Margarite

Margarite is a term used in English to refer to several related things, most notably a feminine given name and a group of flowering plants commonly called margarite daisies. As a personal name, Margarite is a variant spelling of Marguerite, of French origin. The given name is ultimately linked to the French word marguerite for the daisy, and in cultural contexts it is often associated with the flower's symbolism and appearance.

In horticulture, Margarite (or marguerite daisy) designates several flowering plants in the aster family. The most widely cultivated is Argyranthemum frutescens, an evergreen shrub from the Canary Islands grown as an ornamental annual in cooler regions and as a perennial in warmer climates. It bears numerous small daisylike flowers, typically white with yellow centers, on slender, tufted branches. Varieties differ in size, flower color, and bloom time. Gardeners value Margarite for a long flowering period, bright contrast in borders, and usefulness in containers or as ground cover. The plants prefer full sun, well-drained soil, and regular moisture; they are generally drought-tolerant once established and may require deadheading to prolong flowering.

See also Marguerite, Daisy, and Marguerite (disambiguation) for related uses of the term.