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Annual BiennialBedding

Ageratum houstonianum 'Blue Danube'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Mexican paintbrush 'Blue Danube'

An annual to 20cm, forming a compact mound of oval leaves, with fluffy heads of lavender-blue flowers in summer and autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Blue Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
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

This genus is ideal edging for bedding schemes, but in addition 'Blue Danube' is compact enough to be grown in a container, bearing weather-resistant flowers on young plants. To prolong flowering, keep soil or growing media moist.

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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