Conoclinium greggii - Greg's mist flower
DESCRIPTION
Greg's mist flower
Conoclinium greggii
Greg’s Mist Flower is a spectacular addition to the late summer/fall border. This butterfly magnet will attract a host of butterflies to the garden including large numbers of Queens and Monarchs. Tough and easy to grow, this perennial dies back in winter but will return each spring. The lavender-blue flowers combine easily with other fall-blooming perennials.
Benefits
- Nectar is relished by Queen butterflies
- Bloom time coincides with the Monarch migration
- Perfect fall blooming alternative to mums
- Long lasting, colorful blooms
- Easy to grow, responds well to pruning
- Provides awesome color in groups
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Frequent along stream beds and overflow areas in the Trans-Pecos, east to Edwards Plateau and Rio Grande Plains. Sand, loam, clay or limestone. Seasonally flooded stream beds; plains; overflow areas Elevation: 3500 to 6000 ft. Native Range: Western Texas to southeastern Arizona and northern Mexico.
INTERESTING FACTS
Relished by Queen butterflies, particularly the males who seek out an alkaloid in the flower that is later used to attract female butterflies.
GROWING TIPS
Mistflower needs watering about once a week to look its best. Plants freeze back in the winter but sprout from the base the following spring. Best planted in spring where it will get at least a half a day full sun. Add some sand to heavy soils to improve drainage, and use rocks to help support plants. Water thoroughly after planting, and twice a week thereafter until established.
Mature Size: 1-2ft. Tall x 1-2ft. Wide
Hardiness Zone: 7-10
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
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American Beauties Offer Solution Based Plant Collections to Help you Choose
Quick Tips for Choosing Plants:
- Planting a variety of native trees, shrubs, perennials and vines increases biodiversity and gives wildlife a source for food, cover and nesting
- Choose a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees so birds and other wildlife will always be able to find shelter
- Plant trees and large shrubs where they will block winter winds from the house and shade it in summer, that will save energy and lower your carbon footprint
- Try your best to buy plants that were grown locally, your independent garden center will be your best bet
- Think about ultimate height and width of the plant you choose, make sure it will fit the space you have for it when it's reached maturity
- Plant nectar plants in groups, to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects more easily
- Ask for help if you need it. Most garden centers either have a landscape designer on staff or they can give you a reference of a designer that is adept at native plant wildlife gardening. There will be upfront costs but they are small when compared to having to redo a landscape that wasn't what you really wanted
Our Plant Tags Hold the Secrets to Success
Choosing the right plants for your garden can seem like a daunting task but we’re here to help. Our horticulturists have spent a considerable amount of time researching and writing our beautiful, American Beauties plant tags to help you be successful. First of all, when you see an American Beauties branded pot at your garden center you can be confident that the plant is native to your area and a responsible choice.
When you look at our tag you’ll find information about the plants natural habitat. That will give you a clue to how it will work in your backyard. For instance if the plant is naturally founded and moist, shade and you have full sun, it’s not the plant for you. The “Features” section gives you an overview or plant description so you’ll know what to expect. While the “Benefits” section talks about the plants strong suits and how the plant will benefit wildlife.
A Special Note About Exposure
Full sun: Prefers six or more hours of direct sunshine a day
Partial shade: Thrives in three to six hours of daily sunshine
Shade: Generally does well with less than three hours of sun per day. Having said that even shade loving plants will struggle in extremely deep shade.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
Best Plants for Bees - Double sided printout for download
Best Plants for Butterflies - Double sided printout for download