Botanical Name: Ageratum houstonianum ‘Monarch Magic™’

Common Name: Floss Flower

Hardiness Zone: Annual in Most Climates (USDA Zones 2–11)

Size: 18–24" Tall × 18–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Upright, Well-Branched, Bushy Habit

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Soil: Prefers Well-Drained, Moderately Fertile Soil

Water Needs: Moderate; Consistent Moisture for Best Performance

Bloom Season: Late Spring through Frost

Fertilizer: Light, Regular Feeding During Growing Season

Features: Soft Lavender-Blue Blooms, Large Flower Heads, Excellent Monarch & Pollinator Attraction, Heat Tolerant

Uses: Ideal for Pollinator Gardens, Annual Beds, Mixed Borders, and Containers

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

See our complete Ageratum Plant Guide for full care details.

More About Ageratum ‘Monarch Magic™’

Ageratum ‘Monarch Magic™’ is a newer introduction to Ageratum, and this is our first season carrying it. I’ll be honest—any time a plant promises better pollinator performance and improved garden structure, I go in a little skeptical. We’ve heard those claims before. But Monarch Magic caught our attention early because it doesn’t behave like a typical Ageratum at all. The plants grow taller, branch strongly, and produce unusually large, fluffy flower clusters in a soft lavender-blue that feel lighter and more open than what you expect from this category. This variety was bred with monarch butterflies in mind, and while we never like to make big claims too early, we have high hopes for this one. 

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

Because this is our first year trialing ‘Monarch Magic™’, we will be paying close attention to how it handles real garden conditions. What has us most excited is the combination of structure and pollinator appeal. It’s rare to find an Ageratum that offers meaningful height, unique flower texture, and genuine insect activity all in one plant. We’ll continue watching how it performs as the season goes on, and will report back in Summer 2026 (maybe later if we are busy).

Monarch Magic vs. Other Ageratum

Compared to compact varieties like Aloha White and Aloha Blue, which are bred for tidy borders and container use, Monarch Magic offers noticeably more height, broader spread, and a stronger presence in the landscape. While the Aloha series excels at clean edging and uniform growth, Monarch Magic delivers larger flower heads, looser form, and significantly greater pollinator activity.

When compared alongside ‘Blue Horizon’, Monarch Magic shares similar height and impact but stands out for its especially heavy nectar production and wildlife appeal. For gardeners who want more than a neat edging plant and are looking to add structure, bold color, and meaningful pollinator value to their annual beds, Monarch Magic is a standout choice.