Marguerite
Argyranthemum frutescens · Asteraceae
📷 Alvesgaspar · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant marguerite: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Anthemis, Shrubby Daisy
- Foliage
- Evergreen, finely cut and gray-green
- Flowering
- Almost year-round, peaks in spring and summer
- Mature size
- 0.60 to 1.20 m in height and width
- Hardiness
- Low frost tolerance, down to around -5°C
- Growth
- Fast
- Origin
- Canary Islands
- Soil type
- Well-drained, light, poor to moderately fertile
Care
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season, especially in summer, but let the substrate dry out slightly between waterings. In winter, reduce watering to the bare minimum. Avoid excessive moisture as it promotes root rot.
Light exposure
Place it in full sun: this is the key to abundant flowering and compact growth. It tolerates light partial shade, but flowers less generously. The more light it receives, the more beautiful it becomes.
Soil and drainage
Prepare a very well-drained substrate, even rocky or sandy. It cannot tolerate waterlogged soil. In a pot, use a mixture of light potting soil + perlite or gravel to ensure optimal drainage.
Pruning and pinching
Pinch out young stems regularly to encourage branching and a bushy habit. After flowering, cut back branches by one-third to rejuvenate the plant and encourage more blooms. Remove spent flowers to stimulate the production of new flowers.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing and flowering period. Don't over-feed: an overly nourished plant becomes sluggish and flowers less.
Pests and diseases
Watch for spider mites and aphids in hot, dry climates. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent powdery mildew. In case of infestation, spray with soapy water or a mild insecticide.
Did you know?
Anthemis originates from the Canary Islands where it grows on sunny rocky slopes: this is why it adores sunlight and tolerates aridity. Once called the 'Daisy of Eternity' by Mediterranean horticulturists, it symbolizes endless flowering because it blooms almost year-round in a favorable climate.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- YarrowAchillea millefolium
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- SneezewortAchillea ptarmica
- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.