Ageratum houstonianum 'Blue Mink'

RHS Plant Profile
Mexican paintbrush 'Blue Mink'
Mexican paintbrush 'Blue Mink' John Fielding
Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial

A compact, clump-forming, half-hardy annual growing to 30cm (12in) high with mid-green ovate leaves and clusters of fluffy light blue-purple flowers from late spring through to autumn. Its compact form and long flowering period, make it ideal for using at the front of borders, in bedding schemes and in containers.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Ageratum can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, usually bushy in habit, with simple ovate leaves and small fluffy blue, pink or white flower-heads in summer and autumn
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

A half-hardy annual which does well in moisture-retentive, but well drained soil in full sun. Ideal to use as edging for bedding schemes, for planting near to the front of the border, or in summer containers

Propagation

Propagate by seed in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Bedding
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free