Do not confuse this plant with the floss flower (Ageratum houstonianum), an annual bedding plant native to Mexico that is available for sale in the spring in many nurseries and garden centers. These flowers are naturally found in moist areas such as meadows, ditches, low woodlands, or near water sources. Mimicking these conditions by keeping the soil moist will ensure a healthy blue mistflower. Common pests or diseases include powdery mildew, aphids, or leaf miners.
Light
The blue mistflower grows best in full to partial sun. In extremely hot climates, partial sun is ideal, especially in the afternoon.
Soil
These fuzzy flowers grow in a wide range of soil conditions, including loamy, sandy or clay soil. The key to survival for blue mistflowers is moisture, so it’s wise to add a layer of mulch around these plants to help retain soil moisture.
Water
Because the blue mistflower thrives in moist soil, consistent watering is essential. This is especially true during times of drought or very high temperatures. However, these plants are somewhat drought tolerant once established and can withstand dry seasons without much harm inflicted. Water the blue mistflower when the soil begins to feel dry. In hot climates, watering might be necessary once or twice a week.
Temperature and Humidity
The blue mistflower is a hardy plant that can handle both hot and cold temperatures, including winter and summer extremes. It is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels as well. It’s considered to be hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 10, which spans a wide range of temperatures.
Fertilizer
Because this plant thrives in a variety of soil types, fertilizer is not essential for healthy growth. This plant does appreciate organic matter, so adding compost to the soil is a great option. If this plant requires extra nutrients, a well-balanced liquid fertilizer is a good choice in the spring and midsummer.
Propagating Blue Mistflowers
Because the blue mistflower spreads so rapidly, propagation is very easy. This can be done by root divisions or with cuttings. To divide by root division: To propagate with cuttings:
How to Grow Blue Mistflowers from Seed
To start blue mistflowers from seed, the seeds must go through cold, moist stratification for a minimum of 21 days or up to three months. To achieve this, keep the seeds moist by placing them in a sealed plastic bag with moist sand or a paper towel and place them in the refrigerator. Another option is to sow the seeds in the fall to allow this process to happen naturally over the winter. If the seeds are started indoors and have been cold stratified in the refrigerator, here is how to start them: To start seeds outdoors, follow these simple steps:
Overwintering Blue Mistflowers
This plant is native to areas with cold winters and has evolved to overwinter in freezing temperatures. To help the plant do so with vigor, you might wish to cut back all foliage in the fall to ensure a clean area for the plant to reemerge in the spring. Placing a layer of mulch or leaves around the plant will help insulate its crown and roots.
