Marguerite Daisy Argyranthemum frutescens
ABOUT
Commonly known as the Marguerite Daisy, the plant is a perennial with a bushy, mounding, and somewhat spreading habit. It blooms heavily, presenting charming daisy-like flowers that typically range in color from white to yellow and sometimes pink, with a central eye often of a deeper shade. The blossoms are abundant and arranged singly at the end of the branches, radiating an effervescent charm. The leaves of the Marguerite Daisy are finely divided, fern-like in texture, and usually a deep green, lending a delicate lacy backdrop to the profusion of flowers. This foliage emits a light, aromatic fragrance when handled or disturbed. As a whole, the plant creates a bright and cheerful display with its continuous flowering and attractive greenery.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Marguerite Daisy, Paris Daisy, Cobbity Daisy.
Common names
Chrysanthemum frutescens, Pyrethrum frutescens, Marguerite frutescens.
ToxicityTo humans
Marguerite Daisy, commonly known as Argyranthemum frutescens, is not widely known for its toxicity to humans. There is limited information suggesting that this plant poses significant health risks when touched or ingested. However, as with many plants, individual allergies or sensitivities could cause mild skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some people. There is no commonly reported severe poisoning from ingesting parts of the Marguerite Daisy plant in humans. If ingestion does occur and symptoms appear, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
To pets
Marguerite Daisy is not generally listed among the plants that are known to be toxic to pets. However, the ingestion of any plant material by pets can sometimes cause symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, especially if the pet is not used to eating plant matter or has a sensitive stomach. If you suspect your pet has ingested Marguerite Daisy and is showing signs of illness, it is recommended to consult with your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Canary Islands
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Argyranthemum frutescens, commonly known as Marguerite Daisy, is widely appreciated for its daisy-like flowers that enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: The plant attracts beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination in the garden ecosystem.
- Ease of Care: Marguerite Daisy is known for being relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Long Blooming: It has a long blooming period, often from late spring to fall, providing extended color and vibrancy to garden spaces.
- Versatility: The plant can be used in various garden settings, including borders, containers, and hanging baskets, due to its adaptable growth habit.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Marguerite Daisy demonstrates a degree of drought resistance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Fast Growth: It grows quickly, allowing for rapid filling of garden spaces and providing immediate results for landscaping projects.
- Seasonal Change: The plant's foliage and flowers change with the seasons, adding dynamic interest to the garden throughout the year.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Argyranthemum frutescens, commonly known as Marguerite daisy, can be used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings that prey on garden pests.
- The bright flowers of the Marguerite daisy can be used as natural dye sources, providing colors ranging from yellow to orange for fabrics and crafts.
- With its dense foliage, Marguerite daisy can be utilized as a natural privacy screen or hedge in gardens and landscapes.
- Marguerite daisy’s sturdy stems and attractive blooms make it a popular choice for cut flower arrangements and bouquets.
- The plant is sometimes used in educational settings, such as schools or botanical workshops, to teach about plant biology and gardening practices.
- The blossoms can serve as a food source for domesticated small mammals, like rabbits, when other preferred food options are scarce.
- Marguerite daisy can be used in potpourri mixes for its aesthetic appeal and to add bulk, though it has no significant scent.
- Dried flower heads of the Marguerite daisy may be used in arts and crafts for decoration, such as in homemade wreaths or ornaments.
- When planted in coastal areas, Marguerite daisy can help with soil stabilization thanks to its hardy root system.
- In some cultures, the flowers are used as ceremonial decorations during festivals or religious events, symbolizing purity or cheerfulness.
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- Perseverance and Survival - Argyranthemum frutescens, commonly known as Marguerite Daisy, is known for its ability to thrive in challenging conditions, representing the ability to persist and survive through difficulties.
- Innocence and Purity - With its bright and simple daisy-like flowers, Marguerite Daisy is often associated with innocence and the pure, unadulterated joy found in nature, much like the classic symbolism of the daisy flower.
- Cheerfulness and Optimism - The Marguerite Daisy blooms with vibrant colors that can light up any garden, symbolizing a cheerful disposition and an optimistic outlook on life.
- Beauty and Femininity - The delicate structure of the Marguerite Daisy is often associated with beauty and classical femininity, evoking a sense of grace and elegance.
WaterThe Marguerite daisy requires watering when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, making sure to thoroughly saturate the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes. Generally, this means watering once every week, but this frequency could increase to a couple of times per week during hot, dry periods. Always avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. A good rule of thumb might be to provide roughly 1 gallon of water per plant during each watering session, adjusting for rainfall and temperature conditions. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage.
LightMarguerite daisies thrive in full sunlight, meaning they should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They perform best when placed in a spot where they can enjoy unfiltered, bright light for most of the day. Partial shade can be acceptable, but too much shade will reduce blooming and can lead to leggy growth.
TemperatureMarguerite daisies prefer warm temperatures and do best when the daytime temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. They can handle minimum temperatures down to about 50°F, but frost can severely damage or kill the plant. The ideal temperature range ensures optimum growth and blooming, while temperatures above 80°F may require additional shading and watering.
PruningPruning Marguerite daisies encourages bushier growth and more abundant blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to stimulate new bloom production, and perform light pruning throughout the growing season to maintain shape. More extensive pruning can be done in early spring or late fall to remove dead or weak stems and to rejuvenate older plants.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMarguerite daisy thrives best in a well-draining, loamy or sandy soil with good fertility. The ideal soil pH for Marguerite daisy is between 6.6 and 7.5, so slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions are preferred. A soil mix with equal parts potting soil, peat or coconut coir, and perlite or sand can be very conducive to the plant's growth.
RepottingMarguerite daisy should be repotted every one to two years to provide fresh soil and accommodate root growth. Repotting is most beneficial in the spring, just as the plant begins its active growth phase.
Humidity & MistingMarguerite daisy prefers moderate to slightly higher humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate less humid conditions typical of many home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and moderate water for indoor Marguerite daisy.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, protect from frost, and water regularly for outdoor Marguerite daisy.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleMarguerite Daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens) begins its life cycle as a seed that, with proper conditions of warmth and moisture, germinates to produce a small seedling. The seedling grows rapidly, developing a root system and foliage as it enters the vegetative stage. As it matures, Marguerite Daisy forms a bushy habit with more pronounced, deeply lobed leaves. Flowering is its next phase where daisy-like flowers bloom, usually in shades of white, yellow, or pink, and this occurs typically during the spring and summer months. After pollination, seeds are formed and dispersed, completing its reproductive cycle. The plant may either die back at the end of the season if it is treated as an annual or go into dormancy and re-sprout the following spring if grown as a perennial in suitable climates.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Argyranthemum frutescens, commonly known as Marguerite Daisy, can be propagated most successfully through softwood cuttings. This method is widely used due to its high success rate and the uniformity of the plants it produces. For optimal results, cuttings should be taken from the plant in late spring or early summer when growth is most vigorous. The selected cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and include several leaf nodes. After removing the lower leaves, the cut end of the cutting can be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cuttings are then inserted into a well-draining, sandy potting mix and kept moist. With consistent moisture and warm temperatures, roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new Marguerite Daisy plants can be transferred to individual pots or directly into the garden.
