Floss flower
Ageratum conyzoides · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant floss flower: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to October
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm tall
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Frost-sensitive (0 to 5 °C)
- Origin
- Central and South America
- Soil type
- Well-draining, fertile
Care
Watering
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during the growing season, especially in hot weather. Reduce watering in winter if the plant is kept indoors. Avoid standing water, which promotes root rot.
Light exposure
Prefer a sunny to semi-shaded position for abundant flowering. Ageratum tolerates partial shade but flowers less densely. Protect it from drying winds. Bright light encourages the plant to stay compact.
Pruning and pinching
Pinch young plants to encourage branching and a bushy shape. Remove spent flowers regularly to extend blooming. Light cutting back in late summer can rejuvenate the plant. Remove dead or diseased stems.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer every 15 days during the growing and flowering season. Excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. A weakly dosed fertilizer is sufficient. Stop fertilizing in winter.
Soil and repotting
Use fertile, well-draining potting soil, enriched with compost if possible. In pots, choose a container with drainage holes. Repot in spring if needed. Ageratum prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Pests and diseases
Watch for powdery mildew in humid, stagnant conditions. Watch out for whiteflies and aphids, which establish quickly. Watering at the base reduces the risk of fungal diseases. Ensure good air circulation and avoid excess moisture.
Did you know?
Ageratum conyzoides, long dismissed as a weed in Africa and Asia, has proven to be a valuable ally for farmers: its natural chemical compounds act as a repellent against certain pest insects. In South America, it was traditionally used in herbal teas for its supposed anti-inflammatory properties, though caution should be exercised with these uses.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.