Marguerite Summer Lustre
Argyranthemum frutescens "Summer Lustre"

Bright, White and Beautiful

Another of the very good Federation Daisy series, this one begins its generous flowering in early spring, continues until early summer, then after a pause carries on into autumn. When it’s at its peak there are so many flowers out at once that the foliage hardly shows. Lots of sun and good drainage suit it well but it will need protection from heavy frosts.

‘Summer Lustre’ is also good in pots and this allows it to be sheltered from winter cold where necessary by shifting the container to a sheltered spot. A little row of three ‘Summer Lustre’ in matching pots looks enchanting. For a less formal look group several different potted marguerite daisies together on a sunny deck or beside a doorway. Remember they will need frequent watering, especially during summer, when grown in pots. Use of water-retaining crystals will help.

This is one of those exuberant small plants ideal to grow with pretty annuals and perennials, and classy grey leafed plants such as lambs ears, Stachys byzantina. The annuals can be well known ones, such as pansies, or the more unusual such as honeywort which has inky blue flowers on curving stems. The perennials could include all summer flowering Campanula ‘Resholdt’s Variety’, which makes a superb edging or ground cover and grape coloured Penstemons.

For something a bit different, grow the ornamental strawberry ‘Pink Perfection’ so it covers the ground around ‘Summer Lustre’. This strawberry has very pretty pink flowers throughout summer and also produces small, but delicious, light red strawberries.

Roses and Marguerite daisies seem made for one another. Grow ‘Summer Lustre’ beneath tall growing ‘Iceberg’ or mingle them with low growing ‘White Flower Carpet’ roses for a cool look.

Among the many good things about this and other Marguerite daisies is that they are good for picking. Pop some into a narrow necked vase in fresh water and they will provide you with pleasure indoors as well as out in the garden.