Tin-leaf ageratina Plant Care

Tin-leaf ageratina (Ageratina tinifolia) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Ageratina genus. Tin-leaf ageratina is native to the Andes from southern Colombia to Venezuela. Tin-leaf ageratina is also known as Eupatorium tinifolium, Eupatorium lehmannianum.

Tin-leaf ageratina displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Tin-leaf ageratina produces clusters of small white or pink flowers in flat-topped inflorescences.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Tin-leaf ageratina every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Tin-leaf ageratina thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Ageratina tinifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Tin-leaf ageratina prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Tin-leaf ageratina to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Tin-leaf ageratina every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Tin-leaf ageratina is suited to USDA Zone 8b – 10b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Tin-leaf ageratina can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Tin-leaf ageratina while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Tin-leaf ageratina is hardy down to USDA zone 8b, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Tin-leaf ageratina can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sticky ageratina plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Tin-leaf ageratina is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Tin-leaf ageratina grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. Tin-leaf ageratina is native to the Andes from southern Colombia to Venezuela.