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Marguerite Daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens), whole plant
  • Marguerite Daisy — close-up of leaves and flowers
  • Marguerite Daisy — seasonal appearance
  • Marguerite Daisy in a garden setting

Marguerite Daisy

Argyranthemum frutescens

Medium · Some experience

About Marguerite Daisy

Marguerite Daisy or Paris Daisy is a Canary Islands tender perennial grown as an annual shrubby plant across the US, producing continuous 2-inch daisy flowers in white, yellow, pink, or red on mounded plants 18 to 36 inches tall. A classic standard (tree-form) plant for Victorian-style American containers, and a staple of European-style spring container gardening in Pacific Northwest and Northeast nurseries.

  • Cut-flower
  • Deer-resistant
  • Container-friendly
  • Long-blooming
WATER
Regular
Top inch dry
LIGHT
Full sun
6+ hrs direct
HARDY
Hardy to 20°F (-7°C)
USDA hardiness zones 9–11

How to care for Marguerite Daisy

Watering

  • Springevery 4 days
  • Summerevery 3 days
  • Fallevery 5 days
  • Winterevery 7 days

Soil · Well-draining

  • Top dressingPine bark mulch10%
  • Main mixPotting soil + perlite 2:170%
  • DrainageLECA / gravel20%

Never skip the drainage layer — standing water is the top cause of root rot.

FERTILIZER

Balanced Feed 14-14-14

An even feed covers all three needs at once, keeping leaves, roots and blooms moving together with nothing pushed out of balance.

N33%P33%K33%
  • Nitrogen · Leaves
  • Phosphorus · Roots + Blooms
  • Potassium · Strength
  • Springevery 21 days
  • Summerevery 21 days
  • Fallevery 30 days
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At a Glance

  • Height1–3 ft (0.3–0.9 m)
  • Spread1–3 ft (0.3–0.9 m)
  • Flower colorWhite, Pink, Yellow, Red
  • Foliage colorGreen
  • SoilLoamy, Well-drained, Sandy
  • LocationsBalcony · Yard

Bloom time

BLOOM CYCLE

Peak bloom

Mar–Nov

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Classic white or yellow daisies spring through fall

Fragrance

LIGHT FRAGRANCE

The foliage has an aromatic foliage when bruised scent.

Toxicity

Toxicity unknown

None reported

Unknown

EXPOSURE Unspecified plant material.

EFFECT Toxic effects are not specified.

NOTE Toxicity for humans is not well documented; use caution until verified.

Unknown

EXPOSURE Unspecified plant material.

EFFECT Toxic effects are not specified.

NOTE Toxicity for dogs is not well documented; use caution until verified.

Unknown

EXPOSURE Unspecified plant material.

EFFECT Toxic effects are not specified.

NOTE Toxicity for cats is not well documented; use caution until verified.

Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.

DISTRIBUTION

Marguerite Daisy · Native
  • Native
  • Introduced

History

Illustrated historical scene for Marguerite Daisy

Argyranthemum frutescens, the marguerite daisy or Paris daisy, is a shrubby daisy endemic to the Canary Islands, chiefly Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and La Palma. Carl Linnaeus described it as Chrysanthemum frutescens in 1753 before South African botanist Schultz-Bipontinus transferred it to Argyranthemum in 1844. Victorian Paris gardeners mass-planted the white-flowered species in public parks in the 1870s, giving rise to the name Paris daisy.

The plant fell out of commercial favor during much of the 20th century until Danish breeder John Toll released the Summersong and Butterfly series in the 1980s, followed by the Madeira, Angelic, Molimba, Grandaisy, and Honeybees series. Modern cultivars span white, pink, yellow, and soft red, making marguerite one of the top cool-season and Mediterranean bedding plants worldwide.

Native to the Canary Islands, introduced to European gardens in the 1600s via Madeira and to American gardens by the 1800s. Traditional Parisian flower-market plant, still sold in French-style tree standards at upscale American nurseries each spring.

Symbolism & meaning

What It Symbolizes

The Marguerite Daisy is the original 'he loves me, he loves me not' flower, the petal-plucked oracle of true love in countless French novels and films. Its white-and-gold simplicity is a staple of Parisian flower markets, lending Parisian grace to balcony pots from Montmartre to the Marais. To give a marguerite is to risk an old, charming superstition — and to invite an honest answer.

  • True love — classic 'he loves me' petal-plucking daisy
  • Parisian grace — staple of French flower markets

Where the Name Comes From

The name Marguerite Daisy describes its daisy-like flower heads. 'Argyranthemum' from Greek 'argyros-anthemon' meaning silver flower; 'frutescens' means shrubby, for the woody base.

Uses & Fun Facts

  • Classic centerpiece daisy for patio pots and Victorian standards
  • Continuous two-inch daisies supply long-stem cottage bouquets
  • Mounded shrubby habit fills cottage borders all summer

Related plants

Plants with similar care

Frequently asked questions

How often should I water Marguerite Daisy?

In summer, water about every 3 days; in winter, about every 7 days. Adjust for heat, pot size and drainage.

How much light does Marguerite Daisy need?

Full sun: 6+ hrs direct. Watch the leaves — scorching or stretching means the light needs adjusting.

Is Marguerite Daisy toxic to cats or dogs?

Pets Unknown (Dogs Unknown · Cats Unknown) Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.

Is Marguerite Daisy easy to grow?

It is moderately demanding: a good choice once you have a little experience.

When does Marguerite Daisy bloom?

It typically blooms Mar–Nov in the Northern Hemisphere.

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