Ageratum houstonianum ‘Red Flint’
Overview
Uses: Annual borders, cottage gardens, containers, pollinator beds, edging, and seasonal mass plantings.
Benefits: Distinct red to magenta flower clusters offer a rare warm-toned alternative to traditional blue ageratum. Compact, bushy plants provide continuous summer color and dependable performance in heat.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 10–12 (grown as an annual in colder climates)
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Life Cycle: Tender Perennial
Growth Habit: Mounding, Compact — dense branching with rounded form.
Bloom Color: Red to Magenta
Mature Height: 10–14 inches
Mature Width: 10–12 inches
Bloom Season: Early Summer through Frost
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
‘Red Flint’ brings an unexpected warmth to summer plantings with soft, fuzzy red blooms that glow against fresh green foliage. Its compact habit and steady flowering make it an easy choice for bold seasonal color.
Unlike traditional blue flossflower varieties, this selection leans into rich red and magenta tones, pairing beautifully with yellow, orange, or white annuals. The rounded, bushy plants stay tidy without constant trimming and flower consistently from early summer until frost.
Its nectar-rich blooms draw bees and butterflies, adding movement and life to borders, containers, and mixed plantings throughout the season.
Care
Ageratum ‘Red Flint’ Care
Plant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures remain consistently above 55°F. Choose a location with full sun to partial sun and well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
Water regularly during establishment. Once established, maintain consistent moisture, allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid soggy conditions, as overly wet soil can reduce vigor.
Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer at planting and again midseason to support steady flowering.
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Plants may be lightly trimmed midseason to maintain their compact shape.
Container Growing
Ageratum performs well in containers, window boxes, and patio planters. Use high-quality, well-draining potting mix and ensure containers have drainage holes.
Container-grown plants will require more frequent watering than those in the ground, especially during hot weather. Fertilize regularly during active growth.
Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones.
Size
What Size is the Ageratum ‘Red Flint’ for Sale Online?
Plants are greenhouse-grown and shipped in appropriately sized grow pots, well-rooted and actively growing. For current pot size and availability details, please contact us.
How Large Does Ageratum ‘Red Flint’ Grow?
At maturity, plants reach approximately 10–14 inches tall and 10–12 inches wide, forming dense, rounded mounds covered in soft-textured blooms.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
Ageratum houstonianum is commonly known as flossflower or bluemink.
Is Ageratum ‘Red Flint’ grown as an annual?
Yes. While it is technically a tender perennial in Zones 10–12, it is grown as a warm-season annual in most climates where frost occurs.
Does this plant attract pollinators?
The nectar-rich blooms attract bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to pollinator-focused plantings and seasonal borders.
Can this plant be used in mixed annual displays?
Its compact size and warm bloom color make it an excellent companion to other Annuals, particularly when designing coordinated seasonal container arrangements.
What plants pair well with ‘Red Flint’?
This variety combines well with warm-toned bedding plants and complements selections from the Annual Vegetable Plants collection when integrating ornamental and edible garden spaces.
