Conoclinium coelestinum aka Blue Mistflower

Taxonomy

Conoclinium coelestinum, also known as blue mistflower, mistflower, wild ageratum, or blue boneset, is a North American herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae family. This compact and vigorous plant has dark green toothed foliage and produces showy, fluffy light blue-purple flowers from summer to autumn. It was previously classified under the genus Eupatorium but was later reclassified in Conoclinium due to phylogenetic analyses. Mistflower prefers moist to boggy locations, often found alongside ponds and streams. However, if not properly maintained, it can become a nuisance. This late summer to fall-blooming perennial is native to the Eastern United States and is sometimes referred to as hardy ageratum due to its resemblance to annual ageratum.

Common names

Blue Mistflower, Mistflower, Blue Boneset

How to care for Blue Mistflower

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Blue Mistflower due to its easy-going nature.

Water

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

Soil

Blue Mistflower requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your Blue Boneset, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your Blue Mistflower will bloom beautifully in your home.

Lighting

Blue Mistflower thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Blue Boneset.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Blue Mistflower to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Blue Mistflower is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

The Blue Mistflower is a clump-forming species, with new growth originating from the soil surrounding the main plant.


More info:
Wikipedia