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ARGYRANTHEMUM frutescens (BUTTERFLY)

Image of Argyranthemum frutescens 'Ulyssis' (BUTTERFLY)

Carol Cloud Bailey

Family

Asteraceae

Botanical Name

ARGYRANTHEMUM frutescens 'Ulyssis'(BUTTERFLY)

Plant Common Name

Argyranthemum, Marguerite Daisy, Ulyssis Marguerite Daisy

General Description

This tough, shrubby, tender perennial blooms continuously with simple yellow daisies from early in the season to very late in the season. Where hardy, ‘Ulyssis’ is grown as a drought-tolerant subshrub, but in temperate zones with cold winters it is grown as a bedding annual. The parent species, Marguerite daisy, is native to the Canary Islands. Its ferny evergreen leaves are bright green, deeply lobed and emit a strong fragrance when crushed. Large, bright-yellow daisies with bright golden orange centers cover Butterfly through much of the year. They are produced above the foliage and appear from late spring till frost or almost year round in frost-free climates. Flowering subsides in very hot weather and deadheading will prolong vigorous bloom.

This easy-to-grow plant prefers full sun and moderately fertile garden soil with good drainage. Regular light pruning will promote a tidy habit, increase flowering and provide cuttings for propagation. Plants are wind and salt-tolerant, so they are ideal for oceanside gardens. They also thrive in containers and sunny garden beds. The blooms draw butterflies and can also be cut for flower arrangements.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    10 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tender Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    12"-28" / 30.5cm - 71.1cm

  • Width

    12"-28" / 30.5cm - 71.1cm

  • Bloom Time

    Indeterminate

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin, Canary Islands

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Orange, Lemon Yellow, Pink

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Bicolor

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Light Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Light Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Light Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Light Green

  • Bark Color

    Tan, Sandy Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Cutflower, Foundation, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    No