Blue Mistflower

Eupatorium coelestinum

American Beauties®

Native Perennial with Electric Periwinkle Blooms that Cluster into Fuzzy Flower Cushions
Heat Tolerant: Thrives in Zones 5-9
Ideal for Mass Planting in Butterfly Gardens
Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Butterflies
Moderate-Growing in Full Sun

$34⁸⁰

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the best flower production and sturdy stems, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light). While Blue Mistflower handles partial shade well, you may notice it becomes a bit "leggy" or taller as it reaches for the sun.
Soil: This plant loves moist, rich soil but is highly adaptable to heavy clay that stays damp. If your soil is very sandy and drains too fast, mix in organic compost or peat moss to help hold onto that necessary moisture.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season to help the root system anchor itself deep in the ground. Once mature, Blue Mistflower is surprisingly resilient and can handle occasional dry spells, though consistent moisture ensures those fuzzy blue blooms stay vibrant. If the plant gets too dry, you will likely see the lower leaves turn yellow and drop off as it tries to conserve energy.

Pruning Tips

Since this plant blooms on new growth, the best time to prune is in late winter or very early spring before the new shoots emerge. You can cut the entire plant back to about 3 or 4 inches above the ground to encourage a bushier habit and more flowering branches. Think of this like a fresh start that prevents the plant from becoming too woody or sparse at the base.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer once in early spring as the new green growth begins to peek through the soil. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages soft, lush foliage that is easily damaged by the first frost. A light mulch of compost around the base of the plant is often all the extra "food" it needs to thrive.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Low Maintenance, Deer-resistant, Flowering, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	1-3 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact, Spreading
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Blue, Purple
Foliage Color	Green
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Eupatorium coelestinum
Species	coelestinum
Class	Asterales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Nature Hills is pleased to offer native wildflowers like Blue Mist Flower (Eupatorium coelestinum) to plant lovers across the United States! Also known as Ageratum, Blue Bonnet and Boneset, this is a very special blue-violet perennial that simply shines in the summer and fall garden!

One fairy-sized bloom all by itself? You would hardly notice it. But because each bloom is clustered together with 30 others in a charming umbel, the whole becomes much greater than the sum of its parts. Each tiny blossom is an enchanting fuzzy cushion, surrounded by filaments of an ethereal color best described as electric periwinkle.

Multiple umbels develop along the side of the plant, so the flowers just keep coming through the summer and fall. This is quite a magical flower! Hardy throughout a wide range of cool to hot USDA growing zones 6 to 11, these 2-3 feet tall and 2 foot wide perennials can be annuals in cooler growing zones.

Planting and Application:

This airy plant grabs your eye with its lovely little blooms. Plant one on either side of a path to greet your guests. Or devote a sunny corner to a stand of them. Butterflies, including Monarchs and Fritillaries, will stop by to call again and again!

Used extensively in wildlife gardens and natural habitat restoration efforts and pollinator gardens, Ageratum have plenty of nectar to go around in the later parts of the season when they need it most, especially migrating Monarch butterflies!

Snip a few stems for bouquets while these fuzzy periwinkle blossoms light up your Cottage border, perennial gardens, pollinator gardens, and front yard foundation edging to boost curb appeal. Even container gardens can enjoy these fantastic sun garden plants!

Fabulous Blue-Violet Color
Late-Season Butterfly Magnet
Native Annual/Perennial Selection
Late-Season Nectar-Rich Bloom
Edging, Specimens & Sun Garden Accents

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Plant this beauty in moist, fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Water regularly, especially during drought and summer heat. Deadhead after flowering to keep more blooms returning, then prune your perennials back in the late winter or very early spring.

Because this is a native wildflower, in some areas it may perform a little "too well". You are protected with our subscription to Plant Sentry™, which helps us comply with all local and state regulations for regionally invasive plants.

Full Sun & Partial Shade
Well-Drained Rich Soil
Moderate Moisture Needs
Deadhead As Blooms Fade & Prune Late Winter
Hardy Heat-Tolerant Native Plants!

Foamy periwinkle blossoms for late-season butterfly food, the Blue Mist Flower is a great hot climate native wildflower! Be sure to order your very own today from Nature Hills!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How tall and wide does Blue Mistflower get at maturity?

Blue Mistflower reaches 2-3 feet tall and spreads about 2 feet wide at maturity. This native perennial thrives in USDA zones 6-11, though it may act as an annual in cooler zones. Give it adequate space for air circulation and consider its spreading habit when planning your garden layout.

Is Blue Mistflower deer-resistant or prone to pests like aphids?

Blue Mistflower is generally deer-resistant due to its fuzzy texture and aromatic foliage that deer typically avoid. While occasionally bothered by aphids in humid conditions, this native perennial is relatively pest-free. Plant in well-drained soil with good air circulation to minimize any issues, available at naturehills.com.

Can I grow Blue Mistflower in containers or raised beds?

Blue Mistflower thrives in containers and raised beds, reaching 2-3 feet tall and 2 feet wide in zones 6-11. These native perennials adapt well to container growing with their compact size. Use well-draining, fertile soil and place in full sun to part shade for best blooms.

What are the blooming season and flower color for Blue Mistflower?

Blue Mistflower blooms from summer through fall with electric periwinkle-blue flowers clustered in fuzzy umbels. This native perennial provides crucial late-season nectar when migrating butterflies need it most. Plant in full sun to part shade for continuous blooms.

How do I care for Blue Mistflower in winter in colder zones?

Blue Mistflower acts as an annual in zones 6 and cooler, dying back completely after frost. In these zones, collect seeds in fall or treat it as you would any annual flower. For reliable perennial performance, shop the cold-hardy selections available at naturehills.com.

What should I look for to ensure a healthy Blue Mistflower plant when buying?

Look for plants with sturdy stems and healthy foliage, as Blue Mistflower grows 2-3 feet tall and spreads 2 feet wide. Check that roots aren't circling the pot and leaves show no signs of disease or pest damage. Choose plants appropriate for your zone (6-11) from reputable sources.

Blue Mistflower

Eupatorium coelestinum