Blue Marguerite
Blue Marguerite (Felicia amelloides) is an evergreen, herbaceous perennial native to South Africa with striking flowers. It grows small, slightly velvety, gray-green hairy leaves that are slightly toothed at the edges, along with up to 9 inch high stems. Its vivid, bright blue flowers bloom in the summer and can be traced back to the daisy family.
Blue Marguerites prefers to be kept moist but not soggy. When watering, check the soil and make sure the top two inches of soil are dry before watering. Water at the base of the plant rather than from the top, and be careful not to get the leaves wet as they can be sensitive to rotting. If the soil is mostly clay, it is important to let it dry out more in between watering.
Blue Marguerite prefers full sun to partial shade. It will do best with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily , although it can tolerate less. Too much sun will bleach out the flower color. If given too much shade, it will have a tendency to become leggy and stretchy.
Blue Marguerites can grow in both warm and cool climates and perform best when temperatures remain consistent at between 70-75F (21- 24C). The plant can tolerate very high temperatures and prefers cooler temperatures. It can also tolerate temperatures as low as 60F (16C) if the soil remains moist.
Blue Marguerites prefers humidity, so make sure it is always in an area with good air circulation, around 40-50%. Very high humidity can make them more prone to pest and fungal issues. It is best to mist it regularly around the leaves and keep it away from any direct drafts of air.
Blue Marguerite prefers well-draining soil, as it does not tolerate soggy or wet soils. It will thrive in moderately fertile soil that has been amended with organic material and compost. A soil mix of 1 part potting soil, 1 part perlite or pumice, and 1/2 part compost is ideal.
Blue Marguerite benefits from regular fertilization. It's best to fertilize during the growing season, from April to September, with a balanced fertilizer diluted to one-quarter strength or even a liquid fertilizer. It should be applied every two to four weeks. It is important not to over-fertilize, as excess fertilizer will burn the plant’s roots.
Blue Marguerites, unfortunately, are prone to infestations of various pests such as mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and classic whiteflies. If you see signs of these pests, use natural pest solutions such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, and other least toxic applications as soon as possible. Be sure to spray the bottom side of leaves as pests may hide there.
Blue Marguerite does best when it is repotted every year or two. When repotting, utilize either a container that is one or two inches larger than the current one. If possible, it is best to choose a container with drainage holes so that the soil does not become waterlogged. Repotting should take place during the spring, prior to the blooming period.
Blue Marguerite benefits from some light pruning, primarily in the spring or late winter. Pruning away dead and dying leaves and flowers helps keep the plant healthy and encourages new growth. It is best to use a sharp, clean pair of scissors when pruning so you don't damage the stems.
Blue Marguerites benefit from a top layer of mulch. This helps to keep the soil cool and moist, and helps protect the roots from drying out. A layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips, wood chips, or straw is ideal. It should be kept to a few inches thick and away from the stem of the plant.
Blue Marguerites can be propagated in the spring when the temperatures are warmer. To propagate by stem-cuttings, cut a 4-6 inch long stem and remove any flowers or buds. Place in a pot of well-draining potting mix, water lightly, and place in indirect light. The cutting will take several weeks or months to develop roots. Once rooted, treat like a mature plant.
If you find that your Blue Marguerite is getting leggy or sprawling, you may need to support it. This can easily be done with a bamboo stake or cane, and even a few pieces of twine, carefully tied around the stem and stake. The support should be loose enough to allow the stem to grow but tight enough to provide stability.
Blue Marguerites like to go dormant in the fall or winter, when the days become shorter and temperatures are cooler. During this period, they need less water and no fertilizer. It is important to give the plant a rest period so that it can gather strength for a new bloom cycle.
Blue Marguerite is not considered to be toxic to pets or humans, if ingested.
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