Shasta daisy, Leucanthemum x superbum is a long-time gardeners’ favourite. It’s named after the snow-white peak of Mount Shasta, in California, where the plant was originally bred – the whiteness of the flowers is said to resemble the white of the peak. Today there are many varieties of shasta daisy that have been bred for improved performance such as flowering for longer periods, different flower shapes and a greater range of plant sizes, including compact varieties suitable for pots.
Most varieties bear large, white daisy-type flowers with a yellow centre, but some bear cream and yellow blooms, which can be single, semi-double or fully double, and may have quilled or frilled petals. Shasta daisy is tough and easy to grow, and flowers from early summer to early autumn. It makes an excellent cut flower and is good for attracting pollinating insects.
Where to grow leucanthemum
Plant shasta daisy in fertile, well-drained soil in borders. Full sun gives the best flowers though partial shade still gives reasonably good results. Grow compact varieties in pots or towards the front of a border.
When to plant leucanthemum
The best time to plant leucanthemum is in autumn or early spring. You can also plant during mild spells in winter, but avoid planting when the soil is waterlogged, and summer planting is fine so long as plants are kept watered until established.
How to plant leucanthemum
Leucanthemum will grow in most soil types. Plant in the ground with the rootball at the same level as the surrounding soil. Firm in thoroughly, water in, and keep watered until established. For pots, use a potting compost containing loam (such as a John Innes type).
How to care for leucanthemum
Shasta daisy is a vigorous perennial and benefits from an annual mulch of compost or manure, and a late winter/early spring feed with slow-release fertiliser. Support tall-growing varieties, ideally with grow-through supports put in place during spring that quickly become hidden. Either buy ready-made ones, make your own from canes and string or use twiggy hazel stems bent over or around the clump. Keep well watered until established.
How to prune leucanthemum
Deadhead regularly by cutting flowered stems to the base to encourage more flowers to form. Cut back dead growth to the ground anytime during autumn to early spring.
How to propagate leucanthemum
Shasta daisy is vigorous and forms large clumps within several years. Propagate by dividing clumps every three to five years, preferably in early spring. This also rejuvenates older plants that have become congested.
Pests and diseases
Shasta daisy is generally trouble free once established.
Advice on buying leucanthemum
- Garden-ready plants are widely available from nurseries and garden centres, often in a range of pot/plant sizes from cheaper 0.5L pots up to 3L pots
- Mail order suppliers generally offer smaller pot sizes only, as well as young plants (plugs) in multipacks – these should be potted up and grown on for several months until large enough to plant out.
Where to buy leucanthemum (shasta daisy)
Frequently asked questions
Does leucanthemum come back every year?
Shasta daisy, which has the botanical name Leucanthemum x superbum, is a perennial, so will come back every year. In autumn the plant will die down to ground level, and new growth will emerge in the spring. There are annual types of leucantheum, which also have white daisy flowers, and these will complete their life cycle in one year.
Are shasta daisies the same as leucanthemum?
Shasta daisy is the common name for Leucanthumum x superbum. Not all leucanthemum have the common name shasta daisy. This genus also includes ox-eye daisies and annual varieties.
Leucanthemum varieties to grow
Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Crazy Daisy’ has double white flowers with frilly petals. Height x Spread: 60cm x 45cm
- Buy Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Crazy Daisy’ from Thompson & Morgan
Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Banana Cream’ produces lemon yellow flowers between June and September, which fade to a creamy white as they mature. H x S: 45cm x 30cm
- Buy Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Banana Cream’ from Crocus
Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Madonna’ has pure white flowers and a neat compact shape ideal for containers. H x S: 20cm x 30cm
- Buy Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Madonna’ from Marshalls
Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Real Charmer’ has a ruffled look with semi-double fringed flowers that are creamy lemon colour. H x S: 60cm x 5ocm
- Buy Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Real Charmer’ from Thompson & Morgan
