Care of the plant Ageratum houstonianum or Bluemink |
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Ageratum is a genus of 40-60 tropical and warm temperate flowering annuals and perennials from the family Asteraceae. Most of them are native to Mexico and Central America. Some species are: Ageratum houstonianum, Ageratum littorale, Ageratum conyzoides. Common names: Flossflower, Mexican paintbrush, Bluemink, Blueweed, Pussy foot. This species is native to Mexico and Peru. They are annual herbaceous plants that have opposite leaves, lanceolate or elliptical in shape; they reach 40 cm (1.31 feet) in height. The small flowers appear in corymbs (type of inflorescence) and can be purple, pink, blue, white or lilac. Its flowering period ranges from early spring to late fall. They are used for flower beds, borders and potted balconies and patios. They prefer full sun exposure in colder climates and half shade exposure in warmer climates. Ageratum houstonianum can be grown in a commercial garden substrate but well drained with coarse sand. Irrigation should be regular and will be increased in the hot season; water so that the soil is always slightly damp. During flowering it is recommended to fertilize with liquid mineral fertilizer. They can be attacked by aphids and the roots can rot due to excess watering. They can be propagated by seeds sown in late winter. Transplantation is the problem, as Ageratum houstonianum does not tolerate it very well; it is better to do it when they are about to produce flowers. |
Images of the plant Ageratum houstonianum or Bluemink |
 Ageratum houstonianum  Ageratum houstonianum  Ageratum houstonianum  Ageratum houstonianum |