Conoclinium coelestinum

Plant Description

Flat-topped clusters of small, soft-blue, fuzzy flowers appear amidst the bright green foliage of this perennial Wild Ageratum. If cut back in half in early summer, these plants will form a lovely clump for the perennial garden. Or, if left unpinched, the result will be an open mound about 2 feet tall in sun (3 feet in shade), with flowers from July through October. This plant prefers sun or partial shade and moisture. Its flowers are excellent cut. It tends to spread, but can be kept in check by growing it in a dry spot, by annually removing spreading shoots with a spade, or by surrounding the plant with a bottomless can, pot, or pail extending from the soil surface down into the soil a foot or so. This confines the roots and creeping underground stems. In a natural setting, Wild Ageratum can become a beautiful low maintenance, medium height ground cover for a moist partly shaded area. It grows beautifully with Great Blue Lobelia, Ironweed, and Seashore Mallow.

 

Characteristics Rain Garden Good Fall Color Butterfly Plant Native Plant Ease of Culture Easy to grow Plant Type Wildflower, Perennial, Ground cover

Light Exposure Full sun, Mostly sunny, Half and half Soil Condition Clay, Organic, Average Moisture Tolerance Moist, Moderately moist Size full quart Height 24 to 36, 12 to 24

Flower Color Blue, Purple Bloom Time Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall Typical Height 24in Spread 24in Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9