What hardiness zones is Leucanthemum x superbum suitable for?

Leucanthemum x superbum is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Leucanthemum x superbum?

Leucanthemum x superbum requires Full Sun.

How much water does Leucanthemum x superbum need?

Leucanthemum x superbum has Medium water needs.

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Perennials

Leucanthemum x superbum

Shasta daisy

Asteraceae

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)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Container Friendly

Maintenancemoderate

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

Identified by clumps of dark green, lance-shaped, coarsely toothed leaves and tall stems bearing large, classic daisy flower heads 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) across with pure white rays and a flat, bright yellow disc. Distinguished from oxeye daisy (L. vulgare) by larger flower heads, taller stems, and darker, more coarsely toothed foliage. Blooms June–August.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 3'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Summer

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 disc

Foliage Description

dark green, lance-shaped to spatula-shaped, coarsely toothed

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsandclay

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1 year

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

summerfallearly spring

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets