The Floss Flower ( Ageratum houstonianum ) is an annual flowering plant who’s summer blooming flowers are attractive to many gardeners. The flowers are button shaped and have soft frills that stand on end around them. Easy to grow and extensively used as a border or potted plant, it can also be a good cut flower. Attracts butterflies to the garden but is toxic to livestock.
The species is native to North America and Mexico, where it received its original botanical name and synonym ‘Ageratum mexicanum’. Other common names for the Ageratum houstonianum are Pussy Foot, Mexican Paintbrush and Blueweed.
Our range of Ageratums also include Blue, Red and Mixed (Pink, White and Blue).
Growth
Floss Flower is a quick growing annual that blooms continuously from late spring until cooler weather begins, when it is killed off by frosts. In warmer tropical areas it can grow as a perennial. The plant grows to around 60 cm’s tall and 50 cm’s wide. Leaves are green and grow to approximately 4-7 cm’s, flower heads are an inch in diameter and surprisingly long lasting. Prefers a full sun position unless in very hot climates where some afternoon shade can be suitable. Remove plant after it has died off.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Asteraceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub Tropical, Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5-40°C / 40-104°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist, well-draining soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun preferred – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 60cm’s (2 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 50 cm’s (1.6 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual. Can grow perennially in warm climates.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Insects, Moths & Butterflies
MATURITY:
120 days
GERMINATION RATES:
93%
GERMINATION TIME:
1-3 weeks, dependent on conditions
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
4500
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes, is classed as an invasive species in some countries.
EDIBLE:
No
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT AGERATUM HOUSTONIANUM (Floss Flower)
Ageratum is toxic to grazing animals and can cause liver problems, so please do not plant these anywhere near grazing fields!
Ageratum is prone to becoming a weed and is classed as invasive in Australia, NZ, the United States & Europe, among other countries. This can be prevented by removing the flowers before they dry out and release seed which can be spread by birds and pets. Remove plants once they have died off.
