Also known as Flossflower · 71 saves
Ageratum
Ageratum, the genus most gardeners know as flossflower. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Ageratum varieties
2 species of Ageratum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Ageratum in Sow
Save the Ageratum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Ageratum
Whats common across all Ageratum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Ageratum year
- PlantApril and May100% of varieties
Plant transplants in spring or early fall
- DeadheadJune–September67% of varieties
Remove spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming until frost.
- FertilizeMay–August67% of varieties
Feed every 2-4 weeks with a liquid fertilizer, especially in containers.
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth
- Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
- Fertilize monthly during the active growing season
- Deadhead spent flowers for prolonged blooming
Avoid
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Allow soil to dry out completely between watering
- Neglect pruning, which can lead to legginess
- Use heavy, clay soil without amendments
What goes wrong with Ageratum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and curled leaves | Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Use horticultural oil and increase humidity |
| Whiteflies | White flying insects on undersides of leaves | Use yellow sticky traps or insecticidal soap |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering |
Making more Ageratum
Seed
- Sow seeds indoors 6 weeks before last frost, cover lightly with soil, and keep moist.
- Maintain temperature at 70°F (21°C) for germination, which takes 7-14 days.
- Transplant seedlings outdoors after danger of frost has passed.
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch cuttings from healthy plants in late spring.
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone and plant in moist potting mix.
- Keep in high humidity and indirect light for 4-6 weeks until rooted.
Ageratum questions
How many types of Ageratum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Ageratum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 71 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Ageratum grow in?
Across its varieties, Ageratum covers USDA Zones 5–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Ageratum bloom?
Most Ageratum varieties bloom in late summer to fall, summer to fall, summer to frost. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Ageratum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.