How to Grow and Care for Marguerite Daisies
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Not as well known as the more common Gerber daisy, the marguerite daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens) is a daisy with a shrubby form that has small white, pink, or yellow blooms that are 2 to 3 inches in diameter. This sun-loving plant can be grown as a perennial in certain areas but is more often grown as an annual and used for cuttings. Any way it is used, this little daisy can brighten up a garden.
Botanical Name | Argyranthemum frutescens |
Common Name | Marguerite daisy |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
Mature Size | 2-3 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide |
Sun Exposure | Full sun |
Soil Type | Fertile, well-drained |
Soil pH | Neutral to slightly acidic |
Bloom Time | Seasonal bloomer |
Bloom Color | Pink, yellow, white |
Hardiness Zone | 10-11 (USDA) |
Native Range | Canary Islands |
Where and How to Plant Marguerite Daisies
Marguerite daisies should be planted in a spot with full sun and fertile, well-draining soil. This species of daisy has a mounding form, so planting it together with other marguerite daisies in a mass looks fantastic. It also makes for an excellent potted plant.
Care
Marguerite daisies are easy to care for and require little work to reach their full potential. They are tender perennials, so a few things are essential to know when it comes to caring for them and keeping them healthy and blooming throughout their entire lifespan.
Plant the marguerite daisy in an area that receives full sun.
Ensure the plant's soil is fertile and well-draining.
Prune or deadhead old blooms.
Be careful not to overwater once established.
Light
Place your marguerite daisy in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Care should be taken, though, if you are in an area with extreme heat; consider planting it in a spot that gets most of its sun in the morning.
Soil
The marguerite daisy is not very picky when it comes to soil needs. Provide it with fertile, well-draining, neutral to slightly acidic soil. If your soil is not fertile, amend it with compost while planting.
Water
Water your marguerite daisy often when it is first planted. Once it’s established, watering can be tapered off to an inch a week unless you are in a hot and dry climate, in which case more can be provided.
Test the soil for moisture by inserting your finger an inch or two into the ground. If the soil is not moist, give your daisy some water. (Overwatering will cause more problems than underwatering, so when in doubt, wait a little longer until you water again.)
Temperature and Humidity
Your location determines whether you grow marguerite daisy as a perennial or an annual. Anywhere outside of USDA zones 10 through 11 will grow marguerite daisies as annuals. In zones 10 through 11, your plant will be a perennial.
No matter your hardiness zone, the marguerite daisy prefers cooler temperatures under 70° F. If the temperatures rise above 70° F, there will be a noticeable drop in bloom production.
Fertilizer
If you’ve amended poor soil with compost and still see a lack of blooms and fullness, consider an all-purpose liquid fertilizer. It’s possible though that with all-purpose fertilizer your plant may become scraggily and leggy, rather than have more blooms.
Pruning
Marguerite daisy does not require pruning as it will have a naturally shrubby appearance but removing past blooms or deadheading will increase blooms and make the plant develop a thicker, bushier appearance.
Types
One of the fantastic things about marguerite daisy is the large number of cultivars available to suit your needs for color, size, blooms, and form. While there are dozens, here are five of the more popular marguerite daisy cultivars:
Argyranthemum frutescens 'Everest': Prolific blooms compared to the wild type.
Argyranthemum frutescens 'Sassy Red': Intense red blooms with a yellow and red bullseye center.
Argyranthemum frutescens 'Sassy Double Deep Rose': Rose pink blooms, similar to chrysanthemum.
Argyranthemum frutescens 'Comet Pink': Delicate pink blooms, very suited for a cottage aesthetic.
Argyranthemum frutescens 'Percussion Fire': A neon pink selection that makes a bold statement.
Propagation
The easiest way to propagate marguerite daisies is to take stem cuttings. You will want to do this when the plant is not blooming and from a healthy stem. Here's how:
Snip off a few cuttings at least three inches long just below a leaf node using sharp scissors.
Remove any leaves on the lower part of the cutting,
Fill a small pot with a regular potting mix that is moist but not soggy.
Plant the stem into the potting mix, ensuring at least one node is below the soil's surface. Dipping the stem in a rooting hormone can help speed up the process.
Place the plant somewhere that gets bright, indirect light.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. After a few weeks, gently tug the cutting. If you feel resistance, it means the plant has rooted and you can now care for it as usual.
Growing in Pots
Growing a marguerite daisy in a pot may be the best option if you live in an area that regularly gets temperatures below 40° F or above 70°F. These plants can become quite large (two to three feet when mature), so remember to plant it in a large enough pot to contain them.
Besides choosing the correct pot size, there is really not much involved in growing these beautiful flowers in pots. Pot them in the early spring, and remember to move them indoors to a sunny space when the temperature goes too high or low, and your plant will be happy.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Luckily, the marguerite daisy is not bothered by most insects that cause lasting issues. You may see the common garden pests like aphids invade occasionally, but these are not really a concern and can be eliminated with a strong jet of water or neem oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the marguerite daisy a perennial or an annual?
In zones USDA 10 through 11, marguerite daisy grows as a perennial; outside those zones, it will grow as an annual.
Is a daisy the same thing as a marguerite?
No, daisy and marguerites are two separate plants in two different genus. A daisy is Bellis perennis, and a marguerite daisy is Argyranthemum frutescens. Marguerite is the French word for daisy.
How long do marguerite daisies live?
In USDA zones 10 through 11, the marguerite daisy will live on average for two to three years. Outside of zones 10 through 11, the marguerite daisy will die once the temperatures drop below freezing.
Read the original article on The Spruce.
