade, fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Sow seed at 61-64°F in early spring. Problems: southern blight, crown rot, root rot, Botrytis in cool wet weather, rust in dry summers. Use in beds, borders, containers. Fast grower. Height 6-12 inches.