General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist soils in full sun. Divide every three years to control growth. Cut back in summer to promote denser habit.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Mist flower is a native Missouri herbaceous perennial with a somewhat weedy appearance that typically grows 2-3' tall and most often occurs in wet woods and in moist soils along streams, ponds, sloughs or other bodies of water. Tiny, fluffy, bluish-purple flowers appear in compact corymbs or clusters (up to 70 flowers per cluster) over a long bloom period of mid-summer to frost. Sometimes commonly called hardy ageratum because the flowers resemble those of annual ageratum. Toothed, dark green leaves (to 4" long). A vigorous plant that spreads by rhizomes and can be aggressive in ideal growing conditions. Very attractive to butterflies. Formerly known as Eupatorium coelestinum.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to powdery mildew. Leaf miners and aphids may also visit. Plants tend to flop and may need support. Spreading tendencies must be watched, particularly if planted in the perennial border.
Uses:
Provides excellent late summer to frost bloom for the perennial border. Contrasts well with white and yellow chrysanthemums. Also effective in wild gardens, meadows, native plant gardens and naturalized areas.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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