Marguerite Daisy Argyranthemum foeniculaceum 'Royal Haze'
ABOUT
Argyranthemum foeniculaceum 'Royal Haze', commonly known as Marguerite Daisy, is a flowering plant with a distinct airy and informal appearance. It features vibrant, daisy-like flowers, which usually have a bright yellow center surrounded by petals that range in color from white to shades of pink and purple. The blooming is quite prolific and creates a soft, almost cloud-like impression when the plants are in full flower. The foliage of the Marguerite Daisy is feathery and finely cut, resembling the delicate leaves of culinary fennel or ferns, which adds to its delicate texture. The leaves are typically a fresh, bright green color, which provides a striking backdrop for the colorful flowers. The overall aspect of the plant is one that is bushy and mounded, producing a generous and lush appearance that can fill in garden spaces with its soft foliage and blooms. The Marguerite Daisy is a favored choice for gardeners looking for a plant that offers a long blooming season, usually from early spring until the first frosts of fall, depending on the climate. Its blossoms are also popular with pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a beneficial addition to gardens aimed at promoting biodiversity.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Marguerite Daisy, Paris Daisy, Cobbity Daisy, Canary Marguerite, Argie Daisy
Common names
Argyranthemum foeniculaceum 'Royal Haze'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Marguerite Daisy is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion does not typically lead to poisoning or adverse health effects. However, individuals may have allergic reactions or sensitivity to different plant species, so it is always prudent to avoid eating plants that are not known to be edible or that have not been confirmed as safe by reliable sources.
To pets
The Marguerite Daisy is not listed as poisonous to pets, which means that it is generally regarded as safe around animals like cats and dogs. However, as with humans, individual pets may have varying levels of sensitivity, and consumption of non-food plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction. It is always best to monitor your pets around plants and discourage them from ingesting any non-food plant material to prevent any possible adverse effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Canary Islands
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and texture to gardens and landscapes with its lush foliage and daisy-like flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: Welcomes beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being low-maintenance and tolerant of various growing conditions.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can withstand periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Versatility: Can be used in flower beds, borders, containers, and as a ground cover, offering multiple landscaping uses.
- Long Blooming Season: Typically blooms for an extended period, providing long-lasting color from spring through fall.
- Deer Resistance: Often avoided by deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Fast Growth: Quick to establish and spread, filling in areas and providing coverage relatively quickly.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Due to its delicate blossoms and foliage, Argyranthemum can be utilized in photography to add a natural and aesthetic appeal to portraits and still life compositions.
- Craft Projects: The vibrant flowers and textured leaves of Argyranthemum can be used in crafting, such as pressed flower art or natural potpourri mixtures.
- Educational Tool: Schools and educational programs might use the Argyranthemum plant to teach botany, plant life cycles, and pollination methods.
- Natural Dye: The flowers and leaves may be boiled to extract natural dyes for fabrics or paper, allowing for eco-friendly art and craft techniques.
- Garden Accents: The plant can serve as an attractive edging option in a themed garden, such as those designed to attract butterflies or other pollinators.
- Horticultural Therapy: Argyranthemum can be used in therapeutic gardening practices to provide a sense of accomplishment and improve emotional well-being.
- Culinary Garnish: While not typically consumed, the petals of Argyranthemum, if non-toxic, can be used as an ornamental garnish for culinary presentation.
- Biological Pest Control: Planting Argyranthemum may help to attract beneficial insects that prey on garden pests, serving as a natural form of pest management.
- Floral Arrangements: The long stems and appealing flowers are suited for inclusion in bouquets and home floral decor, adding an airy touch.
- Enhancement of Outdoor Living Spaces: Its appealing aesthetic can be used to enhance balconies, patios, or terraces, contributing to a relaxing atmosphere.
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: As part of the daisy family, Argyranthemum foeniculaceum 'Royal Haze', also known as Marguerite Daisy, often symbolizes innocence due to their delicate appearance that is commonly associated with purity.
- Patience: The Marguerite Daisy blooms over a long period, which can be seen as a representation of patience and the ability to wait gracefully.
- New Beginnings: Daisies in general can also be symbolic of new beginnings or a fresh start, as they are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring.
- Cheerfulness: Their bright and cheerful blooms are often used to represent positivity and joy within many cultures.
- Simplicity: Marguerite Daisies can stand for simplicity and a return to an uncomplicated lifestyle because of their simple yet elegant shape and form.
WaterMarguerite daisy prefers consistent moisture; it is best to water when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this means watering thoroughly once every week, but this can vary based on climate conditions and soil type. When watering, it is important to do so at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent disease. Use enough water to moisten the soil deeply, ensuring the root zone is adequately hydrated; for potted plants, this might equate to about 1–2 gallons depending on the pot size and environmental factors.
LightMarguerite daisy thrives in full sun conditions, where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for the plant to flourish would be in a location that is exposed to ample sunlight throughout the day. It is tolerant of some light shade but flowering and overall health are optimized with full sun exposure.
TemperatureMarguerite daisies prefer a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a maximum temperature up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and are generally able to withstand a minimum temperature down to about 32 degrees Fahrenheit, though frost can damage them. Ideal conditions are in the mild to warm range to encourage vigorous growth and blooming.
PruningPruning marguerite daisies helps to maintain their shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. A more extensive pruning should be done in the early spring or late fall, cutting back the stems by about one-third to maintain a compact form. Pruning after the summer bloom may also encourage a second bloom cycle in the fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMarguerite Daisy prefers well-draining soil with a peat-based potting mix and added perlite or sand. The ideal soil pH for Marguerite Daisy should be slightly acidic to neutral, in the range of 6.5 to 7.0.
RepottingMarguerite Daisy should be repotted every 1 to 2 years or when it outgrows its current pot to give its roots enough space to grow and ensure the best health of the plant.
Humidity & MistingMarguerite Daisy thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, around 50-60%, to maintain its vibrant foliage and support its flowering.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Marguerite Daisy in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Full sun for Marguerite Daisy, and shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleArgyranthemum foeniculaceum 'Royal Haze', commonly known as Marguerite Daisy, starts its life cycle as a seed, requiring well-draining soil and warm conditions to germinate. After seed germination, the seedling emerges and transitions to the vegetative growth stage, developing a rosette of lacy, fern-like leaves and a sturdy stem. As it matures, the Marguerite Daisy enters the flowering stage, where it produces distinctive daisy-like flowers with yellow centers and white, pink, or purple petals that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Following pollination, the plant sets seed, which is the reproductive stage, ensuring the continuation of its life cycle. Marguerite Daisy typically has a perennial life cycle in mild climates, dying back in winter to reemerge in spring; however, in colder regions, it may be grown as an annual. Throughout its life, regular pruning encourages bushier growth and more prolific flowering, until the plant eventually senesces.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Marguerite Daisy, known by its botanical name Argyranthemum foeniculaceum 'Royal Haze', is through cuttings. This is commonly done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, a gardener would take a cutting approximately 3-4 inches (about 7.6-10.2 centimeters) long from a healthy stem that hasn't flowered. The lower leaves of the cutting are then stripped off, and the cut end is dipped into a rooting hormone before being placed into a well-draining potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist but not soggy, and the cutting should be placed in a bright area with indirect sunlight. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new Marguerite Daisy plants can gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions and then be transplanted into the garden.
