Floss Flower Ageratum houstonianum 'Blue Danube'
ABOUT
The Ageratum houstonianum 'Blue Danube', commonly known as the Floss Flower, possesses a truly striking appearance with a signature fluffiness that adds texture to gardens and floral arrangements. It boasts a profusion of small, tufty, round flowers that carry a bright, lavender-blue hue, forming dense clusters atop the foliage. These blossoms are notable for their fuzzy, threadlike structures that protrude, giving them a soft, cottony appearance. The leaves of the Floss Flower are equally as charming, with a heart-shaped or ovate form and a slightly hairy surface. The foliage shows a vibrant green color that contrasts nicely with the showy floral pompoms. This greenery often has a quilted texture, with visible veining and a somewhat rough surface that is pleasant to the touch. Together, the lush leaves and the vibrant, clustered flowers create a rich tapestry of color and form that is highly valued in ornamental gardening. The Floss Flower has a bushy and compact growth habit, producing a rounded shape that is both neat and appealing to the eye. The overall demeanor of this plant brims with cheerfulness and color, making the Floss Flower a popular choice for borders, containers, and as a candidate for mass plantings where its hue can make an expansive visual impact.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Floss Flower, Blueweed, Pussy Foot, Mexican Paintbrush
Common names
Ageratum houstonianum, Ageratum mexicanum Sims, Ageratum wendlandii Hort.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
Mexico Central America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: The flowers of Ageratum, commonly known as floss flower, produce nectar that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects to the garden.
- Easy to grow: Floss flower is known for being hardy and easy to cultivate, making it suitable for gardeners of all experience levels.
- Long blooming period: Ageratum produces flowers that can last for an extended period from late spring to early fall, providing long-lasting color in the garden.
- Compact growth habit: With its mounded growth, floss flower is excellent for borders, bedding, and container planting, helping to create structured garden designs.
- Vibrant color: 'Blue Danube' offers bright blue flowers that add a striking burst of color, which can be used to create contrasting color schemes in the landscape.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, floss flower plants can tolerate short periods of dryness, making them suitable for gardens with limited water resources.
- Ideal for cutting: The blooms of Ageratum work well in cut flower arrangements, adding both color and texture to bouquets.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ageratum is often used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of blues and purples depending on the mordant used during the dying process.
- In companion planting, Ageratum may deter certain insect pests, such as nematodes, when planted near susceptible crops like tomatoes.
- The dried flowers of Ageratum can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, adding a splash of color and a mild, pleasant fragrance.
- Ageratum flowers are sometimes used in edible arrangements as they add visual appeal to salads and desserts (ensure they are free of pesticides and other chemicals).
- As a cover crop, Ageratum can help suppress weeds and improve soil health in fallow garden areas due to its fast growth.
- In flower language and symbolism, Ageratum represents longevity and can be used in floral arrangements intended to convey this sentiment.
- Artists may use Ageratum as a natural source of pigment for watercolor paints, capturing the vibrant blue-purple hues in their work.
- The plant can be a source of inspiration for designers and artists, who may incorporate its form and color into textiles, wallpapers, and other decorative items.
- Ageratum's fluffy flowers can be a lightweight stuffing material for small, hand-crafted dolls or natural sachets.
- The flowers of Ageratum might be used as confetti in outdoor celebrations, providing a biodegradable and colorful alternative to synthetic confetti.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Ageratum is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Ageratum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Ageratum often symbolizes long-lasting affection and enduring life, woven from its ability to bloom for quite a long time throughout the year.
- Devotion: With its clustered blossoms growing tightly together, the Ageratum can represent loyalty and devoted love.
- Protection: Historically, some cultures have used ageratum to create a border that was believed to protect other plants from harm, symbolizing safeguarding and a ward against negativity.
WaterFor the Floss Flower, it's essential to maintain a consistent moisture level without overwatering. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which generally means watering once every week. Use a gentle watering method, like a watering can with a spout, to avoid disturbing the soil or damaging the flowers. Aim to provide approximately half a gallon of water per plant during each watering session, making adjustments based on weather conditions—less during rainy periods and potentially more during hot, dry spells. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
LightFloss Flower thrives in a spot that receives full to partial sunlight. The ideal location would be one where the plant gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but is also protected during the hottest part of the afternoon to prevent scorching. If grown as a houseplant, a south-facing or west-facing window would be suitable, ensuring it gets sufficient light without exposure to harsh midday sun.
TemperatureFloss Flower prefers a warm climate and generally does well in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F, which are ideal for its growth. It can survive minimum temperatures down to approximately 40°F but should be protected from frost. During the hot season, ensure that the plant is not subjected to temperatures exceeding 85°F for extended periods, as this can stress the plant and affect its blooming.
PruningPruning Floss Flower is simple and necessary to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming and cut back the plant by one-third to one-half in midsummer to rejuvenate it if it appears leggy. The best time to prune for shaping is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFloss Flower thrives in a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix containing peat, compost, and perlite would be ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingFloss Flower typically doesn't need frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years, or when it outgrows its container.
Humidity & MistingFloss Flower prefers moderate to high humidity levels but can tolerate lower humidity if necessary.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Floss Flower in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Floss Flower in partial shade to full sun outdoors.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleFloss Flower 'Blue Danube' (Ageratum houstonianum 'Blue Danube') begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in warm soil, germinates within days to weeks. The seedling emerges, developing a rosette of leaves and a root system, then grows into a young plant with characteristic soft, hairy leaves. As it matures, it develops flower buds which bloom into fluffy, blue-purple flowers through the late spring and summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. As an annual, the Floss Flower 'Blue Danube' completes its entire life cycle within one growing season, after which the plant dies. The seeds can then be collected for future planting or allowed to self-sow in suitable climates.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method for propagating Ageratum houstonianum, commonly known as Floss Flower, is through seed. The ideal time to sow Floss Flower seeds is in late winter to early spring, about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. To propagate, sprinkle the tiny seeds onto the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix and press them gently into the soil, making sure not to bury them as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not saturated and maintain a temperature of around 70°F (21°C). Germination typically occurs within 10 to 14 days, after which the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots once they have a couple of true leaves and then later moved outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
