Thursday, November 5, 2009

Leucanthemum x superbum, Shasta Daisy

Leucanthemum x superbum 'Mount Everest'
The Shasta Daisy is a robust spreading perennial of garden origin which is hardy from Tasmania to Queensland and can be grown in both coastal and inland gardens. There are many notable cultivars including the diminutive 'Snow Lady and equally small 'Little Silver Princess' as well as fringed petal varieties such as 'Shaggy Gem' and 'Crazy Daisy'.
In warm climates a clump can be divided up at any time of the year and roots will often form on above ground stems making it a very easy plant to propagate. The flowers are good for cutting and removal of old flower stems will ensure a long flowering period well into Summer. Pests to watch out for are snails and slugs which can hide amongst the lance shaped leaves and occasionally the leaves are susceptible to fungal spotting especially during humid weather . Generally however they are trouble free and easy to grow in sun or semi shade in average garden soil.

2017 update: After growing them for years I have let my collection go.
L X s 'Esther Read'

L x s 'Shaggy Gem'

 

3 comments:

  1. Do they come in different colours too? What is the name of the purple flowers in the second picture from the top? Is it Mexican Sage?

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  2. Ian, for such a simple looking flower, they always add a wonderful carefree look to any garden.

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  3. Just a white flowered daisy Lotus .Yes that is the Mexican sage ...another hardy plant.
    G'day George always enjoy your comments.

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