How to Grow and Care for Shasta Daisies
About Shasta Daisy
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum superbum) grows 1 to 3 feet tall and is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8. It grows best in full sun to light shade with medium water.
<p>'Leucanthemum superbum' or 'Chrysanthemum superbum', most commonly known as 'Shasta Daisy,' features traditional daisy flowers with creamy-white or yellow petals around golden-yellow centers. The charming flowers rise above lush, coarsely textured, lance-shaped green leaves to an average height of one to three feet. The 'Shasta Daisy' is a hybrid plant created near the snow-capped Mount Shasta of northern California, where the plant was named by Luther Burbank in the 1890's. Burbank, a pioneer horticulturist who paved the way in agricultural science, combined at least four different daisy varieties to create a new and improved 'Shasta Daisy.' The plant was hybridized to display more beautiful, longer lasting flowers and exhibit a greater tolerance to heat and humidity. Since the time of Burbank, even newer hybrids have been created. The "Becky" cultivar was awarded the 2003 "Plant of the Year" award for its outstanding garden performance and profuse, 3-to-4-inch, single white flowers with vivid yellow centers. "Crazy Daisy" is a cultivar featuring stunning, double ruffled blooms, and "Banana Cream' presents brilliant lemon-yellow blossoms, which appear fuller due to an extra row of petals. 'Shasta Daisy' plants are perennial within USDA hardiness zones 5-8 and flourish in the cooler temperatures of spring and early summer. The beautiful daisies make excellent cut flowers and wonderful additions to perennial borders, cutting gardens, or decorative containers. 'Shasta Daisies' create an especially stunning visual impact when planted into small groups or allowed to naturalize in sunny meadows. The genus name, "Leucanthemum," translates from the Greek terms "leukos," or "white," and "anthemon," meaning "flower." Daisy flowers have traditionally symbolized innocence and purity.</p>
When to Plant Shasta Daisies
Plant Shasta daisies in spring after the last frost or in early fall, at least six weeks before your first freeze.
How to Plant Shasta Daisies
<p>'Shasta Daisies' thrive in moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. The soil should be amended with compost to improve drainage prior to planting. This daisy will grow in full sun or partial shade, requiring a minimum of 2 to 4 hours of sunlight daily. Plants should be spaced 15 inches apart. 'Shasta Daisies' can easily be found as potted plants from most reputable nurseries and should be planted in spring or early fall. A hole should be dug twice the width of the container, and the plant should be placed so that the top of the root ball is even with the soil surface before filling and firming the soil around the root ball. The plant can also be propagated by clump division to transplant as desired. Seed may be directly sown, but new plants will emerge the following spring.</p>
Shasta Daisy Care
‘Shasta Daisies’ need to be watered in summer only if rainfall is less than one inch per week. The surrounding soil should be allowed to dry between each watering. It is important to apply mulch around the plants to keep out weeds. Plants exhibiting less growth or fewer flowers may need to be divided. ‘Shasta Daisies’ need to be divided every three years in early spring or early fall. Taller plants may require staking if they begin to flop over.
Fertilizing Shasta Daisies
‘Shasta Daisies’ benefit from the application of a water soluble 10-10-10 fertilizer in spring and summer, according to the directions on the product label.
Pruning Shasta Daisies
The regular removal of spent flowers is beneficial to promote further growth and flowering, and also prevents ‘Shasta Daisies’ from spreading into areas where they may not be wanted. The plants should be divided every few years to prevent over-crowding. In spring, the plants should be cut back about two inches from the ground to create room for new growth.
Shasta Daisy Pests and Diseases
‘Shasta Daisies’ are not typically affected by serious pests or diseases. Aphids can be rinsed away with a strong spray of water or a spray of insecticidal soap. Slugs can be trapped and removed or, if necessary, treated with diatomaceous earth. It is important to carefully read and follow the directions on the product label before the use of any insecticide. Chrysanthemum nematodes can be discouraged by avoiding overhead watering.
Are Shasta Daisies Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists daisies as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and skin irritation. If you think a pet has eaten a toxic plant, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Shasta Daisy FAQs
Do Shasta daisies come back every year?
Yes. Shasta daisies are short-lived perennials in zones 5 to 8. Divide clumps every two to three years to keep them vigorous.
Should I deadhead Shasta daisies?
Yes. Removing faded flowers keeps new blooms coming from early summer into fall.
Do Shasta daisies need full sun?
They flower best in full sun but tolerate light afternoon shade in hot climates.
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