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Eupatorium coelestinum

Image of Eupatorium coelestinum

James H. Schutte

Family

Asteraceae

Botanical Name

Eupatorium coelestinum

Plant Common Name

Blue Mistflower, Hardy Ageratum

General Description

The fuzzy, lavender-blue flowers of blue mistflower bring much-needed color to the late summer landscape. Native to the eastern United States, this hardy perennial is found naturally in moist, partially shaded woodlands and streambanks, and spreads generously via rhizomes (lateral underground stems). The showy flowers appear from late summer to early autumn atop sturdy, upright, well-branched stems lined with bright green, oblong, pointed leaves. Highly beneficial to wildlife, blue mistflower is an important food and nectar source for numerous insects, including the larva and adults of many butterflies.

Blue mistflower grows best in full to part sun and moist, organic soils which mimic its natural habitat. However, it is adaptable to a range of growing conditions, and may spread less vigorously in leaner soils. Use it to create swaths of color at the edges of ponds or streams, moist woodlands, or in meadow gardens. Blue mistflower is lovely when combined with other moisture-loving perennials such as cardinal flower or swamp milkweed, and also makes a fine cut flower.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 11

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    18"-30" / 45.7cm - 76.2cm

  • Width

    24"-36" / 61.0cm - 91.4cm

  • Bloom Time

    Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall

  • Native To

    Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Caribbean

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam

  • Tolerances

    Wet Site

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Spreading

  • Seasonal Interest

    Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Sky Blue, Lavender

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Yellow Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bog Garden, Cutflower, Mixed Border, Wildflower

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes