Imagine a flower that blooms for months, draws in bees, and brings a classic look to your garden. The Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum) is that flower. It's a favorite perennial known for its clean white petals and bright yellow centers. Created by Luther Burbank in the 1890s in California, these flowers are named after Mount Shasta.
Shasta daisies vary in size, from small 6-inch plants to tall 4-foot ones. They can have single or double flowers. Their strong stems and long blooming season from early summer to fall make them perfect for cutting and adding beauty to any garden or arrangement. Are you ready to explore the world of Shasta daisy varieties and see how they can enhance your garden?
Introduction to the Shasta Daisy
The Shasta daisy is a beautiful hybrid perennial created by Luther Burbank in the late 19th century. Burbank mixed different daisy species from Europe and Japan. These included the oxeye daisy, Pyrenees chrysanthemum, Portuguese field daisy, and Japanese field daisy. This mix led to the creation of the Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum).
This new plant was named after Mount Shasta in California, where Burbank worked. Shasta daisies are loved for their easy care and classic daisy flowers. These flowers have white petals and bright yellow centers.
| Shasta Daisy Origins | Shasta Daisy Characteristics | Shasta Daisy Botanicals |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Popular Shasta Daisy Varieties
The Shasta daisy family has many types, from small to tall plants. This variety lets gardeners pick the best Shasta daisy for their gardens. They can match their landscape needs and likes.
'Becky' is a reliable Shasta daisy, growing 3-4 feet tall with big 3-inch flowers. 'Alaska' is another favorite, standing 2-3 feet tall with wide blooms. For small spaces, 'Snowcap' is great, growing only 1 foot tall but offering lots of large flowers.
Some Shasta daisies have special flower shapes. 'Christine Hagemann', 'Ice Star', and 'Aglaia' have double or semi-double blooms. These might not attract as many pollinators. 'Silver Spoon' has flat, single-petal flowers, and 'Crazy Daisy' has big, frilly, double blooms.
| Shasta Daisy Cultivar | Plant Height | Flower Size | Flower Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'Becky' | 3-4 feet | 3 inches | Classic single |
| 'Alaska' | 2-3 feet | Exceptionally wide | Classic single |
| 'Snowcap' | 1 foot | Large | Classic single |
| 'Christine Hagemann' | 2-3 feet | 3 1/2 inches | Double |
| 'Silver Spoon' | 2-3 feet | 3 inches | Flat, single-petal |
| 'Crazy Daisy' | 2-3 feet | Large | Frilled, quilled, and twisted double |
The Shasta daisy family has many options for any garden. Whether you want the classic look or something unique, there's a Shasta daisy for you. They'll make your garden beautiful and attract pollinators too.
Shasta Daisy Flower Care and Planting
Shasta daisies are a favorite in gardens for their bright white flowers and lasting beauty. To keep them thriving, it's important to know how to care for and plant them.
These flowers love the sun and soil that drains well, mixed with organic stuff. When you plant them, put them 1-2 feet apart, based on the type. This gives them room to grow and look great together.
After planting, water them often to help them grow strong roots. But don't give them too much water, or they might get root rot. Once they're set, they can handle some dryness.
In early spring, give them a bit of compost or a slow-release fertilizer. This helps them grow big and bloom a lot. Make sure to remove dead flowers to keep them blooming all summer.
For winter, cut them back in the fall and cover the crowns with 2 inches of mulch. This keeps the roots warm and safe from frost. Shasta daisies are easy to care for and don't get many pests, making them perfect for any garden.
| Shasta Daisy Care Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Planting | Space plants 1-2 feet apart in full sun and well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. |
| Watering | Provide regular watering for newly planted daisies, but avoid soggy soil to prevent root rot. |
| Fertilizing | Apply a light layer of compost or slow-release all-purpose fertilizer in early spring. |
| Overwintering | Cut back plants in the fall and apply a 2-inch layer of mulch over the crowns for winter protection. |
Landscape Design Ideas with Shasta Daisies
Shasta daisies are a versatile perennial that can make any garden look better. Their bright white flowers and happy look are perfect for many garden styles. They're great for creating a cottage garden, a garden for pollinators, or a garden full of summer flowers.
In mixed borders, Shasta daisies look great with plants like Russian sage and geranium. They add color and texture. For a garden that helps pollinators, add Shasta daisies with plants like bee balm and false indigo. Short Shasta daisies are perfect for borders or containers, while tall ones are great for cut flower arrangements with dahlias and sunflowers.
Shasta daisies are also perfect for moon gardens, where their white flowers glow in the evening. They're easy to care for and last a long time. They work well with low-maintenance plants like viburnum and spirea.
Shasta daisies bring a happy, easy vibe to any garden. They're versatile and good for pollinators, making them a top choice for any garden.
Shasta Daisy Flower: Attracting Pollinators
Shasta daisies are more than just pretty flowers. They are key to a healthy ecosystem. These perennials have lots of nectar that bees, butterflies, beetles, and flies love.
Their dark green leaves are perfect for insects like assassin bugs and lacewings. These insects eat pests, keeping your garden healthy.
After the flowers fade, the stalks become homes for small native bees. This helps these bees survive the winter. Shasta daisies keep supporting nature even after they stop blooming.
Even though they're not from North America, Shasta daisies are now a big part of gardens. They help pollinators and wildlife, making them a favorite for eco-friendly gardens.
| Shasta Daisy Variety | Bloom Size | Plant Height | Hardiness Zones | Sunlight Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazing Daisies® 'Spun Silk' | 3.5 inches | 22-24 inches | 5-9 | Full Sun |
| Alaska | 2-3 inches | 2-3 feet | 3-9 | Full Sun |
| Sliver Princess | 2 inches | 12 inches | 5-9 | Full Sun |
Conclusion
Shasta daisies are perfect for gardeners wanting reliable color and charm. They bloom for a long time, need little care, and help pollinators and beneficial insects. These classic flowers with sunny yellow centers are versatile.
They come in sizes from compact to 4 feet tall, fitting any garden size. Adding Shasta daisies brings more blooms and helps local ecosystems. They are a top choice for gardens wanting summer charm and color.
Shasta daisies are easy to care for and add beauty to any outdoor space. They help pollinators and make gardens look great. Whether you're experienced or new to gardening, these daisies will brighten your space for years.
