Dashing Daisies

Just beginning to flower at the moment are the garden classic Marguerite Daisy (Argyranthemum).

This shrub forms a tidy mound with its dark green fern-like foliage, it grows up to 90cm tall and around 50cm wide. The daisy like flowers come in pink, white and yellow and can entirely cover the plant while encouraging butterflies and other pollinators to the garden. Deadheading will encourage a longer blooming period and a tidier plant. To care for your Marguerite grow in full sun or light shade. Ensure the soil is well drained and moist with good organic matter. A layer of mulch in the summer will help the plant to retain moisture and keep away the weeds. Otherwise once established this shrub is very easy to look after.

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Flowering right now is the African Bush Daisy (Euryops Pectinatus). This vigorous evergreen shrub grows up to 1 meter tall and 1 meter wide. The foliage is silver with lacy, deep cut leaves covered in a fine hair. The blooms are bright yellow and in typical Daisy form can completely cover the bush. Deadhead to keep the plant neat and encourage even more blooms. Plant in moderately fertile soil, it will grow in rocky, sandy locations. Choose a sheltered site in full sun for best flowering. In cold winters, simply put a 7cm thick layer of mulch around the base to protect the roots and trim back in spring to allow new growth to appear.

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So consider daisies in your garden for a lovely splash of colour around now in an easy care shrub that will give you enjoyment year after year.