How to Grow White Marguerite
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White Marguerite
Argyranthemum frutescens
shrubWhite marguerite is a tender perennial shrub native to the Canary Islands, known for its abundant daisy-like white flowers with yellow centers. It blooms profusely from spring through fall and is commonly grown as an annual or tender perennial in cooler climates. The feathery, fine-textured foliage provides an attractive backdrop to the cheerful flowers.
When should you plant White Marguerite in your zone?
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Example White Marguerite timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant White Marguerite
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest White Marguerite
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact White Marguerite dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; grown as an annual in cooler zones
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Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall plants with fine, feathery foliage emerging. Delicate and slow-growing initially.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation.
Vegetative
4-6 weeksPlant develops bushy growth with increasingly feathery, finely divided foliage. No flowers yet.
Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier, fuller plants. Water moderately. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly. Ensure full sun exposure for compact growth.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds begin to form at branch tips. Plant continues to fill out.
Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Increase phosphorus slightly to encourage flowering. Remove any diseased foliage.
Flowering
3-4 months (spring through fall)Abundant white daisy-like flowers with yellow centers bloom continuously. Plant reaches mature size.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming and promote new flower production. Water consistently. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a bloom-boosting formula.
Dormancy/Winter
3-4 monthsIn frost-prone areas, plant dies back or is heavily damaged. In mild climates, flowering slows significantly.
In zones 9-10, cut back by half before winter or bring indoors if in containers. Reduce watering dramatically. Minimal fertilizer needed. Prepare to replant or regrow in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation; use yellow sticky traps
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Remove affected leaves; use reflective mulches; introduce parasitic wasps
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; use well-draining soil mix
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticide if severe; improve air circulation
Uses
Cut flowers and floral arrangements
HouseholdWhite marguerite flowers are excellent for fresh cut flower arrangements, wedding bouquets, and garden displays. Their cheerful appearance and long vase life make them popular with florists. [source]
Edible flower garnish
CulinaryThe petals can be used as a delicate, mildly sweet edible garnish for salads, desserts, and beverages. Ensure plants are grown without pesticides before consuming. [source]
Container and landscape ornamental
HouseholdWhite marguerite excels in containers, hanging baskets, borders, and rock gardens, providing season-long color in sunny locations. It's particularly valued in Mediterranean and coastal gardens. [source]
Pollinator plant
WildlifeThe flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout the blooming season, supporting local ecosystems. [source]
Pressed flowers and dried arrangements
CraftFlowers press well and retain their white color, making them suitable for pressed flower crafts, art projects, and dried floral arrangements. [source]
Harvest Tips
Marguerites are ornamental flowers primarily grown for display rather than harvest. Cut flowers regularly for bouquets by snipping stems just below a set of leaves. Deadhead spent blooms throughout the growing season to encourage continuous flowering. Cut flowers will last 7-10 days in a vase with fresh water.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 White marguerite is native to the Canary Islands and was named 'Marguerite' from the Greek word for 'pearl,' referring to the appearance of the daisy-like flower centers.
- 🌱 In zones 9-11, white marguerite can be grown as a tender perennial and will return each year, sometimes reaching 2-3 feet tall and wide with maturity.
- 🌱 The plant was extremely popular as a Victorian-era garden favorite and remains beloved by gardeners today for its reliable performance and cheerful, abundant blooms.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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