Marguerite [Madeira Cherry Red] Argyranthemum Madeira Cherry Red = 'Bonmadcher' (PBR) (Madeira Series)
ABOUT
[Madeira Cherry Red] forms a moderately floriferous spreading mound to 45 x 70cm with green leaves and single flowers, 3cm in diameter, that have cherry red rays, with white bases, that age to purple and a central disc that starts orange-red-brown in bud and turns yellow as the florets open
About this plant
- Names
Family
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Madeira Crested Daisy, Madeira Marguerite, Cherry Red Marguerite Daisy.
Common names
Argyranthemum Madeira Cherry Red = 'Bonmadcher' (PBR) (Madeira Series).
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet (61 cm)
Spread
2 feet (61 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Canary Islands
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attractive Blooms: The Argyranthemum Madeira Cherry Red showcases bright, cherry-red flowers that add a pop of color to any garden or container.
- Long Flowering Season: This variety offers a long blooming period, typically from spring through fall, providing extended visual interest throughout most of the year.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being low maintenance and easy to grow, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant, requiring less frequent watering than many other garden plants, which is beneficial in water-restricted areas.
- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers attract bees and butterflies, promoting pollination and benefiting the overall health of the garden ecosystem.
- Versatile Usage: The compact and bushy growth habit makes it an excellent choice for borders, containers, and as a colorful filler in garden beds.
- Deer Resistant: This plant is generally not preferred by deer, which can be an advantage in areas where deer predation is a problem for gardens.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Natural Fabric Dye: The vibrant petals of the Marguerite Daisy can be used to create a natural red dye for fabrics, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Photography Prop: The bright red flowers of the Marguerite Daisy make for a striking background or focal point in floral photography.
- Creative Crafts: The petals and leaves of the Marguerite Daisy can be used in pressed flower projects or to create botanical prints for art and decoration.
- Educational Tool: The plant can be used in schools or educational programs to teach children about plant biology and gardening practices.
- Culinary Garnish: Though not commonly eaten, the petals of the Marguerite Daisy could add a colorful garnish to salads or desserts after ensuring they are safe and pesticide-free.
- Bookmark Decoration: Dried petals and small cuttings from the Marguerite Daisy can be laminated into personalized bookmarks.
- Event Decoration: Fresh or dried Marguerite Daisy flowers can be used as natural confetti or in table arrangements for eco-friendly event decor.
- Natural Potpourri: The petals of the Marguerite Daisy, when dried, can be mixed with other dried flowers and spices to create fragrant potpourri.
- Garden Mulch: After the blooming season, the spent plants can be cut down and used as a mulch in the garden to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Eco-Friendly Crafting Material: The stems and foliage of the Marguerite Daisy can be combined with other natural materials to create bio-degradable craft projects.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Marguerite Daisy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Marguerite Daisy is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Passion: The Cherry Red color of Madeira Daisy symbolizes strong emotions and love, reflecting an intense, passionate feeling.
- Energy: The vibrant red hue is often associated with energy and excitement, suggesting a lively spirit and vitality.
- Beauty: Daisies in general are symbols of beauty and innocence, and the striking color of the Madeira Daisy adds a sense of allure and sophistication.
- Celebration: The bright, cheerful appearance of the Madeira Daisy gives it an association with festivities and joyful occasions.
- Water
Marguerite Daisy 'Madeira Cherry Red' should be watered regularly to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil, especially during dry spells. Depending on the climate and weather conditions, this typically equates to watering deeply once or twice a week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. During the hotter summer months, you may need to water more frequently; however, ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. A general guide is to provide approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant each week, adjusting as necessary for rainfall and temperature changes.
- Light
The Marguerite Daisy 'Madeira Cherry Red' thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It prefers a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, which promotes healthy growth and prolific blooming. If planted indoors, place near a south-facing window to get ample sunlight.
- Temperature
Marguerite Daisy 'Madeira Cherry Red' grows best in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 32°F for short periods but should be protected from frost. The plant prefers a milder climate and should not be exposed to temperatures above 85°F for extended periods to prevent stress.
- Pruning
Pruning Marguerite Daisy 'Madeira Cherry Red' encourages a bushier growth habit and more blooms. It is best to prune in the early spring before the onset of new growth and periodically throughout the summer to remove dead flowers and any leggy or damaged stems. Deadheading spent blossoms also promotes continuous flowering.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Marguerite Daisy thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.5-7.0. For optimal growth, mix in organic compost with perlite to aid in drainage and nutrient retention.
- Repotting
Marguerite Daisies should be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Early spring is the best time for repotting this plant.
- Humidity & Misting
Marguerite Daisies prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable and can tolerate less humid conditions common in home environments.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and regular watering.
Outdoor
Place in full sun, shelter from wind, ensure soil drains well.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
- Life cycle
Argyranthemum 'Bonmadcher' begins its life cycle as a seed, germinating in warm soil with adequate moisture, usually in the spring. After germination, it enters a vegetative stage, with leaves and stems growing rapidly to form a bushy plant. Flower buds develop as it matures, leading to the blooming stage where vibrant cherry red flowers emerge and can last from spring to fall in ideal conditions. Following pollination, which can be facilitated by insects such as bees, the plant produces seeds, thereby completing its reproductive stage. Once the blooming period is over, and if the plant isn't perennial in the garden's climate, it enters senescence—the final stage of its life cycle—where the plant will eventually die after seed dispersal. If the plant is perennial in its growing zone, it may enter a dormant period during colder months and resume its growth cycle in the following spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Argyranthemum Madeira Cherry Red, commonly known as Marguerite Daisy, is usually propagated through cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, one would snip a 4 to 6-inch length of stem just below a leaf node, strip the lower leaves, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. This prepared cutting is then placed into a moist potting mix and kept under conditions with indirect light and high humidity to encourage root growth. After a few weeks, when roots have formed and new growth becomes evident, the cuttings can be potted on into individual containers.