Ageratum is a plant with fairly large fluff-ball flowers that not only looks rather attractive in the garden but will also help you to attract beneficial butterflies and bees to your space. This is a plant that is perfect for pollinators, so is a great flower to choose for a wildlife garden.
Growing ageratum:
Ageratum seeds should be sown between late winter and mid-spring indoors at a temperature of around 15-18 degrees Celsius. Seeds should be sown on the surface of the compost and gently pressed down. They should take around ten to fifteen days to germinate. Make sure the seeds get light during this time as they require light in order for germination to successfully occur.
It is important to water from beneath so as not to damage the seeds and the growing medium should be damp but not wet. When the seedlings are large enough to handle they can be transplanted and grown on in cooler conditions before they are hardened off over seven to ten days and planted in their final growing position after all risk of frost has passed and plants have matured sufficiently.
Ageratum will grow best in a sight with full sun. A sheltered position is also best and in terms of the soil conditions, the plant will perform at its best when planted in a moist, fertile, well-draining soil. Plants in a bed or border should be planted at a spacing of around 15-30cm apart.
You should be sure to water regularly until the plants are well and truly established and thereafter during periods of drought. The plant should come into bloom between July and September and if you are sure to deadhead the plant regularly then you will prolong the flowering period and ensure the continued good health of the plant.
One or two of these plants together looks far less effective than a whole bunch planted together so be bold and you will be rewarded with an impressive display of flowers.
Why grow ageratum in the garden?
While their pretty appearance may be reason enough to grow some ageratum in your garden, the main reason that these flowers are such a good choice for your garden is that they are so good for the butterflies, bees and other pollinators and what is good for the wildlife in your garden is also good for you.
If you are growing food crops then planting some ageratum to entice pollinators could really help to increase your yield and it will also make your garden more of a haven for local creatures.