Blue Marguerite Daisy Felicia amelloides 'Santa Anita'
ABOUT
The Felicia amelloides 'Santa Anita', commonly known as the blue marguerite, is an evergreen perennial that boasts a neat, bushy growth habit. This attractive plant is adorned with bright green, lance-shaped leaves which are slightly fuzzy and soft to the touch. The foliage provides a lush backdrop for the remarkable daisy-like flowers that are the star feature of blue marguerite. These flowers present a vibrant contrast of color with their rich, azure blue petals radiating around a cheerful yellow center disc. The petals are narrow, yet plentiful, giving the blossoms a full and striking appearance. Each individual flower is symmetrical and classic in daisy form, opening flat to reveal the intricate pattern of its delicate petals and sunny core. The blossoms are held aloft on slender, yet sturdy stems above the leafy green mound of foliage, creating a delightful canopy of color when the plant is in full bloom. This display of perky blue flowers can persist throughout the growing season, offering a long-lasting show of color in the garden or when potted as a decorative plant. Blue marguerite is also favored by gardeners for its ability to attract pollinators; bees and butterflies find the flowers irresistible, adding an extra layer of liveliness to its presence. This plant's cheerful demeanor and profusion of blossoms make it a popular choice for garden borders, rock gardens, and containers, where it infuses a vivid splash of blue to the scenery.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Blue Daisy, Blue Marguerite, Blue Kingfisher Daisy, Santa Anita Daisy
Common names
Felicia amelloides 'Santa Anita'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as blue marguerite is not widely recognized for having toxic effects on humans. There is little information to suggest that the blue marguerite is poisonous; however, this does not rule out the possibility of individuals having allergic reactions or developing symptoms if they are particularly sensitive to the plant. In general, ingesting parts of ornamental plants is inadvisable due to the potential for gastrointestinal discomfort or other adverse reactions based on the individual's sensitivity.
To pets
The blue marguerite plant is also not widely known to be toxic to pets. However, the lack of documented toxicity does not ensure that the plant is completely safe. Some pets may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of the plant. As with humans, pets can have varying sensitivities, and while toxicity is not typically a concern with the blue marguerite, pet owners should always be cautious and prevent pets from ingesting plants not meant for consumption. If you notice any unusual symptoms in your pet after ingestion, contact your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow - The plant is known for being low-maintenance and easy to care for.
- Attractive flowers - Produces bright blue, daisy-like flowers that can add aesthetic value to gardens.
- Drought-tolerant - Once established, it has good resistance to drought, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Attracts pollinators - Its flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden.
- Compact size - Its small size makes it suitable for containers, small gardens, or as a border plant.
- Long blooming period - It can bloom for an extended period, adding long-lasting color to landscapes.
- Low pest and disease issues - Typically has few problems with pests and diseases, making it a robust choice.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Felicia amelloides 'Santa Anita', commonly known as blue marguerite, can be used in educational settings such as schools or nature programs to teach about plant propagation, demonstrating how to grow new plants from cuttings or seeds.
- The deep blue of the blue marguerite blooms can offer a natural dye alternative for textiles or crafts, providing a source of color extracted from the petals.
- When dried and pressed, the vibrant flowers of the blue marguerite can be used in art projects, such as creating botanical prints or embellishments for greeting cards and bookmarks.
- Blue marguerite can be planted in outdoor containers with reflective surfaces to intensify its bright blooms through the reflection, enhancing patio or balcony aesthetics.
- In photography, blue marguerite provides a picturesque backdrop or focus for garden photography, helping photographers practice macro and depth of field techniques.
- This plant can be used in sensory gardens, as its texture and color contrast can be particularly engaging for visitors with visual impairments, providing a tactile experience.
- Blue marguerite can play a role in companion planting in vegetable gardens, attracting beneficial insects that can help to control pest populations naturally.
- As part of a floral color theme garden, blue marguerite can provide a consistent blue hue when curating a space dedicated to showcasing a monochromatic palette.
- The plant can be used in therapeutic garden designs, as its bright blue flowers and the act of caring for it may have a calming effect on individuals with stress or anxiety.
- In wedding decor, the fresh or dried flowers of blue marguerite can be utilized in bouquet arrangements, centerpieces, or venue decorations for their appealing blue color and daisy-like charm.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Blue Marguerite Daisy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Blue Marguerite Daisy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Optimism: Because of its cheerful blue flowers, Felicia amelloides, commonly known as Blue Marguerite Daisy, is often associated with a positive outlook and the ability to find joy in life's simple pleasures.
- Innocence: The simple, daisy-like form of the Blue Marguerite Daisy can evoke a sense of purity and innocence, reminiscent of the uncomplicated beauty found in nature.
- Perseverance: This plant is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. As a symbol, it represents the endurance required to overcome obstacles.
- Unity: The clustered blooms of the Blue Marguerite Daisy can symbolize unity and togetherness, suggesting a sense of community or familial bonds.
WaterBlue Marguerite Daisy prefers evenly moist soil, so it should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. On average, this might mean watering with about 1 gallon of water every week, but you should adjust based on weather conditions and soil drainage. Be careful not to over-water, as this can lead to root rot. During hot summer months, watering frequency may increase to twice per week, whereas in cooler months, watering might reduce to once every two weeks.
LightBlue Marguerite Daisy thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, place it in a spot where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. An east-facing or west-facing location can provide good sunlight with some afternoon shade to protect from the intensity of late-day sun.
TemperatureBlue Marguerite Daisy does well in a temperature range between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive minor frosts, but extreme cold below 40 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental. Optimal growth occurs when temperatures are consistently between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningBlue Marguerite Daisy should be pruned to encourage bushier growth and increase blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. Prune back the plant by up to one-third in late winter or early spring before new growth starts to keep the plant compact and rejuvenated.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlue marguerite prefers well-draining soil with a loamy or sandy texture, enriched with organic matter. The ideal pH for this plant ranges from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7.0). A mix of two parts potting soil to one part sand or perlite provides good aeration and drainage.
RepottingBlue marguerite should be repotted every one to two years to ensure continued health and vitality. It's best to repot in the spring before the onset of the heavy growing season.
Humidity & MistingBlue marguerite thrives in average humidity conditions typical of outdoor environments and doesn't require any special humidity adjustments when grown indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water moderately.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Felicia amelloides 'Santa Anita', also known as blue daisy or blue marguerite, starts with seed germination, which requires a well-draining growing medium and consistent moisture. Following germination, the seedling stage involves the development of the first true leaves, after which the plant enters the vegetative growth phase, rapidly increasing in size and producing a bushy structure. Blue daisy then progresses to the flowering stage, where it begins to produce characteristic blue daisy-like flowers, often with a bright yellow center, under appropriate light conditions. After pollination, which is predominantly facilitated by insects, the plant produces fruits that contain seeds, spreading to propagate the species. As a perennial plant, after the blooming season, Felicia amelloides 'Santa Anita' may go through a period of dormancy, especially in colder climates, where it conserves energy until favorable growing conditions return. With proper care, the plant comes back from its root system the following season, repeating its growth cycle annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Felicia amelloides 'Santa Anita', more commonly known as the Blue Marguerite Daisy, is most effectively propagated through cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) section just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one leaf node is below the surface. Maintain consistent moisture and high humidity around the cutting by covering it with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagation chamber. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions and eventually transplanted outdoors.
