Once in a while, a new plant comes along that I fall in love with—for its ease of growing, beauty, and all-around usefulness. This time, it’s the annual Monarch Magic Ageratum, introduced by BallFloraPlant, a one-of-kind plant . Commonly known as Floss Flower, it gets its name from the fine, thread-like texture of its tiny, fluffy petals, which resemble embroidery floss.
A new improved introduction of the old Ageratum flower has been introduced called Monarch Magic. Growing just 6 to 12 inches tall and spreading 8 to 16 inches wide, this variety has a lovely cascading habit that’s perfect for edging borders or spilling from containers. And what a blooming machine! I never had to deadhead—not once. Once it started flowering, it didn’t stop. The name Monarch Magic is no exaggeration—the Monarchs truly flocked to it. On hot summer days, I could glance out my kitchen window and see Monarchs, along with a host of other pollinators, swooping in for a meal. The blooms must be rich in nectar and pollen to attract such a crowd.
The best part of Ageratum is its deer resistance. Having a bitter taste and rough texture, the plant containers a substance that can cause liver damage in animals, thus making it less appealing to both bunny and deer browsing. Combine Ageratum with Vinca, another colorful easily grown annual that deer avoid, and you can have a container that looks beautiful in a heavily deer browsed area.
I noticed at the nursery where I purchased it that the labeling says it needs deadheading. So far, I haven’t had to do that and I have been growing it for almost 4 months. Maybe later in the season, it might become necessary, but right now, I am enjoying the low maintenance beauty that has a constant parade of Monarchs.
Will this bloom straight through to fall?
Yes, like many annuals, it will.
Great!! Thank you!
I’ll make a note to look for these at valley view next spring.
New plants were just delivered
Thank you for letting me know that more are in stock at valley view now!! I’ll head down today!!
Do you know if this particular Proven Winners plant is neonic-free?
It’s best to inquire with the specific garden center or nursery where you are purchasing plants to confirm their neonicotinoid use.