Marguerite Daisy Argyranthemum frutescens subsp. canariae
ABOUT
Argyranthemum frutescens subsp. canariae, more commonly known as the Marguerite Daisy, is a flowering plant that possesses an appealing aesthetic. The Marguerite Daisy displays a profusion of daisy-like flowers that are typically bright in color. The petals are arranged radially around a central disc, which is often a contrasting hue, such as yellow, invoking a classic daisy appearance. These flowers are carried atop sturdy stems with lush green, feathery foliage that adds to their ornamental charm. The leaves of the Marguerite Daisy are deeply cut into lobes, giving them a fine-textured appearance and creating a dense and bushy growth habit. This perennial is cherished for its continuous blooming nature, providing a long season of color in garden settings. It is popular among gardeners and landscapers for its vibrant display and its ability to fit into various garden designs and containers, adding a touch of cheerfulness wherever planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Canary Marguerite, Canary Island Daisy, Canary Island Marguerite
Common names
Argyranthemum canariae, Chrysanthemum canariense, Chrysanthemum frutescens var. canariae, Pyrethropsis canariensis
ToxicityTo humans
Marguerite Daisy is not reported to be toxic to humans. However, it is generally advised to avoid ingesting any part of ornamental plants as they are not intended for human consumption and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Marguerite Daisy is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. However, it is possible for pets to experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of the plant. Symptoms of ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. It's always best to keep an eye on your pet and prevent them from eating ornamental plants, as reactions can vary between individual animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Canary Islands
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Marguerite Daisy, as it is commonly known, adds beauty and color to gardens with its daisy-like flowers.
- Pollinator Attraction: It attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Marguerite Daisy is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.
- Drought Tolerance: It can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or water-wise gardens.
- Versatility: This plant can be used in a variety of settings, including borders, containers, and as a ground cover.
- Long Blooming Season: The Marguerite Daisy has a long flowering period, providing color from spring through fall.
- Adaptability: It can adapt to a range of soil types, although it prefers well-draining soil.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Marguerite daisy can be used in educational botany programs to help students learn about plant breeding and hybridization, as they exhibit clear characteristics that are often used in teaching genetics and inheritance.
- In art and photography, marguerite daisy provides a visually appealing subject with its bright colors and symmetrical form, making it a great model for still life compositions and nature photography.
- They can be used in sensory gardens due to their textured foliage and brightly colored flowers, which provide both visual and tactile stimuli for visitors.
- Marguerite daisies can serve as indicator plants in gardens; healthy, thriving plants can indicate suitable growing conditions for other similar plants.
- Its blossoms can be used to make natural dyes for textiles, yielding colors that may range from yellows to greens depending on the mordants used.
- The plant can be integrated into culinary presentations, with the blooms providing an edible garnish that offers a mild vegetal flavor to salads and other cold dishes.
- Because of its hardy nature, the marguerite daisy can be used in erosion control efforts to help stabilize soil in areas susceptible to erosion.
- It can be used as a natural insect attractant in gardens to promote biodiversity and support pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
- Craft enthusiasts may use the dried flowers of the marguerite daisy in potpourri mixes or to create decorative wreaths and ornaments.
- Leaves of the marguerite daisy can be steeped in hot water to make a plant-based rinse for gentle cleaning of surfaces, owing to their subtle aromatic properties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Marguerite daisy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Marguerite daisy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth and Renewal: Argyranthemum frutescens subsp. canariae, commonly known as Marguerite Daisy, often symbolizes rebirth and renewal because it blooms in cycles and can signal the start of spring or regrowth.
- Innocence and Purity: The Marguerite Daisy, with its delicate white petals, is frequently associated with themes of innocence and purity, similar to the symbolism of other white flowers.
- Cheerfulness: The bright and cheerful appearance of Marguerite Daisy flowers can represent optimism and positive energy, bringing a sense of joy and happiness to a garden.
- Affection: Giving Marguerite Daisies can be a way to show affection or fondness for someone, as daisies in general are often connected to feelings of love and attachment.
WaterMarguerite daisy should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry, approximately once a week. It's important to ensure the plant is not left in standing water, as this can lead to root rot. In warmer months or hot climates, watering frequency may increase to maintain moisture without oversaturating the soil. As a guideline, use about half a gallon of water for an outdoor plant, adjusting for size and weather conditions.
LightMarguerite daisy thrives in full sun, tolerating partial shade as well. Best grown in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, as this will promote abundant flowering and robust growth.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for a Marguerite daisy is between 50°F and 75°F. These daisies can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 30°F and a maximum of up to around 80°F; beyond these temperatures, the plant may become stressed.
PruningMarguerite daisy benefits from regular pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers and cut back leggy stems in late spring or early summer. Prune the plant back by a third after the first flush of blooms has faded to promote a second blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMarguerite Daisy thrives best in a well-draining soil mix composed of two parts peat, one part loam, and one part sand or perlite, promoting good aeration and moisture retention. The optimal soil pH for Marguerite Daisy is neutral to slightly acidic, around 6.5 to 7.0, which allows it to effectively absorb nutrients.
RepottingMarguerite Daisy should be repotted every one to two years or when it has outgrown its current container, ensuring that the plant has enough room for root growth and to refresh the soil, which helps prevent nutrient deficiencies and ensures healthy development.
Humidity & MistingMarguerite Daisy prefers a moderate humidity level, generally in the range of 40-50%, which reflects its tolerance to coastal conditions in its native habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Marguerite Daisy in a sunny spot.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny spot; shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleMarguerite daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens subsp. canariae) begins its life as a seed, which, when sown in fertile, well-draining soil and provided with ample sunlight and moisture, will germinate and sprout into a seedling. The seedling stage is characterized by the emergence of its first two true leaves and the establishment of a small root system. As the plant grows, it enters the vegetative stage, where it develops a bushy structure with deeply lobed, green leaves, and it begins to form buds at the tips of its stems. Following the vegetative phase, the plant reaches the flowering stage, where it produces daisy-like flowers with yellow centers and white petals, offering a display that can last from spring through fall in the right conditions. After pollination, typically aided by insects, the plant sets seed which can be dispersed by wind, allowing the cycle to repeat. In some climates, Marguerite daisy may act as a short-lived perennial, entering a period of dormancy during colder months before regrowing from the same root system in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method for propagating the Marguerite daisy, which is the common name for Argyranthemum frutescens subsp. canariae, is through softwood cuttings. This technique is often executed in the spring to early summer when the plant's new growth is plentiful and not yet hardened. To propagate, one should select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut a segment about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. The cut should be made just below a leaf node, where there is a higher concentration of hormones to encourage root development. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting can be dipped in rooting hormone powder to enhance root growth. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm, humid environment until roots develop, which can take several weeks. Proper care during this stage includes regular misting and ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
