Floss Flower

Also known as ageratum, this native to Mexico and adjacent Central America was discovered by William Houston (c. 1695-1733), a Scottish botanist, plant collector, and ship’s surgeon. Houston sent seeds to England in the early 18th century, and British author Philip Miller referenced the species in a 1768 edition of his Gardener’s Dictionary. It was first documented in American gardens in 1836. This self-seeding species forms a spreading, loose-growing plant. The pale blue, and occasionally white, tassel-like flowers bloom from midsummer until the first autumn frost. The ageratum at Monticello is tall-growing and is not to be confused with the dwarf bedding types now popular. 

In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.