Shasta daisy
Leucanthemum superbum · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant shasta daisy: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, medium green, finely cut
- Flowering
- June to August, white daisy-like flowers
- Mature size
- 24 to 32 inches tall
- Growth
- Fast and vigorous
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -4°F
- Origin
- Horticultural hybrid (Leucanthemum lacustre × L. maximum)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Leucanthemum superbum must be divided every 3 years minimum (March or September). An undivided plant will exhaust itself and flower poorly.
The common mistake
Keeping the same plant too long: it weakens, dies back in the center, and flowers shrink.
The pro's trick
Pinch once in May when the plant reaches about 15 cm to get a more compact clump.
Seasonal watch
September–October: after flowering, cut stems back to 10 cm.
Care
Light
Summer daisies thrive in full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for generous flowering. They tolerate partial shade but will flower less abundantly. Plant them in an open location with direct sun exposure.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil slightly moist. Once established, the plant tolerates short dry periods. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.
Soil and planting
Plant in well-drained, fertile soil to prevent root suffocation. Loosen the soil and, if it's too compacted, work in compost or potting soil. Good drainage is essential, especially in humid regions.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch young plants in spring to encourage a branched shape. After the first flush of blooms, cut back lightly to trigger more flowers. In late autumn, cut the clump back to 4-6 inches from the ground for winter.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring when growth resumes. Add more if needed in early summer to support flowering. Avoid excess nitrogen, which favors foliage at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and pests
Summer daisies are generally robust. Watch for powdery mildew in humid weather (early detection and good air circulation help). Excess moisture can cause root rot; ensure good drainage.
Did you know?
The genus Leucanthemum comes from the Greek 'leukos' (white) and 'anthemum' (flower). The summer daisy we grow today is a hybrid created in the 19th century by Norman horticulturists who crossed two wild species to obtain this spectacular plant with giant flowers and generous blooming.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.