Anthemis ‘Susanna Mitchell’: A Delightful Hybrid Marguerite Daisy
Anthemis ‘Susanna Mitchell’, also known as Susanna Mitchell Marguerite Daisy, is a charming and resilient perennial belonging to the Asteraceae family. This plant is a hybrid between Anthemis tinctoria and Anthemis cupaniana, combining the best features of both parents. Discovered as a chance seedling in Susanna Mitchell’s garden in the UK in the late 1980s, this delightful plant has become popular for its prolific blooming, attractive foliage, and drought tolerance.
Botanical Background
Scientific Names:
- Anthemis ‘Susanna Mitchell’
- Anthemis tinctoria ‘Susanna Mitchell’
- Cotanthemis ‘Blomit’
- Anthemis ‘Blomit’
- × Cotanthemis ‘Blomit’
Common Names:
- Susanna Mitchell Marguerite Daisy
- Marguerite
- Chamomile ‘Susanna Mitchell’
Family: Asteraceae
Description
Anthemis ‘Susanna Mitchell’ is a clump-forming perennial that produces a profusion of soft yellow to white daisy-like flowers held above finely dissected, grey-green foliage. The flowers have a creamy lemon hue and bloom from mid-spring to autumn, providing long-lasting color in the garden.
Height: 24-30 inches (60-75 cm)
Spread: 24 inches (60 cm)
Flower Color: Soft yellow to white with a vibrant yellow center
Foliage: Finely textured, grey-green, fern-like, and softly pubescent
Bloom Time: Mid-spring to autumn
Cultivation of Anthemis ‘Susanna Mitchell’:
Light Requirements: Anthemis ‘Susanna Mitchell’ thrives in full sun, which is essential for abundant blooming.
Soil Requirements: This plant prefers moderately fertile, well-drained sandy, or gravelly soil. It adapts well to poor soils and is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
Watering: Once established, Anthemis ‘Susanna Mitchell’ requires minimal watering. It is water-wise and low-water tolerant, making it ideal for gardens with limited water availability.
Pruning: Regularly remove faded flowers to encourage continuous blooming. If plants become floppy in mid-summer, shear them back to about 6 inches to rejuvenate and maintain a tidy appearance.
Maintenance: Divide clumps every two years in early spring to revitalize the plant and ensure healthy growth.
Pests and Diseases: This plant may be susceptible to aphids, slugs, and powdery mildew. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimize these issues.
Uses and Benefits
Anthemis ‘Susanna Mitchell’ is versatile and suitable for various garden styles and settings, including:
- City and Courtyard Gardens: Its compact growth habit makes it ideal for small spaces.
- Coastal Gardens: Tolerant of sandy soils and saline conditions.
- Cottage and Informal Gardens: Blends well with other traditional garden plants like Campanula, Geranium, Nepeta, and Salvia.
- Patio and Container Plants: Perfect for containers due to their moderate size and long blooming period.
- Prairie Planting: Complements other drought-tolerant plants in prairie-style gardens.
- Rock Gardens: Thrives in well-drained, rocky soils.
- Flower Borders and Beds: Adds continuous color throughout the growing season.
- Ground Cover: Forms a dense mat of foliage that helps suppress weeds.
Propagation of Anthemis ‘Susanna Mitchell’:
Seed Propagation:
- Sow seeds in containers in a cold frame in spring. Germination typically occurs within a few weeks.
Division:
- Divide mature clumps in early spring. Dig up the plant, separate it into smaller sections, and replant immediately.
Summary
Anthemis ‘Susanna Mitchell’ is a delightful and resilient hybrid Marguerite Daisy that offers long-lasting blooms, attractive foliage, and low maintenance requirements. Its versatility and drought tolerance make it an excellent choice for a variety of garden settings, from cottage gardens to rock gardens. With proper care and occasional division, this charming plant will provide beauty and enjoyment for many years.
