Marguerite Daisy Argyranthemum 'Donington Hero'
ABOUT
Argyranthemum 'Donington Hero', commonly known as Marguerite Daisy, is a visually striking plant that is particularly noted for its showy floral display. The plant boasts daisy-like flowers that have a classic charm and a frilly appearance. The blooms are bountiful and large, with a sunny central disk that's typically a bright yellow, encircled by elongated petals that can range in color but are often a crisp white or pale pink. These petals are arranged in a radial pattern, giving the flowers a symmetrical, pleasing look. The Marguerite Daisy has a bushy growth habit, with lush green foliage that serves as a fresh backdrop for the profusion of flowers. The leaves are deeply lobed and somewhat ferny in texture, contributing to the plant's overall plush appearance. During its blooming period, the Marguerite Daisy becomes a focal point in any garden setting thanks to its abundant and picturesque blossoms. Its foliage and flowers together create a delightful contrast of shapes and colors that can enliven patios, borders, or containers where they are often grown.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Marguerite Daisy, Paris Daisy.
Common names
Argyranthemum frutescens 'Donington Hero'
ToxicityTo humans
Marguerite Daisy is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it is not intended for consumption and some individuals may experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction if they have a sensitivity to the plant.
To pets
Marguerite Daisy is not known to be toxic to pets. However, ingestion of any plant material can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea in some animals, and it is always best to prevent pets from eating plants not intended for consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Canary Islands
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The bright and showy flowers of the Marguerite Daisy attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Easy to Grow: Marguerite Daisy is known for being hardy and easy to care for, making it a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long Blooming Season: It produces flowers for an extended period, often from early summer until the first frost, providing long-lasting color in the garden.
- Versatile Use: This plant can be used in various garden settings, including borders, containers, and as a focal point in garden beds.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the Marguerite Daisy can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for drier climates or water-wise gardens.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is not a preferred choice for deer, which can help to maintain a garden's appearance and health in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Argyranthemum 'Donington Hero', commonly known as Marguerite Daisy, can be used in eco-friendly confetti due to its biodegradable properties and attractive petals.
- Its vibrant flowers can be pressed and used in decorative crafts such as bookmarks, cards, or framed botanical art to capture the beauty of nature indoors.
- Marguerite Daisy can be cultivated as part of a sensory garden, with its textured foliage and colorful appearance providing visual stimulation and enhancing the sensory experience.
- The blossoms can serve as a natural fabric dye, lending a subtle color derived from the pigment of the petals to textiles.
- Marguerite Daisies can be used in photography props or as subjects in macro photography, highlighting intricate details and natural patterns within the flowers.
- These plants can be employed in educational settings, where students can learn about pollination and the lifecycle of a plant through direct observation.
- In companion planting, Marguerite Daisy may help to attract beneficial insects that will aid in the pollination of vegetable plots and fruit gardens.
- The plant can serve as a living barometer, as some gardeners note the flowers close when atmospheric pressure drops, indicating an approaching storm.
- Dried Argyranthemum 'Donington Hero' flowers can be used in potpourri mixtures for a natural and visually appealing air freshener option around the home.
- The leaves of the Marguerite Daisy can be used to create natural garden mulch, which can help to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, while also adding to the garden's aesthetic.
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- Beauty in Diversity: The Argyranthemum 'Donington Hero', commonly known as the Marguerite Daisy, is known for its variety of forms and colors, symbolizing the beauty and richness that diversity brings into our lives.
- Innocence and Purity: As a daisy variety, Marguerite Daisies are often associated with innocence and purity, harkening back to the Victorian era when flowers held specific meanings.
- Cheerfulness: The bright blossoms of the Marguerite Daisy represent cheerfulness and the ability to brighten someone's day, making them a perfect gift to lift spirits.
- New Beginnings: Daisies in general are symbols of new beginnings and hope, often associated with the dawn of a new year or the start of a new venture.
- Positive Energy: The Marguerite Daisy, with its radiant and lively appearance, is thought to radiate positive energy, encouraging a happy and optimistic outlook.
WaterMarguerite daisies, such as 'Donington Hero,' thrive when the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water these plants deeply once a week with about 1 gallon per plant, ensuring that the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently, perhaps every 3-4 days. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so it's important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
LightMarguerite daisies like 'Donington Hero' prefer full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. They thrive in locations where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in areas with very hot summers, providing some afternoon shade will help protect the plants from excessive heat stress.
TemperatureMarguerite daisies, including the 'Donington Hero' variety, perform best in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate cooler nights down to around 50 degrees but should be protected from frost. Likewise, these plants can handle brief periods of higher temperatures, up to about 85 degrees, but prolonged heat can stress them.
PruningPruning Marguerite daisies such as 'Donington Hero' is necessary to encourage bushiness and more blooms. Pinch off the tips when the plants are young and deadhead regularly to promote continuous flowering. Prune more heavily in early spring or late autumn to maintain shape and remove any woody or dead stems.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMarguerite daisy thrives in a well-draining, fertile soil mix with a pH of slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.0). A mix of two parts peat moss, one part perlite, and one part garden soil is ideal. Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot.
RepottingMarguerite daisies should be repotted every 1 to 2 years, preferably in the spring, to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Use a slightly larger pot each time to allow for expansion.
Humidity & MistingMarguerite daisies prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable. They can thrive in average home humidity levels ranging from 40% to 60%. Avoid excessively dry or overly humid conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water moderately.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleArgyranthemum 'Donington Hero', commonly known as Marguerite Daisy, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in warm, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. The seedling stage follows, where the first true leaves develop and photosynthesis begins. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant grows larger, producing more leaves and branches, and prepares for flowering. The reproductive stage sees the Marguerite Daisy producing distinctive daisy-like flowers, which attract pollinators and enable sexual reproduction. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads and the plant either sets seed for the next generation or can be propagated vegetatively from cuttings. The Marguerite Daisy is a perennial, so after flowering it may enter a phase of dormancy, particularly in cooler climates, before beginning the cycle again.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method for propagating the Marguerite Daisy 'Donington Hero' is through softwood cuttings. This typically takes place in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. Take cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long from new growth, ensuring each cutting has a few leaves. Strip the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Insert the cuttings into a mix of peat and perlite or a well-draining potting mix, and keep them moist and in a warm area with indirect light. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which you can transplant the cuttings into individual pots.
