Beautiful flower ageratum. Planting and care

A beautiful perennial ageratum, planting and care of which is not very complex and is available to almost any florist even with little experience, was brought to our continent from Central America.

A bit of history

In Europe, the ageratum (photos of flowers can be found in specialized literature and on most flower forums) have been grown since the time of the discoveries of Christopher Columbus. It was imported at about that time from Peru and Mexico. Wild ageratums there are numerous. There are about sixty different species. In Europe, most often, the Houston asteratum is bred (its second name is Mexican). This plant with fluffy inflorescences, pleasantly smelling, the flowers of which are painted in purple, white, blue or various shades of purple. It is very popular among fans to create in their garden flower beds and compositions. One of its features is a very long and intensive flowering.

Ageratum, planting and care

Although it is a perennial plant, it is often grown as an annual. The height reaches twenty centimeters. Flowering usually starts in June. Ends with the beginning of the first frost. Ageratum (planting and caring for it requires a few simple rules) can be cut, then it will form in the form of a beautiful small bush. From such bushes you can make curbs and cuttings, decorate them with rock gardens and create color accents on lawns.

The main rule of care for the aheratum is to maintain a stable level of humidity. Drought is something that can kill a plant, make it sick and unattractive. With a lack of water, a hardy ageratum will still grow. But very slowly. And its bloom will be at times less lush. You should also take care of the good quality of the soil, in which you will plant shrubs. And keep in mind that the first frost will almost certainly kill him. This should be taken into account and planting an ageratum in the spring in the ground - make sure that the cooling in your area does not come before doing it. Propagate the plant as seeds, and cuttings.

Ageratum. Planting and care for reproduction by cuttings

In the autumn, without waiting for the first frosts (which will destroy the plant), the flower should be excavated, the superfluous branches cut off by a secateur and transplanted into a greenhouse. In spring, divide into cuttings and root into a sandy mixture. The ageratum willingly forms an abundance of accessory roots. Therefore, the cuttings propagation is most often successful.

How to Grow an Ageratum from Seeds

This is a bit more complicated than in the case of cuttings. It is necessary to pass the stage of growing seedlings. You will need boxes and verified decontaminated soil. Seeds should be planted in early April or late March. Sprinkle with earth or sawdust and water often, and it is better to spray the soil from the spray gun. In order for seedlings to appear on the tenth day, it is better to wrap the container with seeds with polyethylene film, but not tightly, but leaving small holes for air penetration. In the garden, sprouts of ageratum should be transferred in early June.