Ageratum houstonianium Packstar Blue - Bluemink

The Ageratum dwarf Packstar Blue is a lovely little annual plant that forms cushions of lavender-blue flowers in small fluffy pompons, so numerous that they practically cover a pretty dentate foliage. Its compact and bushy habit, long flowering period, and ease of cultivation make this dwarf ageratum an ideal flower for edging, containers, and the foreground of borders. Cultivate in full sun, in moist soil.

The Ageratum Packstar Blue (= Blue Fields) is a variety derived from Ageratum houstonianum, a perennial plant cultivated as an annual from the asteraceae family, native to Central America and the Caribbean. It forms rounded and bushy masses, 15-20 cm (6-8in) tall by 20-30 cm (8-12in) wide. Highly branched and covered in hairs, its numerous stems rise while gracefully spreading. The leaves, also velvety, are dentate and ovate in shape. They are sometimes heart-shaped at the base, with a fairly dark bluish-green colour. From May to July-August, the flowers bloom continuously if faded flowers are removed regularly. The inflorescences are lavender-blue capitula, both soft and bright, grouped in pompon bouquets.

Mexican ageratums are often planted in urban landscaping. Their floribundance and pastel or brighter colours allow interesting combinations with many other low-growing plants in borders; marigolds, calendulas, or red salvias. It is easy to create a pastel carpet by combining them with pink begonias and impatiens or fragrant alyssums in the foreground of borders. The Packstar Blue selection allows for beautiful flowering pots with fuchsias, indoors, on the terrace, or balcony.

Mexican Ageratum is a plant that promotes the pollination work of insects such as bees, butterflies, and others.

Note: Attention, our young plug plants are professional products reserved for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them under cover (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before being installed outdoors once the risk of frost is definitively avoided.