Plant SpotlightsWhy Monarch Magic Ageratum Is My Plant of the Year
Owner, Schlegel Greenhouse · May 27, 2026
Every year there are plants that perform well. And then there are plants that completely exceed expectations.
For me, that’s been Monarch Magic Ageratum.
Why I Chose It
Monarch Magic combines:
- ✓ Outstanding vigor
- ✓ Exceptional branching
- ✓ Pollinator appeal
- ✓ Season-long color
- ✓ Excellent landscape performance
Unlike traditional ageratum, Monarch Magic develops into a substantial landscape plant capable of filling beds and containers quickly.
Why Pollinators Love It
The variety was developed with pollinator attraction in mind. According to industry trial reports, Monarch Magic consistently attracts:
- ✓ Monarch butterflies
- ✓ Swallowtails
- ✓ Native bees
- ✓ Other beneficial insects
Its larger flowers and vigorous habit make it much easier for pollinators to locate than many traditional bedding plants.
Care Tips
Sun: Full sun to part sun.
Water: Moderate. Once established it handles heat surprisingly well.
Fertilizer: A moderate fertility program works best. Too much nitrogen can produce excessive growth at the expense of flowers.
Maintenance: Very little deadheading required. Plants continue producing blooms throughout the season.
Why I Love It
Many pollinator plants can look wild. Many bedding plants can lack pollinator value. Monarch Magic manages to be both:
- ✓ Beautiful in the landscape
- ✓ Useful for pollinators
That’s a combination I love.
Hoosier Tip
Plant Monarch Magic at the front or middle of a sunny bed where the pollinators it draws — monarchs especially — become part of the show. Pair with lantana and angelonia for a butterfly trifecta that holds color from June through frost.
Reference: National Weather Service, Purdue University Extension, Ball Seed industry reports — Indiana gardening resources
