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Leucanthemum x superbum
Shasta daisy
Hybrid origin; parent species from western Europe (Portugal, France, Pyrenees)At a Glance
TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height18-36 inches (45-90 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Overview
A clump-forming perennial in the family Asteraceae, of hybrid origin involving Leucanthemum lacustre, L. maximum, and other European species, selected and introduced by Luther Burbank in the late 19th century. Plants form basal rosettes of dark green, lance-shaped to spatula-shaped, coarsely toothed leaves 3–6 inches (8–15 cm) long. In summer, branched stems 18–36 inches (45–90 cm) tall bear classic daisy flower heads 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) across with 15–30 pure white ray florets surrounding a flat, bright yellow disc. Modern cultivars include double and semi-double forms with ruffled or fringed petals, as well as dwarf selections 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall. The simple white-and-yellow flower is among the most recognizable of garden perennials. Deadheading spent flower heads prolongs bloom significantly; without deadheading, the main flush ends in July. Short-lived in the Pacific Northwest and warm climates (typically 2–4 years); divide every 2–3 years to maintain vigor. All parts mildly toxic to dogs and cats.
Native Range
Leucanthemum x superbum is of complex hybrid origin developed in the late 19th century by Luther Burbank in California. The parent species are native to Europe, primarily Portugal, France, and the Pyrenees region. Shasta daisy is widely naturalized across North America and parts of Europe.Suggested Uses
Planted in cottage gardens, perennial borders, and cutting gardens at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. Classic combination with blue perennials (delphiniums, salvias, veronicas), roses, and ornamental grasses. One of the best-known and most reliable cut flowers — stems last 7–10 days in water. Dwarf cultivars effective in containers.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Bloom Information
Blooms June through August in zones 4–9. The primary flush occurs in June–July. Regular deadheading of spent flower heads extends bloom into September. Some reblooming cultivars (such as 'Becky' and 'Snowcap') produce a second flush in late summer if cut back after the first bloom. Individual flower heads last 7–10 days.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pure white ray florets with flat, bright yellow discFoliage Description
dark green, lance-shaped to spatula-shaped, coarsely toothedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Tolerates a range of soil types but declines in waterlogged or constantly wet conditions. Water regularly; Shasta daisies prefer consistent moisture but resent sitting in standing water. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend bloom. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Divide every 2–3 years in early spring or fall — clumps deteriorate at the center and decline if not divided. Discard the old woody center; replant vigorous outer divisions.Pruning
Deadhead spent flower heads down to the next lateral bud or leaf to extend bloom season through summer. After the main bloom flush, cut stems back by one-half to stimulate a second flush in some cultivars. Cut all stems to ground level in late fall after frost. Divide in early spring every 2–3 years, discarding the old center and replanting vigorous outer sections at 18 inch (45 cm) spacing.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfallearly spring
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons