by CMG Betty J
Blue Mistflower, note triangular leaves
Blue Mistflower, Conoclinium coelestinum, is a Hill Country perennial that grows best at the edge of wooded areas and in sandy soil near streams and marshes. Also known as Fragrant Mistflower, Blue Boneset and Wild Ageratum it forms a bushy plant about 3’ tall. Its opposite leaves are 1-3” long and nearly triangular with conspicuous veins.
Blue Mistflower flower cluster
The ¼” flowers form large clusters and may be bright blue, violet or white. The bloom season is from July to November. The clusters are often so dense that the plant appears to be a solid mass of color. Hummingbirds, moths and butterflies enjoy their nectar. Since they bloom late into the fall, Mistflowers are an important nectar source for late-season butterflies.
These plants are highly prized as a wild-flower garden border or specimen. They spread easily and so must be controlled in a garden setting. This spreading tendency, however, makes Blue Mistflower an ideal choice for habitat restoration. In the garden, cut the plants back by ½ in winter before new growth appears to help maintain a compact growth pattern. They are not reliably deer resistant.
Blue Mistflower plant