Description
Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.
Floss Flower was discovered in Central America by William Houston (c. 1695-1733), a Scottish botanist, plant collector, and ship's surgeon. Houston sent seeds to England in the early 18th century and British author Philip Miller referenced the species in a 1768 edition of his Gardener's Dictionary. It was first documented in American gardens in 1836. This self-seeding species forms a spreading, loose-growing plant. The pale blue, and occasionally white, tassel-like flowers bloom from midsummer until the first autumn frost.
Native Distribution: Mexico
Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date at 80 degrees F. Transplant to 6-packs or small pots once they have several true leaves. Then harden off and plant into nutrient rich, well drained soil after the last frost. Approximately 40-50 seeds per packet.
