Mistflower or Hardy Ageratum - Eupatorium coelestinum or Conoclinium coelestinum
While it can appear
weedy early in the growing season, mistflower redeems itself in the fall. Fitting in both naturalistic gardens as well as gardens with a more formal design, the purple-blue flowers often last until frost. Clumps of plants form by underground rhizomes and mistflower can become aggressive if properly located but is easy to quickly pull out if need be.
Despite it's early season drawbacks, mistflower is easy to grow, blooms reliably and prolifically, and it's flower color shines beautifully in the lower fall sunlight.
Importance as a caterpillar food source: Mistflower is not used as a caterpillar host plant
Importance as a butterfly nectar source: A great source of late season nectar for a variety of butterflies.
USDA Hardiness Zone |
5 to 10 |
Bloom Period |
August to October |
Bloom Color |
Blue |
Plant Height |
18 to 36 inches |
Plant Spread |
18 to36 inches |
Light Exposure |
Full sun to light shade |
Soil Moisture |
Moist to wet |
Animal/Disease Problems |
None |

Native Range for Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum)