Marguerite Daisy Argyranthemum 'Levada Cream'
ABOUT
Argyranthemum 'Levada Cream', commonly known as Marguerite Daisy, is a visually appealing ornamental plant notable for its distinctive daisy-like flowers. The flowers are the star feature, with creamy white petals radiating around a central yellow disc, lending a classic yet delicate appearance. The blooms are abundant and cover the plant, creating a striking contrast against the green foliage. The foliage itself is deeply cut and fern-like in appearance, with a soft, green color. This feathery backdrop provides a lush, textured look that enhances the overall beauty of the plant. The leaves contribute to the plant's bushy, rounded form, lending it a full and vibrant appearance. The Marguerite Daisy is generally regarded for its generous flowering and can produce an almost continuous display of blooms under favorable conditions. It is a versatile plant that is often seen in gardens and landscapes, bringing a touch of elegance with its repeat-flowering capability. Its cheerful, abundant flowers make it a popular choice for adding bright spots of color to various garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Marguerite Daisy, Paris Daisy
Common names
Argyranthemum 'Levada Cream'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Marguerite Daisy is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies and sensitivities can occur. If ingested in large quantities, it could potentially cause stomach upset or discomfort. In case of significant ingestion or if symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea develop, medical attention should be sought.
To pets
The Marguerite Daisy is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe around pets, and ingestion of small amounts may only result in mild gastrointestinal upset depending on the pet's sensitivity. As with any plant, it's always best to prevent pets from eating plants as individual animals might have different reactions. If your pet shows signs of illness after ingesting this plant, please contact your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Cream
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 Argyranthemum 'Levada Cream' serves as an attractant for bees and butterflies, which are crucial for the pollination of many plants.
- Easy to Grow: This daisy-like perennial is known for being low maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long Blooming Season: The Marguerite Daisy has a lengthy blooming period that provides continuous color and interest in the garden from spring through fall.
- Versatile Use: Whether planted in garden beds, borders, or containers, the Marguerite Daisy adds versatility to landscaping designs with its creamy-white flowers.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, the Marguerite Daisy is relatively drought-tolerant, meaning it can survive in drier conditions with less water.
- Compact Growth: With its compact and bushy growth habit, the Marguerite Daisy is ideal for small gardens or spaces where plant size needs to be managed.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Its attractive foliage and cheerful flowers enhance the aesthetic value of any garden, balcony, or patio.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Enhancements: With its unique and delicate cream-colored flowers, the Marguerite Daisy can be used as a natural backdrop or subject in macro and nature photography, providing an aesthetically appealing element.
- Educational Tool: Horticulture and botany teachers can use the Marguerite Daisy to educate students about plant breeding, hybridization, and the characteristics of the Asteraceae family.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may find inspiration in the gentle hues and form of the Marguerite Daisy for paintings, drawings, and other forms of botanical art.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Once dried, the petals of the Marguerite Daisy can be used as a biodegradable and eco-friendly option for confetti at celebrations.
- Floral Crafts: The blossoms can be incorporated into floral crowns, wreaths, and other craft projects, adding a touch of natural beauty.
- Garden Design Teaching: This plant can be used in demonstration gardens to teach design principles such as color balance, texture contrast, and focal points.
- Culinary Decoration: Edible when properly identified and known to be free of pesticides, the flowers can serve as a decorative, non-toxic garnish on desserts and salads (note that not all daisies are edible and proper care should be taken to ensure the species used is safe for consumption).
- Children's Projects: The plant can be involved in children's gardening projects, helping to foster a connection with nature and an interest in plant life cycles.
- Landscape Painting Object: The Marguerite Daisy, with its striking appearance, can be used as an object in landscape painting, capturing the essence of a garden or natural setting.
- Therapeutic Gardening: Engaging with the Marguerite Daisy through planting and caring can serve as a form of horticultural therapy, promoting relaxation and well-being.
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- Innocence: The soft, creamy color of the marguerite daisy, which Argyranthemum 'Levada Cream' is a cultivar of, often symbolizes purity and innocence, reminiscent of the simplicity of childhood.
- Purity: Similar to innocence, the clean appearance of the flower is frequently associated with virtue and moral integrity.
- Patience: Marguerite daisies bloom over an extended period, which can be seen as a symbol of patience and the ability to wait for good things to unfold.
- Cheerfulness: Just like many daisies, Argyranthemum 'Levada Cream' is often connected with joy and cheerfulness, bringing a positive vibe to gardens and bouquets.
- New Beginnings: Daisies often symbolize new starts or beginnings due to their association with dawn and the fresh start of each day.
WaterMarguerite daisy thrives with consistent moisture and requires watering when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. On average, this might mean watering every 5 to 7 days during active growth in the spring and summer, depending on weather conditions. However, always adjust the frequency based on rainfall and temperature, as less water is required during cooler, wetter periods. When you do water, apply enough to soak the soil thoroughly, which could be approximately 1 gallon for a medium-sized plant in a garden setting. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and prevent disease.
LightMarguerite daisy prefers a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should be placed in a spot where it can enjoy at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Too little light can result in leggy plants and reduced blooming, so it's important to ensure that the plant receives ample bright light for vibrant growth and flowering.
TemperatureMarguerite daisy can tolerate a range of temperatures but thrives in conditions between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 30 degrees Fahrenheit but cannot withstand hard frosts or prolonged periods of cold. Keep it protected from extreme cold and plant in a location where it can enjoy the warmth.
PruningPruning Marguerite daisy is necessary to promote bushier growth and to encourage more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to keep the plant looking tidy and to stimulate new blooms. Additionally, lightly prune the plant in the early spring or late summer to shape it and remove any dead or weak stems. The best time for substantial pruning is right after the last frost date in your area.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMarguerite Daisy thrives best in well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix for Marguerite Daisy would include two parts loam, one part peat moss or well-rotted compost, and one part sharp sand or perlite to enhance drainage.
RepottingMarguerite Daisies should be repotted every year or two, or when they outgrow their current container. They prefer not to be too root-bound, so providing them with fresh soil and space to grow is important for their health.
Humidity & MistingMarguerite Daisy does not require high humidity levels and is adaptable to the average ambient humidity found in most homes or gardens. However, ensuring good air circulation is beneficial for the plant to prevent any fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Marguerite Daisy in a sunny spot with some afternoon shade.
Outdoor
Plant Marguerite Daisy in full sun to partial shade and shelter.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of an Argyranthemum 'Levada Cream', commonly known as Marguerite Daisy, begins with seed germination, where under the right conditions of warmth and moisture, the seed will sprout and form a seedling. As the seedling grows, it develops a root system and foliage in a growth stage known as the vegetative phase, during which the plant focuses on building strength and size. Following the vegetative stage, the plant enters the flowering phase, often triggered by longer daylight hours, where it produces its characteristic creamy-white daisy-like flowers. After pollination, the flowers may produce seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. If conditions are conducive, the plant can also spread vegetatively through cuttings, which root and develop into new plants. Throughout its life, the Marguerite Daisy will undergo periodic dormant phases, particularly in colder climates, during which growth slows down, and the plant may shed leaves to conserve energy.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Marguerite Daisy 'Levada Cream' is through cuttings. This technique is commonly done in late spring to early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate, a gardener would take a 4 to 6-inch cutting (10 to 15 cm) from a healthy stem, ensuring there are several sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting is then planted in a mixture of peat and perlite or a well-draining potting mix and kept moist, but not waterlogged. Placing the pot in a warm area with indirect sunlight facilitates rooting, which usually occurs within a few weeks. Once rooted, the new Marguerite Daisy plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly to the garden.
