Chrysanthemum is a large genus containing both perennial and annual species and many garden varieties. While the annuals are grown for their flowers, a number of perennial species can fulfill useful landscaping functions as well as adding color to the garden. Prominent amongst these is the shrubby, Chrysanthemum frutescens, known commonly as Marguerite or Paris Daisy.

Chrysanthemum frutescens grows to about 30cm high (12in) and about meter (3ft) wide. Its daisy flowers are typically white with yellow centers, but a number of varieties sport delightful pink blooms. In Mediterranean climates, it flowers through most of the spring and summer.

However, the real beauty of the plant is in its finely cut leaves, giving it a feathery, delicate texture. The foliage “architecture” is so intricate that while perhaps not being a spectacular feature, is in my opinion one of the most subtle effects available to the gardener. I regularly remove flowers, even when not all are spent, in order to encourage leaf growth, thereby keeping the plant’s habit dense and compact.

Chrysanthemum frutescens can be used as an “anchor” plant in a flowerbed, meaning that it provides pockets of stability in an otherwise rapidly changing part of the garden. Annuals need to be pulled up and replaced, and many perennials have to be cut down after flowering, or divided and replanted. Plants that look good throughout the year “hold” the flowerbed during the inevitable in-between periods, when the border is not at its best.

The wonder of the plant’s foliage is best expressed when it grows in a niche, such as by a wall, and snuggling up to a rock or boulder. It can also be added, as a flowering sub-shrub, to a group of low growing shrubs of medium to fine texture, such as Pittosporum “Wheeler’s Dwarf”, Green Island Ficus, Melaleuca “Green Dome”, and Raphiolepis. Marguerite can also serve as transition plant, linking the frothy foliage texture of ornamental grasses, with shrubs and trees that have a medium, less fine texture. With this purpose in mind, it is excellent bordering a lawn.

Some other perennial Chrysanthemums can be planted instead of this species, or included in a group with it. Examples include C. gracile, especially the variety “Chelsea Girl”, and C. pacificum. They are quite hardy to drought, easy to grow, but require well-drained soil. Periodic adding of compost or worm castings should see to all their feeding needs, while improving the soil at the same time. Chrysanthemums are short-lived perennials and need replacing every 2-3 years or so.