Ageratum 'Timeless Mix' Seeds 

Ageratum houstonianum, or Floss Flower, produces the most incredible fuzzy, button-like blooms that you just want to reach out and touch. The 'Timeless Mix' is a nostalgic collection of soft blues, violets, pinks, and pristine whites.

These plants are low-growing and compact, forming neat little mounds of colour. They have a lovely, old-fashioned charm that makes them look perfect lining a pathway, spilling out of a window box, or edging a vegetable patch.

Why Your Garden Needs Ageratum

We love this plant for its texture. Most garden flowers are petals and daisies; Ageratum is pure fluff! This softness breaks up the hard lines of a border and contrasts beautifully with sharper, spiky plants.

It is also incredibly hard-working. Once it starts flowering in early summer, it rarely stops until the first frosts of autumn. It is what we call a "self-cleaning" plant, meaning the old flowers tend to fade away neatly without needing constant deadheading, though a quick trim now and then keeps it looking extra smart.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Half-Hardy Annual?

Ageratum is a Half-Hardy Annual. This is gardening code for "loves the sun, hates the cold."

Being an Annual means it completes its life cycle in one year. Being "Half-Hardy" means it cannot survive frost. You start the seeds indoors in the warmth of spring, and plant them out only when the weather is officially warm (usually late May or June). They will then flower their socks off all summer long before retiring when winter arrives.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Ageratum is easy to grow, provided you keep it warm.

🌱 Germination (The Light Trick):
These seeds need light to germinate. They are small, so sow them on the surface of moist compost and press them down gently. Do not cover them with soil (or use only the finest dusting of vermiculite). They also need warmth—a sunny windowsill or a propagator (20°C) is perfect.

Where to Sow:
Start them indoors in trays from February to April. Do not be tempted to sow them outdoors early; they will sulk if the soil is cold!

Care While Growing:
Once the risk of frost has passed, plant them out in a sunny or partially shaded spot. They are excellent for "edging," so place them at the very front of your border about 20cm apart to create a continuous ribbon of colour.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features, helping you decide if this fluffy mix is the right fit for your garden.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Ageratum is low-growing, so it needs taller partners behind it, or other low plants to create a carpet effect. Here are my favourites:

• 🏵️ Marigolds (Tagetes): The bright orange of Marigolds contrasts vividly with the blue and purple tones of the Ageratum. It creates a classic, cheerful summer display.
• 🍃 Salvia splendens (or similar spikes): Use the low, fluffy Ageratum to hide the base of taller, spiky Salvias. The contrast between "fluffy mound" and "tall spike" is very pleasing to the eye.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Start indoors early for the longest flowering season. Do not plant out until frost has passed.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)