Ageratina ligustrina aka Ageratina

Ageratina ligustrina is an evergreen shrub in the daisy family, Asteraceae. Gardeners also know it as privet-leaved eupatorium or privet-leaved ageratina. Its native range runs from Mexico into Central America. The RHS places its southern limit in Costa Rica. Kew links it with a seasonally dry tropical climate. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This bushy shrub keeps a compact form in gardens. It reaches about 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres] tall and wide. Shelter can allow it to grow larger. Kew also records a tree form for the species. The RHS gives a maturity period of 10–20 years. Its leaves are light green and ovate, or egg-shaped. The evergreen foliage gives the plant a lasting presence in borders. Large, flat flower heads hold many small white blooms. The flowers have a light scent. The supplied evidence does not give a clear flowering season.

Choose full sun or light shade for this shrub. Give it soil that drains well, rather than holding water. The RHS lists chalk, loam and sand as suitable soils. It accepts acid, neutral and alkaline conditions. A sheltered spot helps protect it from cold, drying winds. South-facing and west-facing sites suit its needs. The RHS advises a dry mulch over the roots in winter. Its H3 rating suits coastal and mild parts of Britain. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 9–11. These ratings describe its limits in different climate systems.

The RHS suggests it for coastal, city and courtyard gardens. It also suits cottage gardens, flower beds and borders beside walls. Plants For A Future places it at sunny woodland edges. That source also records value for wildlife. Its lasting foliage and white flower heads offer garden interest. Gardeners can raise new plants from softwood cuttings in spring. The evidence does not name a specific pollinator for this species.

Slugs and aphids may cause trouble, according to the RHS. The same source reports few disease problems in general. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy. That source lists no known food, medicinal or other practical uses. It also records no known hazards. This does not establish that the plant is safe to eat. The available evidence supports its use as an ornamental shrub, not a food crop.