Blue Marguerite Felicia amelloides
ABOUT
Felicia amelloides, commonly known as the blue marguerite, is an attractive, evergreen flowering plant. It is characterized by a bushy, mounded form with numerous branches. The foliage of the blue marguerite is composed of small, green, glossy leaves that are lance-shaped and arranged in an opposite manner along the stems. The most distinctive feature of the blue marguerite is its flowers. The plant boasts a profusion of daisy-like blossoms that are generally a deep, striking blue. Each flower consists of a central disc of tiny, tubular flowers which are usually yellow, surrounded by a fringe of ray florets that give the flower its daisy appearance. These blossoms are what primarily draw gardeners to plant it in their gardens for their ornamental appeal. The blue marguerite has a tendency to bloom prolifically, creating a vibrant show of color when in flower. These blooms are not only attractive to the eye but are also inviting to a variety of pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Although size specifics are off-limits, the overall appearance conveys a full, lush plant when it is well-maintained and flourishing in appropriate conditions.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Blue Daisy, Blue Marguerite, Blue Felicia, Kingfisher Daisy, Paris Daisy.
Common names
Cineraria amelloides, Aster amelloides, Agathaea coelestis, Felicia bergeriana.
ToxicityTo humans
Blue Marguerite (Felicia amelloides) is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of poisoning or adverse health effects from ingestion or contact with this plant. However, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting any plant material that is not known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
Blue Marguerite (Felicia amelloides) is not known to be toxic to pets. There is little information suggesting that dogs, cats, or other household pets are affected by ingestion of this plant. Always exercise caution and prevent pets from consuming plants not meant for their consumption, as individual animals might have unique sensitivities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow: Felicia amelloides, also known as blue marguerite, is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive with minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its vibrant blue flowers and lush green foliage, blue marguerite adds beauty and color to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts pollinators: The bright flowers of the blue marguerite attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, blue marguerite is relatively drought-resistant, requiring less water than many other plants.
- Versatile: This plant can be used in various ways, including as a bedding plant, in borders, hanging baskets, and as ground cover.
- Long blooming period: Blue marguerite produces flowers for an extended period, often from spring to fall, providing long-lasting visual interest.
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, also known as the blue daisy, can be used in potpourri due to its visually appealing flowers that retain a hint of their color after drying.
- In floral art, the vibrant blue petals of the blue daisy are incorporated into arrangements and crafts for their striking color and unique aesthetic appeal.
- Used as a natural dye, the blue daisy's blooms can be processed to color fabrics or other materials with subtle shades of blue or purple.
- The blue daisy is popular in butterfly gardens as it attracts a variety of butterflies, adding dynamic life to the garden environment.
- It serves as a companion plant in vegetable gardens to attract pollinators, thus enhancing the pollination of crops nearby.
- Creative garden borders can be crafted using the dense and bushy growth habit of the blue daisy to outline walkways or garden plots.
- As ground cover, blue daisy plants are used to control erosion on slopes by stabilizing the soil with their root systems.
- In educational settings, the blue daisy provides a living example for lessons on botany and the importance of plant diversity.
- This plant is used for thematic landscaping, for example in coastal-inspired gardens, due to its ability to thrive in sandy soils.
- Photographers may use the blue daisy as a vibrant and photogenic subject in botanical and nature photography.
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- Perseverance and Endurance: Felicia amelloides, commonly known as the Blue Marguerite Daisy, can withstand various conditions and still flourish. This characteristic makes it a symbol for the ability to endure challenges and persevere.
- True Compassion: The open-faced nature of the flower resembles a gesture of offering and openness, symbolizing true compassion and reaching out to others with a kind heart.
- Innocence and Purity: The bright blue petals and sunny yellow center give the Blue Marguerite Daisy a fresh, innocent appearance often associated with purity and a clean beginning.
- Cheerfulness and Joy: The vibrant blue color of the Blue Marguerite Daisy can brighten up any garden, symbolizing light-heartedness, joy, and positive energy, making it a perfect gesture to uplift someone's spirits.
WaterThe Blue Marguerite Daisy should be watered regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the active growing season in spring and summer, watering might be necessary once or twice a week depending on climate conditions. Reduce watering in the fall and winter months to every other week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. It is important to water directly at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage. A good rule of thumb is to provide roughly one to two gallons of water per week during the growing season, adjusting for rainfall and temperature.
LightBlue Marguerite Daisy thrives in full sun to part shade. The plant will produce the most abundant and vibrant blooms when it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. A south-facing or west-facing garden spot is ideal, though in very hot climates, some afternoon shade can help prevent scorching.
TemperatureBlue Marguerite Daisy does best in temperate conditions and can handle a temperature range from about 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While it can survive brief periods of colder weather, it should be protected from frost, which can damage the plant. The ideal temperature for robust growth would be between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune the Blue Marguerite Daisy to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote more blooms. Pruning should be done in early spring before new growth begins, and deadheading spent flowers throughout the season will encourage continuous blooming. Cutting back the plant by about one-third after the first major flush of flowers can rejuvenate it for a second bloom period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlue Marguerite thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH level of 6.5 to 7.5. The best soil mix should contain two parts peat moss or coco coir, one part perlite or sand, and one part garden soil or compost to provide nutrients.
RepottingBlue Marguerite should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it's evident that the plant has outgrown its current pot. Choose a pot that is one size larger to give the roots ample room to grow.
Humidity & MistingBlue Marguerite prefers moderate to slightly high humidity levels but is quite adaptable. Aim for a humidity level around 40-50% to keep this plant happy.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Blue Marguerite near a sunny window and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant Blue Marguerite in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleFelicia amelloides, commonly known as blue marguerite or blue daisy, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist soil during spring or early summer. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with a rosette of leaves close to the ground. As the blue marguerite grows, it develops a branching structure and forms a bushy perennial clump. During the flowering stage, which typically occurs in late spring through to autumn, it produces cheerful blue, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers that attract pollinators. After pollination, flowers develop into small fruit that contain seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Blue marguerites may die back in colder climates during the winter but can survive and regrow from the root system in milder regions or if they have adequate winter protection.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Blue Marguerite Daisy, Felicia amelloides, is through semi-ripe cuttings. This technique is typically done in late summer. To propagate, a healthy, non-flowering shoot is selected and a cutting about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long is taken. The lower leaves are stripped off and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a fine seed starting mix. To maintain humidity, the pot can be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator. The cutting should be kept in a warm, bright spot but out of direct sunlight until roots have established and new growth is evident.
