Photo: C T Johansson · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Ageratum
Ageratum, or floss flower, is a tender annual bearing soft, fluffy clusters of tiny thread-like florets, most often in cool blue and lavender but also white and pink. Taller cutting varieties such as 'Blue Horizon' give florists useful stems of one of the harder-to-find true blues. It works as a textural filler that softens and cools summer and autumn arrangements. Its powder-puff clusters read almost like a fuzzy, dreamy version of a thistle without the spikes.
| Family | Asteraceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Mexico and Central America |
| Peak season | July, August, September |
| Availability | June, July, August, September, October |
| Stem length | 30–60 cm |
| Vase life | 6–10 days |
| Colors | blue, lavender, purple, white, pink |
| Price tier | budget |
Cut when clusters are about three-quarters open, as ageratum does not develop much further once cut. Strip lower leaves and hydrate in cool, clean water. Change the water often, since the stems can foul quickly. Keep out of hot sun to hold the soft color.
- •Cut when clusters are three-quarters open
- •Strip lower leaves
- •Hydrate in cool, clean water
- •Change water often — stems foul quickly
- •Keep out of hot sun
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Botanical reference
- Also known as
- floss flower, blue mink, bluemink, Ageratum conyzoides houstonianum, Ageratum conyzoides mexicanum, Ageratum houstonianum angustatum, Ageratum houstonianum houstonianum, Ageratum houstonianum isochroum, Ageratum houstonianum luteum, Ageratum houstonianum muticescens, Ageratum houstonianum niveum, Ageratum houstonianum normale
- Distribution
- Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Belize, Bihar, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Caribbean, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica
- Uses
- medicinal plant
Open-data sources: GBIF, Wikidata (CC0/CC BY)
Frequently asked questions
When is Ageratum in season?
Ageratum peaks in July, August, September, and florists can usually source it June, July, August, September, October. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Ageratum last in a vase?
Expect 6–10 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Ageratum?
Good substitutes for Ageratum include Cornflower, Globe amaranth, Statice. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Ageratum symbolise?
Ageratum is associated with patience, trust, admiration, new beginnings.
How do you care for cut Ageratum?
Cut when clusters are three-quarters open
Related flowers
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Lacy Bird Flower Encyclopedia — “Ageratum”. https://lacybird.com/flowers/ageratum/<a href="https://lacybird.com/flowers/ageratum/">Lacy Bird Flower Encyclopedia — Ageratum</a>