Conoclinium coelestinum
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Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: blue mistflower
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 5 to 10
Native Range: Central and southeastern United States, West Indies
Garden Location: Martha Love Symington Missouri Native Shade Garden
Height: 1.5 to 3 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 3 feet
Bloom Time: July to October
Bloom Color: Blue
Bloom Description: Blue
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Wildlife: Attracts Butterflies
Uses: Will Naturalize

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist soils in full sun. Divide every three years to control growth. Cut back in summer to promote denser habit.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Mist flower is a native Missouri herbaceous perennial with a somewhat weedy appearance that typically grows 2-3' tall and most often occurs in wet woods and in moist soils along streams, ponds, sloughs or other bodies of water. Tiny, fluffy, bluish-purple flowers appear in compact corymbs or clusters (up to 70 flowers per cluster) over a long bloom period of mid-summer to frost. Sometimes commonly called hardy ageratum because the flowers resemble those of annual ageratum. Toothed, dark green leaves (to 4" long). A vigorous plant that spreads by rhizomes and can be aggressive in ideal growing conditions. Very attractive to butterflies. Formerly known as Eupatorium coelestinum.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to powdery mildew. Leaf miners and aphids may also visit. Plants tend to flop and may need support. Spreading tendencies must be watched, particularly if planted in the perennial border.

Garden Uses

Provides excellent late summer to frost bloom for the perennial border. Contrasts well with white and yellow chrysanthemums. Also effective in wild gardens, meadows, native plant gardens and naturalized areas.

Similar Plants


Conoclinium greggii
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