Marguerite Daisy Argyranthemum callichrysum 'Penny'
ABOUT
Argyranthemum callichrysum 'Penny', more commonly known as Marguerite daisy or Paris daisy 'Penny', is a flowering plant with a bushy and mounded growth habit. The foliage of Marguerite daisy 'Penny' is deeply lobed, with each leaf presenting a bright green, fern-like appearance that adds texture and vitality to the overall look of the plant. The most striking feature of the 'Penny' is its daisy-like flowers, which bloom profusely and can cover the plant with color. Each flower consists of a central eye surrounded by a multitude of delicate, elongated petals that typically come in shades of yellow, although there can be variation across different cultivars of Marguerite daisies. The central eye of the flower is often a deeper color, creating a striking contrast against the lighter petals. This eye-catching feature makes the flowers stand out and adds a depth of interest to the plant's appearance. The vibrant blooms are known to attract butterflies and other pollinators, giving the Marguerite daisy 'Penny' an additional level of interaction with wildlife in a garden setting. Throughout its blooming period, this variety of Marguerite daisy offers an ongoing display of blossoms, making it a favored choice for gardeners looking to add long-lasting color to their outdoor spaces without considering the dimensions of the plant. The overall appearance of Marguerite daisy 'Penny' is one of bright color and lively energy, contributing to its popularity as an ornamental garden plant.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Marguerite Daisy, Paris Daisy, Cobbity Daisy, Madeira Daisy, Canary Marguerite
Common names
Argyranthemum callichrysum 'Penny'.
ToxicityTo humans
Argyranthemum frutescens, commonly known as Marguerite Daisy, does not have a notable reputation for being toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it could potentially cause mild irritation if ingested, or skin irritation upon contact with sensitive individuals. If someone were to ingest parts of the plant, they might experience stomach upset or discomfort. It's always best to avoid eating ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption.
To pets
Marguerite Daisy is not typically listed as a toxic plant to pets. However, it should be noted that ingestion of this or any plant material can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset in animals, such as vomiting or diarrhea, especially if eaten in large quantities. It is generally advised to prevent pets from ingesting plants not meant for consumption to avoid any potential problems.
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
10
Native area
Canary Islands
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Argyranthemum callichrysum 'Penny', commonly known as Marguerite Daisy, has vibrant and eye-catching flowers that enhance the beauty of any garden.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Extended Blooming Season: Marguerite Daisies have a long blooming period, providing color and interest throughout the growing season.
- Low Maintenance: The plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it may exhibit some drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Adaptability: Marguerite Daisy can adapt to a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-draining soil.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be used in borders, containers, hanging baskets, and as a ground cover, providing diverse landscaping options.
- Cutting Garden Plant: The flowers are suitable for cutting and can be used in floral arrangements.
- Fast Growth: Marguerite Daisy grows quickly, filling in garden spaces and providing immediate impact.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography subjects: The bright yellow flowers of Marguerite daisy can be used as vibrant focal points or for contrast in garden photography.
- Educational tool: Marguerite daisy can serve as a specimen for botanical studies, helping students to learn about plant biology and horticulture.
- Art inspiration: Artists may use Marguerite daisy as a muse for paintings, drawings, and other forms of floral art.
- Crafting: The flowers and foliage can be incorporated into handmade crafts such as pressed flower arrangements or nature-inspired decor.
- Floral language and symbolism: In the language of flowers, Marguerite daisy may symbolize innocence or true love, and it can be utilized in arrangements that convey these meanings.
- Bee and butterfly gardening: These plants can be used in gardens designed to attract and support pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Perfumery: Though not a common source for scents, the subtle fragrance of Marguerite daisy flowers might be used for inspiration in perfume creation.
- Thematic gardening: Marguerite daisy can be featured in themed garden settings, such as cottage gardens or yellow color-themed beds.
- Celebrations and events: Their cheerful appearance makes them appropriate for decorating at springtime events, weddings, or garden parties.
- Composting: The spent blooms and foliage can be composted to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment for gardens.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiMarguerite daisy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityMarguerite daisy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Argyranthemum callichrysum, also known as Marguerite Daisy, often symbolizes resilience due to its ability to bloom in a variety of conditions and rebound from environmental stress.
- Innocence: As with many daisy-like flowers, the Marguerite Daisy can represent innocence and purity, its simple and unassuming beauty can be reminiscent of a more innocent time or state of being.
- Cheerfulness: The bright and cheerful blooms of the Marguerite Daisy are often symbolic of joy and positivity, representing a sunny outlook on life.
- New Beginnings: The Marguerite Daisy is sometimes associated with new beginnings or a fresh start, as it is one of the early bloomers in spring, signaling the end of winter and the start of a new growing season.
WaterThe Marguerite Daisy should be watered thoroughly until excess water drains from the pot's bottom, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During active growing seasons like spring and summer, watering may be needed approximately once a week, but always check the top inch of soil for dryness before adding more water. Cut back on watering during the fall and winter months to prevent root rot, possibly reducing to once every two weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature of your environment. Generally, the plant may require around 1 to 2 gallons of water per month, but this greatly depends on the climate and indoor conditions where the plant is housed.
LightThe Marguerite Daisy thrives in full sun to partial shade. Place the plant in a location where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. An east or west-facing window or a spot in your garden that gets plenty of morning or afternoon sun is ideal for this plant's growth and flower production.
TemperatureThe Marguerite Daisy prefers moderate temperatures and can tolerate a range from about 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Frost can be damaging, so ensure the temperature does not drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, maintain an environment where the temperature stays between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth.
PruningPruning the Marguerite Daisy encourages bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Snip off spent flowers and periodically trim back leggy stems throughout the growing season to promote new growth. The best time to prune heavily is in early spring, just as new growth begins to appear.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMarguerite Daisy 'Penny' prefers a well-draining soil mix with a pH of 6.5 to 7. A combination of peat, perlite, and compost would make an ideal mix for healthy growth and blooming.
RepottingMarguerite Daisy 'Penny' should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and encourage growth; if it's grown as an annual, repotting is not needed.
Humidity & MistingMarguerite Daisy 'Penny' thrives in moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%, which is often found in typical home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil are ideal.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA.
Life cycleArgyranthemum callichrysum 'Penny', more commonly known as Marguerite Daisy, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in the spring under suitable temperature and soil moisture conditions. The seedling emerges and develops into a juvenile plant with characteristic lobed leaves, and as it matures, it forms a bushy, compact shape. During the growing season, the plant enters a vegetative stage where foliage growth is robust. Following this, it enters the reproductive stage, producing numerous daisy-like flowers with yellow central discs surrounded by white, pink, or yellow ray florets, depending on the variety. After pollination, often by insects, the flowers will produce seeds which can be dispersed by wind or other means. As a perennial, Marguerite Daisy may undergo dormancy during cold months, only to regrow from its root system with the arrival of warmer weather, repeating this cycle over several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Argyranthemum callichrysum 'Penny', commonly known as the Marguerite Daisy, is typically propagated through cuttings, which is the most popular method. To propagate the Marguerite Daisy by cuttings, one would take a stem cutting about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long from the parent plant. This cutting should include several leaf nodes, and the lower leaves are usually removed. It's important that the cutting is taken from healthy, disease-free growth. The cut stem can then be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The ideal time to take cuttings is late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be placed in bright, indirect light until roots develop, which usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks. Once rooted, cuttings can be transplanted to larger pots or directly into the garden.
