Conoclinium (Eupatorium) coelestinum (Mistflower) Unity Grown

Conoclinium coelestinum, also known as Eupatorium coelestinum as well as the common name blue mistflower, is a late summer to fall blooming perennial wildflower native to large areas of the Eastern US. Growing in the wild as a dense ground cover and in wide-spreading thickets, blue mistflower is a vigorous spreader and produces violet-blue flowers with fuzzy tufts similar to that of closely related Eupatoriums. Especially common in low-lying areas and near bodies of water, Conoclinium coelestinum is a pollinator magnet as well as a striking wildflower, especially when found growing in masses.

Typically growing to about 1-3' tall in small clumps about as wide, mistflower can also be found in much larger colones as it spread easily by seed and root, but can be thinned in early spring to control spread and promote showier blooms in smaller sites. As a late summer and fall bloomer, Conoclinium coelestinum is an important plant to late season pollinators, and produces beautiful, showy blooms in the process. Mistflower grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers consistently moist soil, though it will also tolerate seasonal flooding. Since it can spread a bit aggressively, mistflower may be best used in naturalized settings or in rain gardens where it has room to spread out. Taller plants may flop in summer, but can be cut back to maintain an upright shape and promote additional blooms. Blue mistflower does not tolerate periods of extended drought, however, so choosing a location where they can be watered (or where they'll have regular access to water) is key.