Shasta Daisy

Host: Gary Bachman, Ornamental Horticulture Specialist

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Mentioning a daisy can bring back some old childhood memories for many gardeners today on Southern Gardening. 

When growing Shasta daisy in your garden who doesn’t think about the flower centerpiece for that childhood game, loves me, loves me not. 

Known botanically as Leucanthemum x superbum, Shasta daisy is a classic garden plant that is at home in the modern landscape as well as the cottage garden. 

The flowers of Shasta daisy have that classic daisy look, brilliant white petals surrounding the bright golden yellow center that really shines in the garden.  The flowers can be more than five inches in diameter, starting in late spring and continuing into the fall. 

Shasta daisy can be up to four foot tall, but there are many fine selections in the two to three foot range.  Two that I have grown in my garden are ‘Alaska’ and ‘Becky’.  ‘Alaska’ is three feet tall and wide with four inch diameter flowers, while ‘Becky’ is 30 inches tall and wide with 3.5 inch diameter flowers. A variety I’m really impressed with is ‘Daisy May’.  This plant is only going to be 15 to 18 inches tall and about a foot wide.  ‘Daisy May’ size is well suited for being grown in containers and should be a fantastic thriller plant. 

Shasta daisies perform best in full sun and grown well drained and fertile soil.  Mulch using pine needles to help preserve moisture and keep the soil cool. 

Shasta daisies are short-lived perennials so divide the clumps every couple of years.  Deadheading will keep the beautiful flowers coming. 

Shasta daisy will attract butterflies and other insects, and provide flowering enjoyment with their bright flowers are season long. 

I’m horticulturist Gary Bachman for Southern Gardening.