Blue mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum)

Also known as: Blue boneset

Blue mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum) is indigenous to North America, specifically ranging from Ontario down to Texas. While it was initially categorized under the genus Eupatorium, it was reclassified to Conoclinium in the latter part of the 20th century.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Blue mistflower

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

91 cm

Spread

45 cm to 90 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1.3 cm

Flower Color

Purple Blue Pink

Images of Blue mistflower

Quickly Identify Blue mistflower

Clusters of tubular bluish-purple flowers with no ray florets.

Ovate-deltoid leaves with coarsely-toothed edges and bluntly pointed tips.

Downy, purplish stem with soft, velvety texture and sporadic branching.

Flat-topped clusters of small, fluffy blue-purple blooms with subtle fragrance.

Small, oblong achenes in dull brownish-grey color, often with pappus for dispersion.

Scientific Classification of Blue mistflower

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asterales

Family

Daisy

Genus

Mistflowers

Species

Blue mistflower

Planting and Growing of Blue mistflower

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Blue mistflower?

For Conoclinium coelestinum, or Blue Mistflower, water until the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Make sure the water penetrates at least 6 inches deep to reach the root zone. This ensures the plant absorbs adequate moisture without sitting in water, which could lead to root rot.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Blue mistflower? ›

What should I do if my Blue mistflower is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Blue mistflower? ›

How to save an overwatered Blue mistflower? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Blue mistflower?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 8 hours

The plant prefers full sun to partial sun exposure, thriving well under conditions offering four to eight hours of sunlight. This ensures strong growth, vibrant blooms, and resilience against environmental stressors.

What amount of sunlight is best for Conoclinium coelestinum? ›

How can you ensure Conoclinium coelestinum receives optimal sunlight? ›

What benefits does Conoclinium coelestinum gain from optimal sunlight? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Blue mistflower?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

For healthy growth, Conoclinium coelestinum thrives best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. This range allows for optimal photosynthesis and metabolic processes, ensuring vigorous growth and flowering. Outside this range, growth may slow down, and plants can become more susceptible to pests and diseases.

What Soil is Best for Blue mistflower?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Conoclinium coelestinum thrives in soils that retain moisture effectively. Loamy and sandy loam soils provide the right environment to prevent rapid drying, ensuring the plant receives consistent hydration. This is vital for its lush growth and vibrant blooms. Although this plant enjoys moisture, it's critical that the soil also drains well to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A balance in moisture retention and drainage facilitates healthy root development, promoting robust plant health. Rich soils with good organic content support the plant’s growth by providing essential nutrients. Amending the soil with compost boosts its fertility, resulting in more vigorous plant development and increased resilience against pests and diseases. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Blue mistflower?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Conoclinium coelestinum requires a balanced amount of nutrients to thrive. Generally, use a diluted liquid fertilizer at half the recommended strength. For slow-release fertilizers, apply about 1 pound per 100 square feet of growing area. This ensures the plant receives adequate nutrition without the risk of over-fertilization. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Blue mistflower?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Start pruning Conoclinium coelestinum early in the spring as new growth begins. Trim back any dead or damaged stems to promote the healthy development of new shoots. Focus on thinning out crowded areas to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration. During the summer, prune the tips of new growth to encourage branching, which will result in a bushier plant. This will help sustain flower production throughout the season, as well as manage its spread as it tends to grow rapidly. In autumn, cut back the plant significantly to prepare it for winter dormancy. Remove all dead or dying foliage, and reduce the plant's size by a third to help it survive the winter months effectively. This pruning helps automate the redistribution of nutrients. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Blue mistflower plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Late winter

Begin by collecting mature seeds from healthy Conoclinium coelestinum plants. Clean the seeds thoroughly to remove any pulp or debris, which can inhibit germination. Once cleaned, allow the seeds to dry for a day or two in a cool, dry place.

Select a healthy, non-flowering stem from the parent plant. Using sterilized pruning shears, cut a section approximately 4-6 inches long just below a node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to reduce moisture loss during root development.

Division is best done in early spring. Carefully dig out the plant, taking care not to damage the roots. Use a sharp, clean knife or spade to divide the root ball into separate sections, each with its own set of roots and shoots.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Blue mistflower plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Conoclinium coelestinum should be repotted when roots start crowding the pot and coming out of drainage holes or when the plant appears top-heavy and seems to outgrow its current container. Early spring or autumn, when the plant is not actively blooming, is the optimal time to perform this task.

Select a pot that is one size larger and has good drainage. Terracotta pots are ideal as they allow excess moisture to evaporate, preventing waterlogging. A well-draining pot reduces the risk of root rot and ensures healthy plant growth.

Use a well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture but prevents sogginess. A mix specially formulated for perennials or general houseplants works well. This ensures that the roots have access to adequate air circulation, preventing diseases caused by overwatering.