Argyranthemum

Argyranthemum frutescens is the Latin name for Anthemis, a shrub in the aster family also known as the Canary marguerite or sometimes Chrysanthemum. In our climate, this tender plant is grown in pots or in beds, like an annual. It is appreciated for its long-lasting flowering period, from spring until the end of autumn, enlivened by the flight of butterflies. Argyranthemum is native to the Canary Islands and Madeira, where it grows on beaches and volcanic slopes. These plants do not tolerate temperatures below -3°C (26.6°F) on average, but they tolerate drought fairly well. Anthemis forms an upright, rounded, highly branched bush, measuring 0.50 to 1m (2 to 3ft) in all directions. Its evergreen, deeply cut leaves are green-blue or glaucous, even greyish in colour. It flowers profusely from the month of May. Many hybrids have been created, offering white, pink, or yellow blooms. The small, single to double, 2 to 5cm (1 to 2in) in diameter, yellow-headed flowers bloom in generous bouquets. The Canary marguerite can be planted directly in well-drained soil, even poor and limestone or sandy soil, in seaside gardens. Elsewhere, you can grow it as an annual or in a large pot or in a container to overwinter in an unheated but bright room, to protect it from frost in winter.