Ageratum – A Plant of the Alliaceae Family
Published · Flower Resource
This flower belongs to Asteraceae Family and also known as Floss flower. Their scientific name is Ageratum Houstonianum. They are annual flower and can tolerate light shade. They come in so many different varieties and mostly used are dense and rounded border plants that add a blue hue to your garden. They come in different colors like white and pink and are fringed, button like flowers. They spread generally 6 to 9 inches and are 5 to 24 inches is their spread. They are popular as edging flowers and their taller varieties look spectacular in the fall garden.
They bloom during mid fall, early fall, midsummer and late summer. They are native to North and South America and Mexico. They symbolizes politeness ad their name in Greek origin means long lived.
Uses of Ageratum
- They can be grown in outdoor containers and in xeriscapes.
- Tall flowers are used as cut flowers.
- Insecticides and nematicides are made from the extracts of these plants as few of its species have properties of pesticides.
- It also has antibacterial properties and so is used to treat colds, external wounds, spasms, fever and diarrhea.
- The taller varieties of these flowers can also be used to border or edge your garden or backyard.
Interesting Facts
- They are about six inches tall and are dwarf plants, available in pink and blue shades.
- The popular varieties of these plants are Southern Cross, Hawaii, Red Top, Blue Danube and Pinky Improved.
- They are cushion, clump or mould shaped flowers.
- They have rounded head of about 1 inch and are densely clustered.
- They are deer resistant, non-invasive and non aggressive.
- Butterflies love these flowers.
Soil Needed
- This flower prefers moist soil which is also well drained.
- The pH of the soil should be between 5.5 and 7.5.
- Keep the plant well watered so even the plant can withstand dry conditions.
- If you want to keep the flower keep blooming all summer deadhead the flower.
- Once these flowers are establishes they can even tolerate dry and infertile soil.
How to Plant?
- These flowers can be propagated through seeds.
- They should be pressed firmly into the seedbed.
- Do not cover the seeds because they require light to germinate and it takes approximately ten days to germinate.
- You can begin seeds indoors for 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost.
- The temperature required for germination is 70 to 75 degree Fahrenheit.
- It prefers warm weather and in hot climate requires part shade whereas in cool climate requires full shade.
- You can also purchase transplants from the local gardener and plant them six inches apart after the frost.
Maintenance & Care
- Take care of the plant as it might catch diseases like Oedema, Parasitic nematodes, Powdery mildew and Root rot.
- Pests like Spider mites and Whitefly are prevalent.
- They are easily taken care of and are low maintenance.
- It requires average water.
- Mist the plant in dry spells, to prevent mite infestations.