A winter holiday

Some people find it ever so simple to grow argyranthemums. Even in cold spells they are fortunate to have a sheltered spot outdoors where the marguerite daisy can pass the winter without damage.
SUMMER LOVING: The marguerite daisy flowers prolifically in a sunny, sheltered site.SUMMER LOVING: The marguerite daisy flowers prolifically in a sunny, sheltered site.
SUMMER LOVING: The marguerite daisy flowers prolifically in a sunny, sheltered site.

Argyranthemums are native to Madeira and the Canary Islands and so it’s no surprise that they don’t really take too well to an English winter, But, as I say, if there’s a sunny, sheltered site and well-drained soil that doesn’t get waterlogged, it’s possible to make these free-flowering plants feel quite at home.

Argyranthemum is a compact but vigorous evergreen shrub which produces lovely white, daisy-like blooms for weeks on end during the summer. Come autumn, it’s best to find somewhere frost-free for it to overwinter because it isn’t fully hardy.

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That’s why many people grow argyranthemums in containers, feeding and watering them during the summer months and then putting them into a heated greenhouse or conservatory during the winter where their blue-grey leaves can still provide interest, with the occasional bloom added for good measure.

Marguerites can be overwintered in several ways, but they must be kept frost free – don’t allow the temperature below 5°C and if there is not a heated spot under glass, they can be potted up and placed on the windowsill of a cool room.

Alternatively, pack several plants into the tray. Lift the plants from outdoors and cut back the stems before placing them in a crate topped up with just-moist compost. You can also take a few cuttings, kept at a minimum temperature of 7°C.

To keep them compact (three feet high and wide is usually the norm), pinch out the stem tips. Prune, if necessary, in early to mid-spring.