Argyranthemums (marguerites) have come a long way since some prolific but straggly forms were introduced from the Canary Islands back in the 1970s. Modern varieties are even more floriferous but also far neater and bushier in growth. The latest in the Aramis Series bring us another special feature.
Some them are in fact hybrids between
Argyranthemum and one of the so called annual chrysanthemums,
Ismelia, to increase the range of colours and colour combinations.
So in an impressive harmony of tones, the flowers of ×
Argyrimelia ‘Aramis Apricot’ change from yellow to peachy pink and eventually almost white with a medley of apricot tones in between.
The result is a captivating harmony of colours as the buds, the newly opened flowers, mature flowers and ageing flowers all contribute to the display.
As well as the flowers changing colour as they mature, they also change colour as the temperature changes so a wide range of tones is always on view. Also, the new flowers open just above the older fading flowers so dead heading is usually unnecessary.
It's all in the breeding
Helen Wright of Volmary, American partners with European Benary in developing this series, explained what makes this variety so special:
“The flowers of this very early variety have a double layer of petals creating a nice bold appearance in comparison to many real singles,” she told me. “It has a nice compact habit, good branching characteristics and healthy foliage. The unique colour is nearly copper-red under cool conditions to nearly lemon under high temperatures.”
The Volmary breeding programme in Munster, Germany, is one of the most extensive in the world and the Aramis Series also features other varieties whose flowers change colour. “There are a few colour-changing varieties in the series,” said Helen, “including ‘Aramis Bicolor Rose’, ‘Aramis Lemon & Pink’, ‘Aramis Rose’, ‘Aramis Fire’ and ‘Aramis Double Apricot.’”
In all, the Aramis Series is made up of nineteen single-flowered varieties, three semi-double and four double-flowered varieties although, technically, some should be grouped under
Argyranthemum and some under ×
Argyrimelia.
All are ideal as patio specimens or in mixed displays with silver helichrysums or
purple-leaved ipomoeas. Give them a sunny spot for best results.
You can order plants of ×
Argyrimelia ‘Aramis Apricot’ from
Thompson & Morgan and from
Van Meuwen.
*The contents of this blog reflect the views of its author and do not constitute an official endorsement by the RHS.
