The marguerite daisy, also known by its Latin name Argyranthemum frutescens, is a popular landscaping flower. Depending on the species, it can range in color from white to yellow to pink to purple. It grows well in a wide range of climates, but thrives in cool weather. Some people believe it looks similar to the Shasta daisy, but the marguerite daisy is a bit more shrub-like.
The blooms of the marguerite daisy are fullest in the fall and spring months, when the weather is cool. It will bloom, albeit a little less prolifically, in the summer months as well. Once the first frost hits, however, and the temperature dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (O degrees Celsius), the plants will become damaged.
Lighting is not a big issue with the marguerite daisy. It can grow well in both full and partial sunlight. The plant can reach heights and widths of 2 feet (0.61 m). Unlike many plants, this daisy only requires moderate watering. In fact, it can even live indoors for short periods of time, if an early or late frost may occur.
It is generally believed that most varieties of marguerite daisies originated in the Canary Islands. The various species and subspecies may be the results of hybridizing. Depending on the species of the daisy, it may have been imported from several areas around the world. For example, the blue marguerite daisy came from South Africa and the white Harvest Snow daisy was brought to other areas from Germany.
The marguerite daisy is often used as a border in gardens and along fences. Because of the abundance of brightly colored blooms, many people plant them in containers for their patio gardens as well. In addition, they attract bees and butterflies, making them popular in butterfly gardens. Because they thrives in cooler climates, they are often added to alpine gardens, also.
Diseases and pests rarely affect the marguerite daisy. It prefers, though, to grow in soil that drains well. If the soil retains water, the plant may be susceptible to rot, mold, and mildew. Although rather uncommon, pests such as aphids, mites, and thrips, may infest the plant. There are pesticides that can alleviate these problems.
Considered a perennial, the marguerite daisy grows for about two to three seasons. During the blooming season, gardeners can increase the blooms and the thickness of the plant by trimming back the blooms. Each time the blooms are trimmed, they will grow back a bit thicker.