Marguerites

Known by botanists as Chrysanthemum frutescens, Marguerites are sometimes referred to as the Paris daisy or marguerite daisy.

Description
Marguerites have green, woody stems and typically produce dainty white flowers, though pink and yellow varieties also exist. The plants are usually around 60cm tall, although they can grow up to a metre in height if planted in suitable conditions.

Habitat
Originating in the warm Canary Islands, Marguerites will thrive if planted in full sunshine. The flowers grow best in sandy, clay or loam type soils and adapt well to different levels of acidity.

Availability
Potted Marguerites flower freely throughout the summer months and, although they are a perennial shrub, they are likely to require replanting after several years. They are readily available from garden centres and nurseries during the spring and can be planted outside once you are certain the last frosts are over. Alternatively, they can be propagated in a greenhouse.

Species
Marguerites are of the frutescens species. Similar to Leucanthemum, or ox-eye daisies, they were formerly considered to be part of the Chrysanthemum genus but have been reclassified as Argyranthemum, making them part of the Aster family.

Care Tips
Marguerites do not tolerate cold climates and will lose their green leaves if temperatures drop too low. Regular dead-heading will encourage the growth of new flowers. Adding mulch, manure or other forms of organic fertiliser to the soil before planting can also help to promote strong, healthy flowers. Marguerites can be susceptible to pests such as Leaf Miners and occasionally suffer from disease. They may benefit from careful treatment with insecticides or fungicides.

Did you know?
As well as being known as ‘Paris Daisies’, Marguerites also go by the nicknames ‘Oxeye daisy’, ‘Moon daisy’ and ‘Dog daisy’.

References
http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=5710
http://www.gardeningcentral.org/chrysanthemum_frutescens/chrysanthemum_frutescens.html