Argyranthemum 'Summit White'

Marguerite Daisy Summit White / Federation Daisy Summit White

Botanical Name: Argyranthemum ‘Summit White’
Family: Asteraceae
Origin: Canary Islands species; garden cultivar
Plant Type: Evergreen subshrub / perennial

Overview

Compact, free-flowering marguerite daisy with masses of pure white daisies (yellow centres) over finely cut, mid-green foliage. Extremely long blooming in SA—spring to autumn, peaking in milder months. Perfect for pots, borders, and mass planting; easy to refresh with a light trim.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.6–0.9 m H × 0.6–0.8 m W
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Finely divided, mid- to grey-green, tidy bush
• Flowers: Single to semi-double white daisies with yellow eyes; very floriferous spring–autumn
  
• Seasonal Interest: Extra-long flowering (brief winter lull)
• Wildlife Value: Good nectar/pollen for bees and beneficial insects
• Tolerance: Heat- and wind-tolerant, light frost (protect from hard frosts); second-line coastal OK
• Planting Density: Borders/low hedge: 3 plants per metre (≈ 30–40 cm centres); Mass planting: 4–6 plants/m²
• Pet Friendly: Generally regarded as non-toxic; ingestion may cause mild tummy upset in pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (best bloom) to light part shade
• Soil: Well-drained sandy/loam; mound/improve on heavier soils
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer (weekly in heatwaves); minimal in winter
• Maintenance: Deadhead or lightly shear to keep flowers coming; harder trim late winter; slow-release feed in early spring
• Lifespan: Typically 3–5+ years (often grown as a long-flowering perennial)
• Climate Zones: Temperate & Mediterranean SA, incl. sheltered coastal
• Soil pH: Neutral (tolerates slightly acidic–slightly alkaline)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Mass plant for a crisp white ribbon of colour
• Containers for patios/entries
• Front-of-border with salvias and grasses (not a privacy hedge)

Why You Will Love It

A neat, compact shrub that flowers for months, needs minimal fuss, and delivers classic white daisy freshness from spring well into autumn.