Marguerite Daisy Argyranthemum 'Starlight'
ABOUT
Argyranthemum 'Starlight' is characterized by its vibrant, daisy-like flowers that imbue it with a cheerful and bright appearance. The blossoms are typically white with a yellow center, projecting a starry look that likely influenced its name. The petals radiate neatly around the central disk, and the overall impression given by these flowers is one of elegance and simplicity. The plant itself has a bushy growth habit, featuring lush green foliage that provides a dense backdrop for the profusion of flowers. The leaves are finely divided, almost fern-like in appearance, soft to the touch, and slightly fragrant when agitated. This verdant foliage not only complements the white of the blooms but also creates a textural contrast that can be very appealing in a garden setting. The flowering season for Argyranthemum 'Starlight' typically extends through the warmer months, and during this time the plant can become a focal point of continuous blooming. As a member of the daisy family, the resemblance to other daisy-type flowers is evident, yet 'Starlight' often stands out for its particularly abundant flowering and the clean, crisp coloration of its blooms. Overall, Argyranthemum 'Starlight' has an appearance that suggests a blend of the charming and the robust, making it a popular choice for those wanting to add a splash of bright, long-lasting color to their outdoor spaces without the intricacies of more high-maintenance floral varieties.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Marguerite Daisy, Paris Daisy, Cobbity Daisy
Common names
Argyranthemum 'Starlight'.
ToxicityTo humans
Marguerite daisy is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, it's always wise to avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically grown for consumption, as they may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Marguerite daisy is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. While it is not common for pets to have severe reactions to this plant, ingestion in large amounts might cause mild gastrointestinal upset, so it is still best to prevent your pets from consuming it.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Canary Islands
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Argyranthemum 'Starlight', commonly known as marguerite daisy, attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to your garden, which can help pollinate other plants.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being low maintenance and easy to grow, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long Blooming Season: Marguerite daisies have a long flowering period, often providing continuous blooms from spring through to autumn, offering extended visual interest in the garden.
- Versatile Planting Options: They can be used in borders, containers, and hanging baskets, providing flexibility in garden design and use of space.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, these plants are relatively drought tolerant, requiring less frequent watering, which is beneficial in water-scarce regions.
- Color Variety: Argyranthemum 'Starlight' provides an array of color options with its daisy-like flowers, often white, yellow, or pink, which can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any garden space.
- Fast Growing: The plant grows quickly, allowing gardeners to enjoy its full beauty without a long waiting period after planting.
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: The Argyranthemum 'Starlight' can be used as a stunning background or a focal point in garden photography due to its vibrant blooms.
- Art Inspiration: Artists may draw inspiration from the intricate patterns and lively colors of the Starlight daisy for various art projects, including painting and textile design.
- Educational Tool: Horticulturalists and educators might use the plant to teach botany students about hybridization and plant breeding.
- Thematic Decor: Starlight daisy can be integrated into themed garden designs, such as a starry-night or celestial theme, because of its star-like flowers.
- Event Decor: The bright and cheerful flowers of Starlight daisy can be used for decorating venues for occasions like weddings, garden parties, or summer events.
- Attracting Beneficial Insects: Starlight daisies can be planted to attract beneficial insects like butterflies and bees that are important for pollination.
- Table Centerpieces: The flowers, when cut, can be placed in small vases to create lively table centerpieces for restaurants or cafes with outdoor seating.
- Crafts: The flowers can be used in dried flower arrangements or potpourri mixes to add fragrance and color.
- Mood Enhancement: The presence of Starlight daisies in a room or garden might have a positive effect on people’s mood due to their bright and cheerful appearance.
- Film and Theatre Sets: These plants can be used on film or theatre sets to create a specific setting or atmosphere, like a lush garden or a romantic outdoor scene.
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- Hope: As a flowering plant that can bloom brightly, Argyranthemum 'Starlight' symbolizes hope, suggesting the promise of better times or renewal.
- Innocence: The delicate white flowers of the 'Starlight' are often associated with purity and innocence, reminiscent of a clear night sky.
- Positivity: The bright appearance of Argyranthemum 'Starlight' can represent positivity and an optimistic outlook on life.
- New Beginnings: The plant's propensity to bloom anew each season makes it a symbol for new beginnings and fresh starts.
- Perseverance: Being a hardy perennial, the 'Starlight' can also be symbolic of perseverance and the ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
WaterMarguerite daisies, including the Argyranthemum 'Starlight', prefer to be watered deeply and then allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. It is best to water these plants once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, depending on the size of the plant and the climate conditions. During hot and dry periods, they may need water more frequently, but always check the soil moisture before watering. Ensure water is applied directly to the soil to avoid wetting the foliage, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
LightMarguerite daisies thrive in full sun, where they receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Position the Argyranthemum 'Starlight' in a spot that is sunny and bright to encourage optimal growth and abundant flowering. They can tolerate a bit of light shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureThe Marguerite daisy performs best in mild to warm temperatures, ideally between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost, which can damage the plant. The maximum temperature for sustaining healthy growth is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, after which the plant may experience stress.
PruningPruning Marguerite daisies encourages bushier growth and more abundant blooms. The Argyranthemum 'Starlight' should be pruned in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. Additionally, a more substantial pruning may be needed after the main flowering period to rejuvenate the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMarguerite Daisy 'Starlight' thrives in a well-draining potting mix composed of equal parts peat, perlite, and loam. The ideal soil pH for this plant should range between 6.1 to 7.5, maintaining a slightly acidic to neutral balance. Regular organic matter enrichment can benefit the plant’s growth and flower production.
RepottingMarguerite Daisy 'Starlight' generally needs to be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Repotting is best done in the spring or early summer, which are the active growth periods for the plant.
Humidity & MistingMarguerite Daisy 'Starlight' prefers moderate humidity levels, aiming for about 40-50% relative humidity, which is typical of indoor environments. Avoid placing the plant in excessively dry or damp conditions to maintain its health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Starlight in bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sun.
Outdoor
Plant Starlight in sunny spot, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Marguerite Daisy 'Starlight' begins with seed germination, where the seeds require light to germinate and should be sown on the surface of a well-drained soil mix. After sprouting, the seedling stage involves establishing roots and producing the first set of true leaves. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops a robust foliage system and branches, preparing for flowering. The flowering stage follows, wherein 'Starlight' produces its characteristic daisy-like flowers with bright colors which attract pollinators and may re-bloom if deadheaded. Throughout its life, this perennial plant may also undergo a stage of dormancy, particularly during colder seasons, only to return to active growth in spring. Finally, if conditions permit, the plant may set seeds that mature, completing the cycle, or it can be propagated through cuttings to maintain desirable characteristics.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Argyranthemum 'Starlight', commonly known as Marguerite Daisy, can be effectively propagated through the method of softwood cuttings. This popular propagation technique is typically undertaken in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is mature enough yet still flexible. To propagate, a stem cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) is taken, ensuring that at least two sets of leaves are present. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, humid environment until roots have established, which usually takes a few weeks. During this time, the cutting should be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent it from drying out. After the new Marguerite Daisy has grown strong enough, it can be transplanted to a more permanent location in the garden or a container.
