Floss Flower 'Red Sea'

'Red Sea' is a unique and robust Ageratum that stands out from the usual low-growing blue varieties. It produces tall, sturdy stems (up to 60cm) topped with clusters of unusual, fuzzy, purplish-red flowers that resemble pom-poms. This height and colour make it an excellent candidate for the middle of a border or for use as a long-lasting cut flower. In the UK, it's grown as a half-hardy annual (H2). It's more vigorous than the dwarf types and shows better resistance to weather extremes. It should be sown under glass in early spring and planted out after the frosts. It thrives in full sun but will tolerate light shade, and it requires a soil that doesn't dry out completely. Bees and butterflies are particularly attracted to its nectar-rich blooms. It provides a long-lasting display and, if deadheaded, will continue to produce its striking crimson-purple clusters until the first autumn frosts.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, fertile soil.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.