SCIENTIFIC NAME: Ageratum houstonianum

COMMON NAME: Mexican ageratum, flossflower

FAMILY: Asteraceae (Compositae)

TYPE: annual

LEAVES: alternate, ovate to triangular, up to 4" long, crenate margin

FLOWER: heads to 1/4" across in cymose clusters; excellent blue shades, lavender, pink, or white; no ray flowers

SEASON OF BLOOM: spring to fall, declines during heat of summer

GROWTH HABIT: 6" to 24", most often mound-like habit

SOIL: moist, well drained

SUN: full sun with afternoon shade (best for zone 7b)

UTILIZATION: edging or border, tall cultivars for cut flowers or background; containers

DISEASES: root rot, powdery mildew in poor air circulation areas

INSECTS AND RELATED PESTS: none serious

PROPAGATION: seed, stem cuttings

MAINTENANCE: cut back in summer to promote fall flowering

NOTES: Blue Hawaii is a good performer