Ageratum ‘Blue Danube’

Blue is an elusive and much sought-after flower color among landscapers and home gardeners alike. Of course it’s in demand for patriotic Memorial Day displays, but designers are always on the lookout for a true blue flower to balance the myriad pinks, whites, and yellows that commonly flood the landscape. Ageratum ‘Blue Danube’ fits the bill: it’s one of the most dependable annuals around and it just happens to be blue.

Now, ageratum comes in pink and white varieties as well, but we don’t grow them. We find that the flowers can look dirty as the blooms fade and, quite frankly, we have plenty of other pink and white cultivars. Low mounds of fluffy, medium blue flowers are what we’re after and that’s what we get—on compact, uniform plants. 

‘Blue Danube’ is an early bloomer and reaches only about 6-inches high—it’s an eye-catcher planted tightly at the front of the border. That classic blue shade blends into the garden mix easily; a popular design technique is to combine scores of blue ageratum with other colorful, low maintenance selections, such as yellow marigolds and pink begonias. Argyranthemum ‘Butterfly’ is another yellow option that will add height to a display, as will summer snapdragons—angelonia—in white or pink.

‘Blue Danube’ is available in the 1801 landscape tray. For a long-lasting royal blue we also offer ‘Blue Hawaii’ in the 1203 flat and the 8-inch pot.