Madeira Marguerite Argyranthemum maderense pale-flowered
ABOUT
The Pale-flowered Marguerite Daisy is a flowering plant that is widely admired for its charming and delicate appearance. It boasts a profusion of daisy-like flowers, which are characterized by their pale, almost translucent petals. These petals radiate around a central disc that is typically a brighter yellow, creating a lovely contrast that is visually striking. The overall form of the Pale-flowered Marguerite Daisy is bushy, with an abundant and lush foliage that provides a dense backdrop for the blossoms. The leaves of this plant are deeply lobed, with a slightly serrated edge, giving them a textured and intricate appearance. Their color is typically a robust green, contributing to the vividness of the plant's overall palette. The flowers themselves are borne on slender stems that emerge from the verdant foliage, creating a whimsical display that seems to float above the leaves. The plant blooms generously, which adds to its appeal as a choice for gardeners looking for a continuous display of color in their gardens. Overall, the Pale-flowered Marguerite Daisy is appreciated for its delightful flowers, which can add a touch of elegance to any setting. Its bushy, green foliage complements the soft-hued blooms, making it a beautiful addition to a variety of garden designs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Madeira Crispum, Paris Daisy
Common names
Chrysanthemum frutescens, Argyranthemum foeniculaceum, Chrysanthemum foeniculaceum, Pyrethrum foeniculaceum, Argyranthemum frutescens
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the Marguerite daisy is not widely recognized as being toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or specific symptoms commonly associated with poisoning from this plant. Thus, it is generally considered non-toxic. However, individual cases of sensitivity or allergic reactions could potentially occur. If any part of the plant is ingested and adverse symptoms appear, medical advice should be sought.
To pets
Similar to its effect on humans, the Marguerite daisy is not typically known to be toxic to pets. There are no specific symptoms of poisoning that are commonly reported as a result of pets ingesting this plant. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion of large quantities could potentially cause mild stomach upset in some pets. If any unusual symptoms arise, a veterinarian should be consulted.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pale-yellow
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Canary Islands
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: The flowers of Marguerite daisy serve as a food source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- Adds aesthetic value: With its delicate pale flowers, Marguerite daisy adds beauty and color to gardens and landscapes, enhancing visual appeal.
- Ease of care: Marguerite daisy is known for being low-maintenance, which makes it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, this plant can tolerate periods of dryness, making it suitable for water-wise gardens and in regions with water scarcity.
- Versatility in landscaping: Marguerite daisy can be used in various garden settings, such as borders, containers, and as a ground cover, providing flexibility in garden design.
- Rapid growth: The plant grows relatively quickly, which helps in achieving a full and lush garden appearance in a shorter period.
- Long blooming season: With its long flowering period, Marguerite daisy ensures that gardens have vibrant color for most of the year.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Decorative pressed flowers: The pale flowers of Marguerite Daisy can be pressed and used in crafting, such as in homemade cards or bookmarks.
- Dye production: Historically, some species of the daisy family have been used to make natural dyes; the petals of Marguerite Daisy may similarly be used to create pale yellow or greenish dyes.
- Garden plant support: When trimmed and dried, the sturdier stems of Marguerite Daisy can provide support for other more delicate or floppy plants in the garden.
- Photography subject: With its attractive pale flowers, Marguerite Daisy is a popular choice for photographers looking for natural subjects to practice macro photography.
- Educational tool: Marguerite Daisy can be used in biology classes to teach about plant life cycles and reproductive strategies, including seed dispersal and pollination.
- Nature-inspired art: Artists can use Marguerite Daisy as a muse or an actual element incorporated into paintings, sculptures, or installation art.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried, the blooms are used in bouquets or floral arrangements for events and decor, lending a delicate charm.
- Erosion control: When planted en masse, the root system of Marguerite Daisy helps to stabilize soil and control erosion in hilly or sloped gardens.
- Butterfly gardening: These plants can be included in butterfly gardens to attract and support the life cycles of various butterfly species.
- Culinary decoration: Although not commonly consumed, the petals can be used as a decorative and edible garnish on desserts and salads after confirming non-toxicity.
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- Resilience: Argyranthemum maderense pale-flowered, commonly known as Marguerite daisy, often symbolizes resilience as it thrives in challenging conditions of its native habitat, the Madeira Islands.
- Purity: The pale color of Marguerite daisy's flowers is commonly associated with purity and innocence.
- Cheerfulness: Marguerite daisies generally represent cheerfulness due to their bright, uplifting appearance and the way they bring a joyful presence to gardens and landscapes.
- Patience: These plants may take time to bloom, which is why they can symbolize patience, routinely developing their blossoms to full beauty.
- Positivity: Just as the Marguerite daisy brightens the area around it, it is often linked to positivity and the power to light up someone’s day.
WaterMarguerite daisies should be watered regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water them thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. It's essential to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. When watering, aim for about one gallon of water per plant, which should sufficiently hydrate the roots without causing excess moisture. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again. In hot, dry periods, you might need to water more frequently, while in cooler, wetter conditions, watering can be reduced.
LightMarguerite daisies thrive in full sun to partial shade, but they bloom best when they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Place them in a spot where they can benefit from the morning sun, which is less harsh than the afternoon sun. However, they can tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureMarguerite daisies prefer moderate temperatures and do well in conditions ranging from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. The ideal temperature range for these daisies is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit to encourage optimal growth and flowering.
PruningPrune Marguerite daisies to maintain their shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote more blooms. Deadhead regularly to remove spent flowers and cut back the plant by one-third after the main flowering burst, usually in mid-summer. Seasonal pruning should be done in early spring or fall to remove any dead or damaged stems and to prepare the plant for the growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMarguerite Daisy prefers a well-draining, loamy soil mixed with organic matter like peat or compost. Ideal soil pH should range from 6.1 to 7.3 for optimal growth.
RepottingMarguerite Daisy should be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingMarguerite Daisy thrives best in moderate humidity conditions, ideally between 40% to 70%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, ensure good air flow for Marguerite Daisy.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, protect from strong winds for Marguerite Daisy.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Canary Island Marguerite, Argyranthemum maderense pale-flowered, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which requires well-drained soil and a sunny position. After germination, the plant enters the vegetative stage, growing leaves and stems and establishing a robust root system. Throughout the growing season, it develops numerous daisy-like pale flowers, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction, leading to seed formation. After flowering and seed set, the plant may experience a period of dormancy, especially in regions with a cooler climate. In its natural habitat or with proper care in cultivation, the Canary Island Marguerite will perennially regrow, completing its lifecycle by returning to the vegetative stage in the following season. In colder climates, it may be treated as an annual, with its life ending after seed production if it is not able to survive the winter conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The most popular method of propagating the Marguerite daisy, which is commonly known as Argyranthemum maderense pale-flowered, is through softwood cuttings. This technique is commonly performed during the late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate, one would take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 cm) long from a healthy, non-flowering stem. The lower leaves of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a moistened mixture of half perlite and half peat, ensuring that at least two sets of leaf nodes are buried. The potted cutting should be kept in a warm, well-lit area but out of direct sunlight until roots have developed, which typically takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new plant can be transplanted into the garden or a more permanent container.
