Argyranthemum frutescens

Marguerite, Paris Daisy

Annuals, Perennials, Flowers

This Canary Island native is grown as a short-lived perennial in Zones 14–24 and H1, as asummer annual in Zones 3–11, and as a winter annual in Zones 12, 13. Plant forms a neat mound of bright green, coarselydivided leaves on woody-based, 3-ft. stems bearing abundant 1 1/2–2 1/2-in. daisies in white or shades of yellow and pink.Splendid in containers and for quick effects in borders and mass displays. A small plantset out in spring can form a 4-by-4-ft. mound by summer. Blooms most of the year in mild climates. Thrives near coast; also inland if given sufficientwater and good drainage, but may freeze in cold winters.

Dozens of fine selections andhybrids are available, and new ones come on the market each year. Flowers of many have classicdaisy shape, with a singlerow of petals surrounding a large yellow center; double and anemoneforms are delightful variations on the theme. Blooms come in white and every shade of yellow and pink; foliage color varies from blue through grayshades of green. Dwarf varieties are also available.

When buying plants, avoid large, vigorous-looking ones with big leaves—they will bloom sparsely. Also avoid plants showing signs of fasciation (flattening or widening of stems) near root crown (at plant’s base).