Marguerite Madeira Crested Merlot Argyranthemum Madeira Crested Merlot = 'Bonmadmerlo' (PBR) (Madeira Series) (d)

Water

The Marguerite Daisy should be watered deeply and thoroughly, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. This typically means watering once a week; however, the frequency can increase to twice a week during particularly hot or windy weather. Each watering session should involve pouring slowly around the base of the plant until it reaches about 1 to 1.5 gallons, sufficiently saturating the root zone without causing standing water. Adjust the amount of water according to the plant's response and the local climate conditions. It's crucial to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases on the foliage.

Light

Marguerite Daisy thrives in a location that receives full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant is in an area that is bright and sunny throughout the day, as ample sunlight ensures prolific blooming and healthy growth. If indoor, place near a south-facing window to receive the maximum amount of natural light.

Temperature

Marguerite Daisy prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 50°F but should be protected from frost and freezing conditions, as cold temperatures below 32°F can damage or kill the plant. During hot weather, it can survive up to 85°F, but it's essential to provide adequate water and possibly shade to mitigate heat stress.

Pruning

Pruning encourages bushier growth and more abundant blooms in Marguerite Daisy. Pinch back the tips of new growth in early spring to promote branching. Throughout the blooming season, regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding. A more extensive pruning should be done in late fall or early spring, removing any dead or leggy stems to maintain a compact shape.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Marguerite Daisy, a synonym for Argyranthemum Madeira Crested Merlot, thrives best in a well-draining, loamy soil mix with good organic matter. Aim for a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Marguerite Daisy typically requires repotting every 1-2 years to replenish the soil and accommodate root growth, although this can vary depending on growth rate and container size.

Humidity & Misting

This Marguerite Daisy variety prefers moderate humidity levels, neither too dry nor excessively humid, to maintain healthy growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light and well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Ensure full sun and protect from harsh winds.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Argyranthemum Madeira Crested Merlot, commonly known as the Madeira Crested Daisy, starts its life as a seed, germinating in warm soil with adequate moisture. Seedlings emerge, developing true leaves and establishing a root system. As the plant matures, it produces a bushy habit with fern-like foliage and starts to set buds in response to the right photoperiod and temperatures. Vibrant, crest-like merlot-colored flowers blossom, predominantly in the spring and summer, attracting pollinators. After the flowering period, if not deadheaded, it may produce seeds that can be dispersed to propagate new plants. Eventually, the plant will enter a period of dormancy, especially in areas with cooler winters, and may die back, but it can regrow from the rootstock or overwintered cuttings if the conditions are favorable.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• The most popular method of propagating the Argyranthemum Madeira Crested Merlot is through tip cuttings. To do this, you would take a 4 to 6 inch (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) cutting from a healthy, vigorous plant. Ideally, this should be done in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Strip the bottom leaves off the cutting, leaving a few leaves on the top. Dipping the cut end into a rooting hormone before planting it in a mixture of peat and perlite can enhance root development. The cutting should be placed in a well-lit area but out of direct sunlight, and the soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Roots often establish within a few weeks, after which the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.