How to Grow and Care for Margarette Daisies

The “Margarette” daisy, more formally known as the Marguerite daisy or by its botanical name Argyranthemum frutescens, is a popular garden addition. This plant is recognized for its cheerful, classic daisy-like flowers that can be white, yellow, or pink, all surrounding a central yellow disc. Its foliage is a bright green and has a fine, almost fern-like texture.

Often grown as an annual in many climates, the Marguerite daisy is a tender perennial native to the Canary Islands. Its shrubby, mounding growth habit makes it well-suited for filling out garden beds, and it performs equally well in containers and window boxes.

Planting Margarette Daisies

The ideal time to plant Marguerite daisies is in the spring, once all danger of frost has passed and the soil has started to warm. This timing allows the plant to establish its root system during the cooler, moist conditions of spring, preparing it for the heat of summer.

For the best performance, select a planting location that receives full sun. In regions with particularly hot summers, a spot that gets morning sun and some afternoon shade can be beneficial. When planting multiple daisies, space them about two to three feet apart to allow them to reach their mature spread without overcrowding.

Marguerite daisies require fertile, well-draining soil. If your garden soil is heavy clay or tends to stay wet, amend it with organic matter like compost to improve its structure and drainage. When setting the plant in the ground or a container, dig a hole that is as deep as the root ball and about twice as wide, placing the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.

Margarette Daisy Care Essentials

Water

Consistent moisture is important for keeping Marguerite daisies healthy and flowering during their active growing season. Water the plants regularly, aiming to provide about an inch of water per week, but always check the soil first. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root issues.

Soil

Excellent drainage is necessary for Marguerite daisies, as they are susceptible to root rot if their roots sit in waterlogged soil. They are adaptable to various soil types but perform best in moderately fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. When planting in containers, use a high-quality potting mix that incorporates materials like perlite or vermiculite to ensure water drains freely.

Light

To achieve the most prolific blooming, Marguerite daisies must be planted in an area that receives full sun. A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily is recommended to provide the energy needed for vigorous growth and a constant supply of flowers. Plants that receive less than this amount of light may still grow, but they often become “leggy,” with long, sparse stems and significantly fewer blooms.

Fertilizer

To support their long blooming season, Marguerite daisies benefit from regular feeding. Apply a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer monthly during the summer, following the product’s instructions. This consistent supply of nutrients helps the plant continually produce flowers from spring through fall.

Temperature and Hardiness

Marguerite daisies are considered tender perennials in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, where they can survive the winter outdoors. In these warmer climates, they behave like small evergreen shrubs. In colder regions, they are grown as annuals because they will not survive freezing temperatures. They can be overwintered indoors in a cool, bright location where temperatures remain above freezing.

Pruning for Continuous Blooms

To maximize the flower output of your Marguerite daisy, practice deadheading. This simple task involves removing the spent flowers once they begin to fade. By pinching or snipping off the old blooms, you prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production and instead encourage it to produce a new wave of flowers.

As the season progresses, some Marguerite daisies can become leggy, with long stems and sparser foliage, particularly in the heat of mid-summer. To rejuvenate the plant and encourage a more compact, bushy shape, a light shearing can be performed. This involves cutting back the entire plant by about one-third of its growth and is often followed by a fresh flush of blooms as temperatures cool.

Common Margarette Daisy Problems

Aphids are a common pest and can be found clustered on new growth or the undersides of leaves. In most cases, a strong spray of water from a hose can dislodge them. Insecticidal soap can be used for more persistent infestations.

Root rot is a common disease resulting from overwatering or planting in soil with poor drainage. Symptoms include yellowing leaves and a general lack of vigor. Once root rot has set in, it can be difficult to reverse.