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What is Argyranthemum?

Bethney Foster
Bethney Foster

Argyranthemum is the genus that is made up of 23 species of flowering plants endemic only to the Canary Islands and Madeira. Species of this genus can be found in habitats that range from beaches to volcanic mountains. Its plants sometimes are referred to as dill daisies or marguerites, and the genus is part of the Asteraceae family, which includes sunflowers and many types of daisies. Depending upon the climate, Argyranthemum plants might be cultivated as annuals or perennials.

They are often cultivated in flowerbeds, borders and containers and are grown for use as cut flowers. Stem cuttings are the recommended method of propagation. Argyranthemum species grow quickly and have a mounding growth habit. When used as a cut flower, the Argyranthemum flowers usually have a decorative life of four to seven days.

Argyranthemum is resistant to deer.
Argyranthemum is resistant to deer.

Often mistaken for a chrysanthemum, the flowers of the Argyranthemum are daisy-like and come in colors of white, pink, orange, red and yellow with a dark-colored center that most often is yellow. The flowers are 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) in diameter and species include those that produce single, semi-double and double flowers.

Blooms begin in spring and continue through autumn or until the first hard frost. Flowering is most intense in the cooler temperatures of early spring and fall. The flowers attract butterflies and are fragrant. Argyranthemum plants are resistant to deer, however.

Species of argyranthemum are susceptible to pests such as fungus gnats.
Species of argyranthemum are susceptible to pests such as fungus gnats.

The flowers are produced on strong stems that grow above the plant’s foliage. The leaves of the Argyranthemum are dissected or lobed and are in colors from a blue-green to almost silver. They are aromatic when bruised or crushed. Species within the genus are shrub-like or are creeping and grow to heights of as much as 3 feet (91 cm) and spread to widths of as much as 2 feet (61 cm).

The Asteraceae family includes many different varieties of daisy.
The Asteraceae family includes many different varieties of daisy.

These plants are easy to grow and do best in well-drained soil that is mildly acidic to mildly alkaline. They need full sunlight, and flowers that are spent should be removed to encourage additional blooming. Planting is best in the spring and should be done after the threat of frost has passed.

Species of the genus are susceptible to aphids, thrips, mealy bugs, scales, leaf miner, fungus, gnats, worms, spider mites and whiteflies, as well as diseases such as botrytis, root rot, stem rot, rhizoctonia, stem canker and crown gall. While thriving in cultivation, in the wild, Argyranthemum species have not done as well. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed more than 20 of the species as threatened.

Discussion Comments

Jo68

I have never been a flower person. a good friend gave me a argyranthemum as a gift and I have absolutely no idea what to do with it. I have been googling and just getting more confused. Any professional suggestions are greatly appreciated.

orangey03

Argyranthemum is awesome for those who prefer fall garden showcases over summer flowers. I have a bed of chrysanthemums that serves as an outer edge to my garden of argyranthemums and zinnias. All of these flowers will bloom until frost.

I plant orange, yellow, and red argyranthemum to match the autumn leaves. Then, I plant the same fall hues of the other flowers. It makes for a striking landscape.

Pumpkins fit into the scheme perfectly. Though I don’t grow them, I do buy a few and scatter them strategically throughout my flower garden in mid-September and into October until frost.

seag47

I have found that pinching off the dead argyranthemum blooms from the plant makes it grow better. At first, I thought that maybe it was all psychological. Seeing a plant without dead heads all over it makes you think it is healthier, but I did notice that the plant seemed to put out a lot more flowers once I removed the dead ones.

I also love cutting the blooms and arranging them in vases for my coworkers to keep on their desks. The bright pink, orange, and yellow colors really cheer up an office on a spring day. Also, cutting the flowers helps the plants produce more fresh blooms.

lighth0se33

Because I hate buying plants at a garden center only to have them succumb to disease, I order my argyranthemum online from a company that keeps their plants live in a lab before they come to you so that they can be monitored for diseases and contaminants.

Sometimes, it really is better to order plants online from a reputable place than to buy them in person and not know the status of the plant’s health.

wavy58

I grow argyranthemum in a large, rectangular container. It can fit around the windowsill on the side of my house that receives full sun, and I can also remove it during the hot summer months. This is great, because the poor flowers would scorch and die there in June.

They look excellent in spring and fall by the window, though. It cheers me up to look out the window and be greeted with happy, colorful blooms.

Right now, I have a container of little creamy-yellow argyranthemum with orange-yellow centers. They are my little rays of sunshine!

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    • Argyranthemum is resistant to deer.
      By: satori
      Argyranthemum is resistant to deer.
    • Species of argyranthemum are susceptible to pests such as fungus gnats.
      By: claffra
      Species of argyranthemum are susceptible to pests such as fungus gnats.
    • The Asteraceae family includes many different varieties of daisy.
      By: artush
      The Asteraceae family includes many different varieties of daisy.