Ageratum 'Southern Cross'

Ageratum houstonianum ‘Southern Cross’ is a compact annual with distinctive flowers: white near the center and cornflower blue toward the fringed edges. [Piedmont Master Gardeners](https://www.piedmontmastergardeners.org/article/a-choice-of-blue/) reports 6–12-inch plants, container use, sterile flowers, and good cut-flower performance. ## Garden use and season Use the bicolor flower heads as a close-view accent in a mixed container or at the front of a bed. The cultivar has also been identified as a cut flower by [Piedmont Master Gardeners](https://www.piedmontmastergardeners.org/article/a-choice-of-blue/). Ageratum generally flowers from late spring through fall, although local timing depends on frost dates and growing conditions ([UW–Madison Extension](https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/ageratum/)). ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. The species tolerates some dry conditions, but steady moisture supports good flowering. This is a frost-tender annual in most gardens. ## Maintenance Water when the soil surface begins to dry, especially during hot spells and in containers. Remove faded heads if they detract from the display; deadheading may help extend bloom on varieties that retain spent flowers. Handle plants carefully if you are sensitive to foliage, since skin irritation has been reported for this species.