Floss Flower Ageratum houstonianum 'Blue Horizon'

Water

The Floss Flower should be watered regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, weekly watering is typically adequate, providing about 1 inch of water each time. Adjust the frequency of watering depending on weather conditions; more frequent watering may be necessary during hot, dry periods and less during cooler, rainy spells. It's important not to let the soil dry out completely, so check the top inch of soil and water if it feels dry to the touch. Be sure to water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent disease.

Light

Floss Flowers thrive best in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, they should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. A spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade can be particularly beneficial in areas with very hot summers. Avoid deep shade locations, as this can lead to poor blooming and a leggy growth habit.

Temperature

Floss Flowers prefer warm temperatures and are hardy in USDA zones 9-11. The ideal temperature range for these plants is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but growth will be slower. At the higher end, they can tolerate temperatures up to about 85 degrees Fahrenheit but may require additional watering in hotter conditions to keep the soil moist.

Pruning

Pruning Floss Flowers is important to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season. Additionally, light pruning can be done in spring to shape the plant and maintain its desired size. The best time for more extensive pruning is early spring or after the last frost, as new growth begins to emerge.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Floss Flower 'Blue Horizon' thrives in a well-draining soil mix comprised of loam, peat, and perlite, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 to promote healthy growth.

Repotting

Floss Flower should generally be repotted every 1-2 years, or when it outgrows its current pot, to ensure continued health and room for growth.

Humidity & Misting

Floss Flower 'Blue Horizon' prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally ranging from 40% to 60% for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Floss Flower in bright, indirect light with good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant Floss Flower in partial shade and protect from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Ageratum houstonianum 'Blue Horizon', commonly known as Floss Flower, begins its life as a seed that germinates in the warm soil of late spring or early summer. The seedling quickly establishes itself, developing into a small plant with characteristic hairy leaves. As it matures, it grows into a bushy, upright plant reaching up to 30 inches in height, and starts producing clusters of fluffy, blue to purplish flowers that continue blooming from midsummer to frost. Throughout its flowering stage, it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, which aid in its reproduction by dispersing pollen. Following pollination, the plant produces small black seeds that can be collected in late fall for future planting. Floss Flower is typically grown as an annual, completing its life cycle within one growing season, after which it dies off with the onset of cold weather.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Ageratum houstonianum 'Blue Horizon', commonly known as Floss Flower, is through seed. The best time to sow Floss Flower seeds is late winter to early spring. To propagate, scatter the seeds onto the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix and lightly press them into the soil. Floss Flower seeds need light to germinate, so they should not be covered with soil. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and maintain a temperature of about 70°F (21°C). Seedlings will typically emerge in 10 to 14 days. Once the seedlings have grown enough to handle and there is no risk of frost, they can be transplanted outdoors at a spacing of about 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) apart.