Argyranthemum Qinta White - Marguerite bush

Argyranthemum Qinta White is a charming variety of marguerite or Canary chamomile with flowers that have a pretty fringed heart tinted with yellow. This plant forms a small, wide, and slightly loose bush that blooms profusely from late spring to early autumn. A perennial but frost-sensitive plant, it is used for pots on terraces and balconies, as well as in seasonal flower beds. Its cut flowers can also be used to create country-style bouquets.

Argyranthemum (synonyms Anthemis frutescens, Chrysanthemum frutescens) belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a native species of the Canary Islands that perishes below -3°C (26.6°F) but withstands drought well when planted in the ground. 'Qinta White', sometimes marketed under the name Argyranthemum frutescens 'Sark', is a horticultural selection derived from this plant. This evergreen shrubby perennial forms a generally rounded clump, wider than it is tall, 70 cm (28in) high and 80-90 cm (32-35in) wide. Its flexible and branched stems bear finely cut, light green-grey leaves, theoretically persistent in winter. Flowering can begin as early as May, depending on the growing conditions. It constantly renews itself until the first frost if the soil remains moist. If it gets too hot and dry in July-August, it withers and only resumes growth when the rains return. The flowers of Qinta White resemble white, 4-5 cm (2in) daisies, with pure white ligulate florets surrounding a fringed light yellow centre.

The simple daisies of Argyranthemum Qinta White bloom for a long period. With its decorative qualities and generosity, it is an ideal plant to use with more traditional biennials such as wallflowers or nemesias. It is perfect in pots and planters for terraces, balconies and window sills. It can also be planted alongside romantic roses and peonies, which it will also accompany in lovely bouquets. Anthemis can be kept from one year to the next by overwintering like florist geraniums.