top of page

Shasta Daisy

Leucanthemum x superbum

The Summer Classic: Pure Radiance with Leucanthemum × superbum


The Snapshot

  • Common Name: Shasta Daisy

  • Scientific Name: Leucanthemum × superbum

  • Origin: Garden Hybrid (A complex cross of four different daisy species)

  • Hardiness: Zones 5 – 9

  • The "Vibe": Classic, cheerful, and crisp; the "white t-shirt" of the perennial border.

Why We Love It

The Shasta Daisy is loved for its simplicity. It features the iconic "daisy" look—a bright golden-yellow central disc surrounded by a halo of pure white petals (ray florets). They are famous for their prolific bloom cycle, starting in early summer and continuing for weeks. They provide a clean, bright contrast to the "hot" colors of summer and look just as home in a formal garden as they do in a wild cottage meadow.


Ecosystem & Wildlife Impact

  • Pollinator Landing Pad: The wide, flat center is a perfect stage for Butterflies and Syrphid flies (beneficial insects that eat garden pests).

  • Bee Support: Honeybees and native sweat bees are frequent visitors for the accessible pollen in the central disc.

  • Bird Forage: If left to go to seed in late autumn, the dried heads provide small seeds for finches.

Designer Tips: Where to Plant

  • The "Night Garden" Highlight: White flowers reflect moonlight. Plant Shasta Daisies near a patio to make the garden "glow" after the sun goes down.

  • The Cutting Garden Essential: These are among the best cut flowers in existence. They have long, sturdy stems and can last nearly two weeks in a vase.

  • Classic Cottage Pair: Plant them behind Blue Salvia or in front of Purple Coneflowers for a timeless, high-contrast look.

Designer Pro-Tip: Shasta Daisies are "heavy bloomers" and can literally exhaust themselves. To keep them vigorous, divide the clumps every 2–3 years in the spring. Discard the woody center and replant the fresh, outer shoots. This keeps the plant youthful and prevents the middle from "going bald."


Stories from the Garden

"I have a patch of 'Becky' Shastas that have survived three moves and a massive drought. They are the most cheerful things in my yard. Every time I look at them, I can't help but smile. They are the ultimate 'low-work, high-reward' plant."

— Grace H., Zone 5 Gardener


A Growing Story: The Moon Garden

A customer once told us she planted a "White Garden" for her daughter's outdoor evening graduation. She used fifty Shasta Daisies along the driveway. She said that as the sun set, the daisies were the only thing you could see, looking like "thousands of tiny stars" guiding the guests to the house.

bottom of page