Right now, all across the south, there are misty blue flowers blooming around the older homes. It's the blue mist flower or Eupatorium coelestinum, often labeled Conoclinium. While I allow this plant to conquer certain parts of my yard, I'm careful to remove it in areas with less competitive plants. It is pretty aggressive and can quickly overtake more, how should I say it,"sensitive" plants.
This plant is a survivor! I see it on my walks around "old" Newnan popping up in medians and abandoned lots. Rarely do people ever plant this herb. However, there are annual tropical species and hybrids that are sold at garden centers and nurseries. These are the "true" ageratum you might be more familiar with. Ageratum houstonianum is an annual that will often come back from seed. While beautiful, our heat and humidity will often shorten its lifespan.
But there is a perennial ageratum that does quite well here and doesn't behave so thuggish in the garden. The Texas False Ageratum or Conoclinium/Eupatorium greggii has dissected leaves and starts blooming as early as July but continues until frost. I first obtained this species from Plant Delights Nursery. It is easy to propagate through division, and I plan to make some available in the future.
I've always been partial to the color blue in the garden, though it can be hard to come by. There just aren't that many species, particularly here in the south, that offer true blue. We have plenty of purples, but few blues. Along with the fall perennial asters and Hydrangeas, I can't think of any blue flowers that are as easy to grow in our climate!
So seek out the Texas false ageratum for your flower garden! You'll be amazed at how many pollinators it attracts and how easy it is to grow and maintain!
Comments