James H. Schutte
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
Argyranthemum
Plant Common Name
Argyranthemum, Marguerite Daisy
General Description
The tough shrubby Marguerite daisy is popular for both its beauty and resilience. The genus Argyranthemum is comprised of about 24 species of evergreen perennial subshrubs native to the Canary Islands, Madeira and other regions in Macaronesia. They are often grown as perennials in frost-free climates and bedding annuals in cooler zones.
The rounded bushy plants are spreading to erect and clump-forming. The leaves are generally deeply lobed or dissected, held alternately on the stem and emit a strong fragrance when crushed. The color varies from green to gray-green or deep blue green.
Daisy flowers are produced above the foliage singly or in loose clusters. They appear from late spring till frost or almost year-round in frost-free climates. The daisy centers are yellow and are surrounded by single or multiple rows of ray petals of white, yellow, rose-pink or apricot. Flowering subsides in very hot weather and deadheading will prolong the bloom period.
This easy-to-grow plant prefers full sun and moderately fertile garden soil with good drainage. Hardiness is species and cultivar dependent for these perennials. Regular light pruning will promote compact growth, increase flowering and provide cuttings for propagation. Plants are wind and salt tolerant.
Grow Marguerite daisies in containers, as a bedding plant, in perennial borders and cutting gardens for lovely, long-lasting color.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
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
Oval/Rounded
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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, Light Yellow, Pink, Rose, Peach
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Blue Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Blue Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Blue Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Blue Green, Gray Green
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Bark Color
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
Yes
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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
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical
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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
Yes
