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Argyranthemum foeniculaceum is often confused with:
Leucanthemum vulgare Leucanthemum vulgare
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Aralia spinosa Aralia spinosa - axil prickles
Asclepias tuberosa Asclepias tuberosa
Hydrangea arborescens 'NCHA3' InvincibelleĀ® Ruby Hydrangea arborescens 'NCHA3' PPAF
Argyranthemum foeniculaceum has some common insect problems:
Aphids on Ornamental Landscape Plants
Aphids Found on Flowers and Foliage

Summer Daisy Argyranthemum foeniculaceum

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', 'Royal Haze'
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#white flowers#yellow flowers#frost tender#blue leaves#tender perennial#daisy-like#long bloom time#pollinator plant#compact habit#bird friendly#butterfly friendly#problem for cats#problem for dogs#bee friendly#problem for horses#humidity intolerant#compact#wet soils intolerant#shade intolerant#annual#tender#wildflower#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Chelsea Girl'
    Grown to 18" tall
  • 'Royal Haze'
    Compact form
'Chelsea Girl', 'Royal Haze'
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#white flowers#yellow flowers#frost tender#blue leaves#tender perennial#daisy-like#long bloom time#pollinator plant#compact habit#bird friendly#butterfly friendly#problem for cats#problem for dogs#bee friendly#problem for horses#humidity intolerant#compact#wet soils intolerant#shade intolerant#annual#tender#wildflower#wildlife friendly
  • 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