Conoclinium greggii

Is there anyone who doesn’t love a butterfly? Even the most callous tough guy can’t help but be amazed by the fluttering beauties. With a collection of Gregg’s mistflower plants, gardeners can sit back and watch the amazing butterfly show.

Depending on the region, it flowers as early as spring or from late July until frost. Peak flowering is typically from mid-September through October. C. greggii’s bloom time coincides with the monarch’s migration. Just think of the marketing possibilities that could accompany this plant.

C. greggii, formerly known as Eupatorium greggii, is native to the southwestern United States. It is a small to medium-sized perennial that can grow from 9 inches up to 3 feet tall, but in gardens it usually grows to about 1½ feet to 2 feet tall. The ageratum-like lavender colored flowers are carried by short stems. Its leaves are palmate and deeply divided into three lobes that are approximately 5 inches long.

Why grow Conoclinium greggii?

• You’ll be rewarded with visits from a multitude of butterflies. Imagine sitting in a garden with butterflies dancing all around you. Great for a children’s garden, too.
• Drought tolerant once established.
• Blooms in fall, and is an interesting and beneficial alternative to mums.