Marguerite Daisy Argyranthemum 'Mary Cheek' (d)
ABOUT
Argyranthemum 'Mary Cheek' is an ornamental plant that stands out with its attractive floral display and lush foliage. Commonly known as Marguerite Daisy, this variety boasts vibrant flowers that are characterized by a cheerful hue. Each flower typically features a central eye surrounded by numerous delicate petal-rays which create a daisy-like form. The petals exhibit a soft color gradient, which often adds to the aesthetic appeal of the bloom. The leaves of the Marguerite Daisy are deep green, with a finely cut or feathery appearance that adds texture to the foliage. These leaves are arranged to create a dense canopy, forming a backdrop that highlights the bright flowers. The contrast between the verdant leaves and the flowers makes this plant a striking addition to any garden space. The overall growth habit of the Marguerite Daisy is bushy, with a well-branched structure that supports the profusion of flowers. During its flowering season, the plant is covered with blooms, creating a showy and abundant floral display. The flowers are not only visually appealing but might also attract pollinators such as butterflies, adding a dynamic element to its presence in the garden. Marguerite Daisy is a perennial, which means it can offer its delightful presence in the garden for multiple years, with proper care. It tends to bloom during the warmer months, providing a long-lasting splash of color that gardeners and onlookers can enjoy. Overall, the appearance of the Argyranthemum 'Mary Cheek' is that of a charming and robust plant that is sure to brighten up any outdoor space with its sunny flowers and rich foliage.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Marguerite Daisy, Paris Daisy.
Common names
Argyranthemum 'Mary Cheek'
ToxicityTo humans
Argyranthemum 'Mary Cheek', commonly known as Marguerite Daisy, does not have a well-documented profile when it comes to toxicity to humans. Generally, Marguerite Daisies are not known to be toxic to humans and are considered to have low to no toxicity. Nevertheless, consuming any plant material may cause adverse reactions in some individuals due to allergies or plant idiosyncrasies, with possible symptoms including mild gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation. It is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid ingesting any parts of ornamental plants.
To pets
Marguerite Daisy, commonly known as Argyranthemum 'Mary Cheek', does not have a well-documented toxicity profile specific to pets either. They are generally considered to be non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea due to the ingestion of non-digestible plant material. As a pet owner, it is prudent to prevent your pets from eating ornamental plants to avoid any potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Canary Islands
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhanced Garden Aesthetics: Adds vibrant color and texture with its daisy-like flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to the garden, helping with pollination.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being a hardy plant that's relatively easy for gardeners of all skill levels to cultivate.
- Long Blooming Season: Often flowers from late spring to early fall, providing extended seasonal interest.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of low water, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Versatile Landscaping Use: Suitable for borders, container gardening, and as an accent plant.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond occasional deadheading to promote further blooming.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography - The Marguerite Daisy can be used as a photogenic subject or as an aesthetic backdrop for macro photography due to its detailed and colorful blooms.
- Art Inspirations - Artists may use the Marguerite Daisy as a muse for paintings, drawings, or even sculpture, capturing its form and color in various mediums.
- Educational Tool - Horticulture educators can demonstrate plant growth, pruning, or propagation techniques using Marguerite Daisies due to their manageable size and growth habits.
- Bee Gardens - Marguerite Daisy can be planted to attract and support bee populations as part of conservation efforts or to enhance a garden's pollinator-friendly environment.
- Children’s Gardens - Due to their non-toxic nature, they are safe for use in gardens designed for children’s interaction and learning.
- Culinary Decoration - Fresh or dried petals of the Marguerite Daisy can be used as garnishes on dishes, though they are not commonly consumed.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti - Dried petals can serve as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations, reducing environmental impact.
- Plant Dye - Petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or paper, offering a range of colors from the different varieties.
- Seasonal Festivities - Marguerite Daisies can be integrated into holiday decor, particularly in spring and summer-themed arrangements.
- Memory Gardens - Their perennial nature and association with innocence and purity make them suitable for planting in memory gardens or as part of commemorative landscapes.
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 and Delicacy: The Argyranthemum 'Mary Cheek', commonly known as the Marguerite Daisy, possesses a delicate and aesthetically pleasing form, which commonly symbolizes beauty and a gentle nature.
- Innocence: The Marguerite Daisy, with its bright and pure white petals, often symbolizes innocence and purity, harkening to the idea of a clean, unspoiled nature.
- Cheerfulness: The bright blossoms of the Marguerite Daisy are reminiscent of a sunny disposition, often used to represent cheerfulness and positivity in the world of flowers.
- New Beginnings: Daisies, including the Marguerite variety, traditionally symbolize new beginnings or a fresh start, perhaps linked to their propensity to open their petals at dawn.
- Patience: The Marguerite Daisy is known to bloom over a long season, which can be emblematic of patience and the ability to withstand changing conditions.
WaterMarguerite daisy, the common name for Argyranthemum 'Mary Cheek', should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. It prefers to stay evenly moist but not soggy. Water the plant deeply once every week, providing about one to two gallons per plant, depending on the size and environmental conditions. During hotter seasons or in very dry climates, you may need to water more frequently, like every few days, to maintain consistent soil moisture. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases, instead water at the base of the plant.
LightMarguerite daisy thrives in full sun, so it should be placed in a location where it receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. An east- or west-facing spot would be ideal to provide ample light. This plant can tolerate some light shade, especially in the hottest parts of the day, but too much shade can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureMarguerite daisy prefers moderate to warm temperatures ranging from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can damage the plant. The ideal temperature range for this plant is 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which promotes healthy growth and flowering.
PruningMarguerite daisy should be pruned to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Cut back the plants by about one-third in midsummer, if they become leggy or overgrown. The best time for major pruning is in the spring or after the last frost date in your area.
SoilMarguerite Daisy prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of two-thirds potting soil to one-third perlite or fine pumice is ideal to ensure good drainage and aeration.
RepottingMarguerite Daisy should be repotted every one to two years, preferably in the spring, to refresh the soil and to accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingMarguerite Daisy thrives in moderate humidity levels, but it is adaptable and can tolerate the lower humidity typically found in home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water moderately.
Outdoor
Full sun, protect from harsh elements, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleArgyranthemum 'Mary Cheek', commonly known as Marguerite Daisy or Paris Daisy, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in the mild temperatures of late winter to early spring. Upon germination, the seedling emerges, developing true leaves and a root system. As the plant grows, it enters the vegetative stage, forming a bushy structure with deeply lobed, green leaves. The flowering stage follows, where it produces daisy-like flowers with a yellow disc in the center and white, pink, or yellow ray florets on the perimeter, usually blooming in late spring through summer and into fall. After pollination, the plant sets seeds, which can be collected for propagation or left to self-sow if conditions are favorable. Finally, as a perennial in warm climates or grown as an annual elsewhere, the plant may enter a dormant stage in colder months or die back after setting seed, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Argyranthemum 'Mary Cheek', commonly known as Marguerite Daisy, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings. This method is popular due to its high success rate and the speed at which new plants can be created from a single parent. To propagate the Marguerite Daisy, a gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering shoot in late spring or early summer. A cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) is snipped just below a leaf joint, with the lower leaves removed. The stem cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth and planted in a moist potting mix. The environment should be kept humid by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator, and the cutting should be kept in bright, indirect light until roots have developed, which typically takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new plants can be gradually acclimated to ambient conditions and eventually planted out.
