Ageratum ‘High Tide® Blue’

 
‘High Tide^® Blue’ 

Landscapers count on ageratum as one of the most dependable bedding plants around. It’s durable, low-maintenance, and lasts the whole summer, looking as good at the end of the season as it did in mid May. This flower is drought tolerant and thrives in poor soils, too. We’d have to describe it as true blue—for reliable garden performance, as well as for providing that much sought after color.

 
Lots of heavily flowering stems

For years we’ve seen the dwarf version of this plant used as edging or planted in a soft cushiony mass; ‘Blue Danube’, at around 6 inches, was pretty much the only game in town. Thanks to some recent breakthroughs in breeding we’re seeing taller versions and more vivid colors that are becoming increasingly popular. One of these new cultivars is included in our spring lineup: ‘High Tide^® Blue’. It reaches about 16 inches high.

 
Outlasts most other landscape ageratums

Notice the dense mounds of lush green foliage and the bright, clear blue of the blooms. There are lots of stems here, all heavily flowering. ‘High Tide^®’ fills pots and beds quickly with a flood of color—living right up to its name. It’s more vigorous than other landscape ageratums and outlasts most of them as well.

 
Fills containers and beds quickly with a flood of clear blue

This taller variety makes a dramatic statement in containers—the stems are sturdy and upright so it works well there. We’re also mixing some into the perennial beds this year. The puffs of brilliant blue look great paired with ‘Butterfly’ or ‘Beauty Yellow’ argyranthemum; we also like the blue with ‘Serena White’ or ‘Archangel Light Pink’ angelonia. Rudbeckia ‘Indian Summer’ or ‘Cherry Brandy’ would look stunning alongside ‘High Tide^®’ as well.

 
Mixes well with many bright, flowering plants for sun

When you come right down to it, ageratum combines well with many bright flowering plants for full sun. As we mentioned, this variety is famously low-maintenance; deadheading is not necessary, but doing so will encourage even more blooms late into the season.

‘High Tide^® Blue’ comes in the 8-inch pot.