Messy Ash

Newbie question for you...so in regards to Ash. I see that the holding of a good ash is quite desirable, even invoking a contest on here for longest ash...
Today I smoked an Arganese...and I have to say it's been the messiest thing I've ever smoked...it holds absolutely no ash to itself, instead preferring to sprinkle it liberally and generously among the floor, table and my lap in untold numbers of tiny flakes...
What is this about...what makes a good cigar hold its ash...and one that doesn't?