Ageratum houstonianum aka Bluemink

Taxonomy

Ageratum houstonianum, commonly known as flossflower, bluemink, blueweed, pussy foot, or Mexican paintbrush, is a cool-season annual plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is often grown as bedding in gardens, providing continuous bloom from late spring to frost. The plant features fluffy flowers in flattened to slightly rounded clusters atop compact, mounded plants generally ranging from 4” to 18” tall. Some taller varieties, such as the triploid ‘Blue Horizon,’ are more erect and grow to as much as 30” tall. The species flowers are medium blue, but many cultivars are available in commerce in various shades of blue, pink, red, white, and bicolor. The leaves are typically rounded, cordate-at-the-base, hairy, slightly quilted, and soft green. Taller varieties make good cut flowers. Ageratum houstonianum is a frost-tender annual that is moderately drought-tolerant but prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil and full sun. The plant is seldom damaged by rabbits and deer. The genus name presumably comes from the Greek a meaning not and geras meaning old age because the flowers hold their color for a long time.

Common names

Bluemink, Mexican Ageratum, Ageratum

How to care for Bluemink

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Bluemink, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Bluemink should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Bluemink loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Bluemink requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Mexican Ageratum is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Bluemink should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Bluemink’s native range is South-western N. America - Mexico. An occasional garden escape in Britain[17].


More info:
Wikipedia