Plant Guide

Ageratum houstonianum

flossflower or pussy foot

Downy, toothed leaves. Small blue or lavender flower heads, grouped in large clusters, during summer and autumn. Several cultivars available, including dwarf forms suitable as bedding plants, and pink or white-flowering forms. Often grown as an annual plant.

Synonym: Ageratum mexicanum.

Prefers a sunny position in well-draining soil. Can survive medium frosts, but will get above-ground frost damage. Cut back to ground-level after flowering. Very easy to propagate from cuttings.

Gorgeous blue, fluffy flowers that last well on water. If you would like to be able to pick the flowers, then make sure not to plant a dwarf form. Combine with other blue/purple flowering plants and a touch of orange.

Type of plant

Herbaceous - Perennial

Size

15-75 cm tall

Landscape Use

Flower display, cut flower, bedding plant (dwarf cultivars)

Specifications

  • Temperature: Half hardy
  • Light: High
  • Moisture: Medium
  • Soil: Medium
  • Wind tolerance: Average
  • Coastal tolerance: Average