Colour with staying power

Long-lasting flowers make Ageratum a must, says Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

THE search for ageless beauty is an eternal quest and although there is no scientific proof that AG keeps you young and beautiful (though following our advice will keep you fit!) these seeds will bring long-lasting prettiness to your borders.

Ageratum houstonianum originated in the warmth of Central America and the West Indies but grows fantastically well in our gardens.

The variety ‘Blue Mink’ is a half-hardy annual that creates mounds of the most beautiful blue flowers, making it perfect for edging borders. It is also a wonderful addition to containers.

It likes a sunny spot with free-draining soil and is also popular with pollinators, which will benefit the rest of the plants in your garden.

The name Ageratum comes from the Ancient Greek ‘a’ (without) and ‘geras’, which means ‘age’.

The plant was named ‘without age’ because of the longevity of its flowers that hold their colour for a long time.

Step by step

How to sow ‘Blue Mink’