White Daisies
Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum × superbum)
Daisies are the April birth flower, along with sweet peas. Both flowers have traditionally signified innocence, purity, and love. Regardless of the meaning, they are harbingers of spring and a good growing season to come. The two most common white daisies in landscapes are the hybrid Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum × superbum) and Oxeye daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare).
Daisies are in the aster family, one of the largest families of angiosperms (flowering plants), including sunflowers, asters, chamomile, chrysanthemum, rudbeckia, and coneflower. They are native to Europe and Northern Asia. Oxeye daisy has been in the Unites States for such a long period that it is now naturalized throughout the county as well as southern Canada.
Shasta daisy is a hybrid developed by Luther Burbank, an American botanist, in the 1890s near Mt. Shasta in northern California. He crossed four different plants (three daisies and a chrysanthemum) to get the desirable characteristics of the Shasta daisy. The hybrid name “superbum” means superb. These plants are tall (1-3 feet), will grow in full to partial sun, are somewhat drought tolerant. They do not do well in wet soils. Shasta daisies are a workhorse of perennial border gardens, cutting gardens, and do well in rock gardens and containers.
Shasta daisies are quite hardy and do not require much maintenance once established. They are short-lived perennials, spread easily via rhizomes. To enjoy blooms throughout the season, deadhead regularly until the end of the season. Be aware that allowing the plants to go to seed may result in the plants reverting to one of the original parent plants and not the hybrid Shasta daisy. If division is desired, it is best to divide existing plants by the roots. At the end of the season, cut them down to stimulate vegetative growth and extend the life of the plant.
Oxeye daisy is attractive weedier looking plant. It is also known as marguerite, field daisy, white daisy, moon daisy, moon-penny, dog daisy. In some locations it is considered a noxious weed and can invade pastures. This is primarily a concern in western range land. It is not currently listed on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources of regulated invasive plants; however, care should be taken where it is planted. It can easily escape and become a problem in pasture land.
Oxeye daisy spreads not only by rhizomes, but readily self-seeds. Therefore, be sure to deadhead any blossoms before they go to seed to control the spread. The seed can remain viable in the soil for several years, although most will germinate within a year of soil contact.
The only point of concern for these plants is that they can be mildly toxic to pets, including horses, causing digestive distress if ingested in large quantities. However, both types of daisies are wonderful pollinator attractants, drawing bees, butterflies and moths. They have a long bloom time (June through September) and provide days and days of enjoyment. Their bright white color fits in just about any garden. Because of the brightness, they make a fine addition to gardens that are viewed at night. With their simple elegance, a bouquet of daisies makes a charming gift. Pair them with marigolds, lavender, rudbeckia, or asters. Children of all ages love to use them to play the “loves me, loves me not” game with the blooms.
Carol Shirk
Certified Master Gardener