Argyranthemum frutescens subsp. canariae (08/11/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Spring to summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 60 cm
Eventual Spread: 60cm
Hardiness: 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
Family: Asteraceae
Argyranthemum frutescens subsp. canariae is an evergreen herbaceous perennial with a bushy habit (although it is usually grown as an annual in the UK). Its green/ gray leaves are obovate in outline, deeply 2 or 3 pinnately lobed and up to 10cm long. Its leaves are aromatic when bruised. Its white flowers are daisy like with yellow centres and up to 7.5cm across. Its fruit is an achene and up to 6mm long.
Argyranthemum frutescens subsp. canariae Flower (08/11/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
Argyranthemum frutescens subsp. canariae, commonly known as Paris daisy, Marguerite or Marguerite Daisy, is native to the Canary Islands. In its native habitat it grows on dry cliffs. Argyranthemum frutescens subsp. canariae is synonymous with Chrysanthemum frutescens.
The etymological root of the binomial name Argyranthemum is derived from the Greek argyros meaning ‘silver’ and anthemom meaning ‘plant flower’. Frutescens is derived from the Latin frutex meaning ‘shrub’ or ‘bush’ and the epithet -escens meaning ‘-ish’.
Argyranthemum frutescens subsp. canariae Leaf (08/11/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
The landscape architect may find Argyranthemum frutescens subsp. canariae useful as an evergreen herbaceous perennial (or annual) with a long flowering period. Once established this perennial is drought tolerant. This plant prefers a sheltered position.
Ecologically, Argyranthemum frutescens subsp. canariae flowers are attractive to pollinating insects, including butterflies.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given the variety Argyranthemum frutescens subsp. canariae their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Argyranthemum frutescens subsp. canariae prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It dislikes wet soils.
Argyranthemum frutescens subsp. canariae requires little maintenance. The removal of dead flowers will prolong the flowering season.
Landscape Architecture