Leucanthemum – Shasta Daisies
The Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum) is every gardener’s favourite summer perennial, because it flowers non-stop and never gives its owner any problems. They are easy-to-grow, clump-forming perennials that never fail to impress.
Flowers will emerge in spring and bloom all summer long. They will need a good trimming back in autumn before going dormant in winter.
Shasta daisies grow best in full sun and enjoy rich, loamy soils. They are ideal for filling up space in the cottage garden where bright colours need to be enhanced by a background of white. These perennials will cheer up your flower beds and simply shine in pots.
About Shasta daisies
Plant type: Perennial.
Recommended hybrid: ‘Goldfinch’ is undoubtably yellow with shaggy semi-double flowers which slowly change from bright lemon yellow to ivory white as they age.
Size: 45cm x 60cm.
Sun: Plant in full sun to light shade in the afternoon. They will also grow in morning sun and afternoon shade.
Soil type: Grow in well-draining soil that is enriched with ample compost.
Aftercare: Water regularly, but not too much water. Feed with an organic, slow-release fertiliser, and apply a good mulch. Keep more blooms coming by picking the flowers for the vase or deadheading.
Varieties to try
There are many modern varieties of Shasta daisies to choose from. The iconic Leucanthemum ‘Daisy Mae’, have large, white, single blooms above dark green leaves. They are strong and carefree perennials to plant in a mass.
‘Goldfinch’ is the yellowest flowering Shasta daisy, with a long blooming period and a compact growth habit with shaggy semi-double flowers that slowly change from bright lemon yellow to ivory white as they age. Plant height and width is 45 – 60cm.
‘Victorian Secret’ is a neat and compact knee-high model with ruffled semi-double to double white flowers on sturdy stems. It is very heat tolerant and reaches a height of 35 – 45cm and a generous spread of 50 – 60cm.
In a nutshell
- Use en mass, in flower beds or in pots.
- Plant in full sun or morning sun and afternoon shade.
- Grow in compost-enriched, well-draining soil.
- Regular watering, but not too much.
- Feed with an organic, slow-release fertiliser, and apply a good mulch.
- Pick flowers for the vase or deadheaded to keep more blooms coming.