Blue Daisy Felicia amelloides 'Santa Anita Variegated' (v)
ABOUT
Felicia amelloides 'Santa Anita Variegated' (v), commonly known as the blue marguerite, is a decorative plant that is known for its striking variegated foliage and daisy-like flowers. This particular variety has leaves that are a mix of green with creamy white edges, providing a contrasting backdrop to its floral display. The flowers resemble those of a classic daisy, with a vibrant yellow central disk surrounded by numerous slender petals that are usually a bright blue or occasionally purplish-blue in color. The variegation pattern on the leaves can be irregular, with some leaves showing more white than green, adding to the plant's visual interest. The blue marguerite blooms generously in the right conditions, presenting a cheerful display of color.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Variegated Blue Daisy, Variegated Blue Marguerite Daisy, Variegated Santa Anita Daisy.
Common names
Felicia amelloides 'Santa Anita Variegated' (v).
ToxicityTo humans
Blue marguerite is not commonly known to be toxic to humans; however, as with many plants, individual sensitivity can vary. While there aren't widespread reports of poisoning from blue marguerite, it's still advisable to avoid ingesting any part of this plant. If accidental ingestion occurs, monitor for any adverse reactions and consult a healthcare provider if any symptoms develop.
To pets
Blue marguerite is not commonly known to be toxic to pets; however, it's always prudent to prevent pets from ingesting plants. Different animals can have different sensitivities and some might experience minor digestive upset if they consume parts of the blue marguerite. If you suspect your pet has ingested this plant and is showing symptoms of illness, contact your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-2 feet [30-60 cm]
Spread
1-2 feet [30-60 cm]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Felicia amelloides 'Santa Anita Variegated' (v), also known as the Variegated Blue Daisy, offers stunning visual interest with its bright green foliage edged with creamy white and daisy-like blue flowers.
- Garden Diversity: This plant can add variety to a garden through its unique variegated leaves, contributing to a diverse and attractive landscape.
- Pollinator Attraction: The Variegated Blue Daisy attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are vital for the pollination of many plants and the overall health of the garden ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: As a hardy and adaptable plant, it requires minimal care and is suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms profusely in spring and summer, providing long-lasting color and interest in the garden during these seasons.
- Border Planting: Due to its compact size, it is ideal for borders or as a front-of-the-border plant in garden beds, helping to define spaces effectively.
- Container Gardening: This variety is well-suited for container gardening, allowing those with limited space to enjoy its beauty on patios, balconies, or terraces.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the Variegated Blue Daisy is drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for dry or water-wise gardens.
- Ground Cover: It can serve as a ground cover, filling in gaps and reducing weed growth due to its spreading habit.
- Adaptability: The plant can adapt to various soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil, making it versatile for different garden settings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: The striking variegation of 'Santa Anita Variegated' makes it an excellent subject or backdrop for plant photography, adding visual interest with its patterned foliage.
- Gift Plant: As a potted plant, it can serve as a unique and thoughtful gift for plant enthusiasts or for occasions such as housewarmings due to its ornamental appearance.
- Creative Projects: The leaves can be used in scrapbooking, pressed flower art or other craft projects where their unique coloration can add a distinctive touch.
- Educational Tool: In schools or educational programs, this plant can be used to demonstrate variegation and discuss genetic diversity in plants.
- Mood Enhancer: Positioning the 'Santa Anita Variegated' in living spaces can boost mood by adding vibrant color and enhancing the visual appeal of an area.
- Fashion Inspiration: The distinctive coloring of the leaves can inspire patterns and designs in the fashion industry, particularly for botanical-themed collections.
- Culinary Presentation: Although not edible, the leaves can be used as a garnish for presentation purposes in high-end culinary setups, after ensuring they are clean and pesticide-free.
- Theme Gardens: This plant can be included in a variegated-themed garden, which focuses on plants that display variegation, creating a visually engaging space.
