Marguerite Argyranthemum foeniculaceum
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Marguerite:
Previously known as:
- Chrysanthemum foeniculaceum
- Matricaria feniculacea
- Phonetic Spelling
- ar-ji-RAN-the-mum fen-ick-yoo-lah-KEE-um
- Description
-
This daisy-like bushy plant is grown as an evergreen herbaceous perennial in its native habitat, which includes North Africa and the Canary Islands, primarily on dry cliffs in rock crevices. In other locations, it can be grown as an annual.
It has both male and female organs and is pollinated by insects. It is suitable for both dry and moist locations, however, it will decline when high humidity is present. This drought-tolerant plant cannot grow in shade, full sun is ideal. Ensure to provide a sheltered location with some protection from the afternoon sun in hotter climates.
The blooms grow above the leaves, forming a carpet of white. Removal of dead flowers may extend the blooming period. This plant can be reshaped by pruning after all flowering has completed.
In some locations worldwide, the plant has been declared as an environmental weed, escaping gardens and creating competition to other native plants.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Will not grow in shade. Aphids and leaf-mining sawflies are common insects.
Poor drainage may lead to fungal problems.
The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Chelsea Girl'
Grown to 18" tall - 'Royal Haze'
Compact form
- 'Chelsea Girl'
- 'Chelsea Girl', 'Royal Haze'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Chelsea Girl'
Grown to 18" tall - 'Royal Haze'
Compact form
- 'Chelsea Girl'
- 'Chelsea Girl', 'Royal Haze'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Argyranthemum
- Species:
- foeniculaceum
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Canary Islands (Tenerife)
- Wildlife Value:
- Bees, birds, and butterflies are attracted to the flowers.
- Play Value:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Wildlife Food Source
- Edibility:
- The leaves are edible.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
-
-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Mounding
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Fine
-
-
Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Occasionally Wet
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
-
-
Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
-
-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Solitary
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Long Bloom Season
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Petals:
- more than 20 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- The flowers are a daisy-like white with a yellow center. They have a long blooming period.
-
-
Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Leaf Type:
- Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Other/more complex
- Leaf Shape:
- Obovate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- The gray-green leaves can grow to 4".
-
-
Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Multi-branched with ascending stems.
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Patio
- Slope/Bank
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Cottage Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses