Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
ARGYRANTHEMUM frutescens
Plant Common Name
Argyranthemum, Marguerite Daisy
General Description
The tough shrubby Marguerite daisy is popular for its beauty and resilience. This evergreen perennial subshrub is native to the Canary Islands, Madeira and other regions in Macronesia where it survives in sunny rough-sloped terrain and oceanside plant communities. In temperate zones, where the winters are too cold for survival, Marguerite daisy is grown as a summer bedding annual.
Marguerite daisy is erect, shrubby and clump-forming. The bright green, deeply lobed leaves are ferny and emit a strong fragrance when crushed. Its daisies are produced above the foliage and appear from late spring till frost or almost year-round in frost-free climates. The white flowers have yellow centers and may have single, semi-double or fully double rows of ray petals. There are many cultivars with colored blooms, including shades of pink, pale yellow and apricot. Flowering subsides in very hot weather and deadheading will prolong vigorous bloom.
This easy-to-grow plant excels in full sun and moderately fertile garden soil with good drainage. Regular light pruning will promote compact growth, increase flowering and provide cuttings for propagation. Plants are wind and salt tolerant.
Grow Marguerite daisy in seaside gardens, containers, or sunny garden beds. The blooms draw butterflies and can also be cut for flower arrangements.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 11
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Sunset Zone
14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
12"-28" / 30.5cm - 71.1cm
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Width
12"-28" / 30.5cm - 71.1cm
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Canary Islands
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Salt
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Yellow
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Gray Green, Dark Green
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Bark Color
Gray Green, Tan, Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Foundation, Mixed Border
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No