- Color Therapy: The color contrast on the leaves could be used in color therapy practices, where the presence of specific colors in the environment is believed to affect emotions and wellbeing.
- Event Decor: 'Santa Anita Variegated' can be used in event decor, providing a lively and attractive addition to table settings or venue decorations for weddings and celebrations.
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- Blue Marguerite Daisy: Felicia amelloides 'Santa Anita Variegated', commonly known as Blue Marguerite Daisy, is symbolic of innocence and purity due to the simple beauty of its daisy-like flowers. This symbolism stems from the unadorned nature of daisies in general, which are often associated with wholesome and childlike qualities.
- Peace and Serenity: The cool blue hue of the flowers is evocative of calmness and tranquility. Blue is often correlated with peaceful environments, and it's believed that the presence of blue flowers can induce relaxation and a serene atmosphere.
- Good Luck: In floral language, daisies are sometimes associated with good fortune. The Blue Marguerite Daisy’s cheerful appearance and long blooming season may represent a wish for the recipient to enjoy prolonged luck and happiness.
- New Beginnings: Daisies often symbolize fresh starts and new beginnings, thanks to their propensity to open up each morning with the sunrise. The Blue Marguerite Daisy might be used to celebrate or encourage starting anew, perhaps after a challenging period or in a new phase of life.
WaterFor the Blue Daisy, it's important to maintain consistent moisture without over-watering. Typically, you should water the plant deeply once every week, but this may increase to twice per week during extremely hot or dry periods. Ensure that the soil is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. When watering, apply approximately one gallon of water directly to the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
LightThe Blue Daisy thrives in full sunlight, which means it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Position the plant in a spot where it receives ample morning light and some partial shade in the afternoon to protect it from the intense heat. Avoid deeply shaded locations as this can impede the plant's growth and flowering.
TemperatureThe Blue Daisy prefers moderate to warm temperatures, thriving best in conditions between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can damage the plant. Ideal growth occurs when nighttime temperatures don't drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning the Blue Daisy encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Trim back the plant after the first flush of flowers have faded, usually in late spring or early summer, to promote a second blooming period. Prune again lightly in late summer to maintain shape and remove any spent flowers or damaged stems.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Blue Marguerite or Blue Daisy prefers well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. A good mix can be achieved by blending two parts potting soil with one part perlite or pumice and one part compost. The soil pH should ideally be between 6.0 and 7.5.
RepottingBlue Marguerite should be repotted every 1-2 years to prevent root-bound conditions and replenish nutrients in the soil. Use a slightly larger pot each time to allow for growth.
Humidity & MistingBlue Daisy plants flourish at moderate humidity levels. They do not require exceptionally high humidity, and typical indoor ambient humidity is usually adequate for their growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For indoor growth, provide bright, indirect light and monitor moisture.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleFelicia amelloides 'Santa Anita Variegated', commonly known as the variegated blue daisy, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in warm, moist soil conditions, typically in the spring. Seedlings emerge and grow into vegetative plants, developing characteristic green leaves with creamy white or yellow edges. As the plant matures, it enters its flowering stage, producing vibrant blue daisy-like flowers with yellow centers throughout the warmer months, attracting pollinators. After pollination, flowers may produce seeds, which can be dispersed by wind or wildlife, perpetuating the plant's life cycle. Once established, the blue daisy can spread and form clumps, making it a perennial presence in gardens where it can live for several years, though in some climates it may be treated as an annual. During colder months, the plant may enter a dormant phase, with reduced growth, until the return of favorable conditions for the next cycle of growth and flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Felicia amelloides 'Santa Anita Variegated', also known as Blue Marguerite Daisy, is through softwood cuttings. Propagation time is ideally during the late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate, healthy non-flowering stems of about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) are cut just below a leaf node, the lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped into a rooting hormone powder or solution. The prepared cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist but not overly wet. It should be placed in indirect light until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new plants can be transplanted to their final location.
