The Shasta daisy was introduced by American botanist Luther Burbank at the turn of the 20th Century. Banks first crossed the max chrysanthemum with the oxeye daisy. That hybrid was then crossed with Leucanthemum lacustre and then that hybrid was finally crossed with the Montauk or Nippon daisy.
These flowers can reproduce prolifically since they are spread by seed and roots. They can get pretty out of control so it’s best to limit the blooms that go to seed and require dividing every two years because of overcrowding.
Other Interesting or Semi-Interesting Things About This Plant
They stink. Some write that these daisies produce butyric acid which is found in vomit, but they don’t offer much scientific data to back it up. However, that stink attracts flies which helps with pollination.
It was once classified as a chrysanthemum. It was reclassified in recent years as Leucanthemum of which the oxeye daisy belongs. One reason is that it doesn’t produce pyrethrin (used in many insecticides like most chrysanthemums.
Specifications & Growing Information
- Leucanthemum x superbum
- Perennial/biennial in most zones
- Full sun/can tolerate part sun
- Stratification? No, but a cold period can be beneficial
- Height up to 2-3ft.
- Germination in 15-25 days at 70F
For direct sow-Plant in a weed-free garden bed after ground temperatures have warmed. Cover seeds with around ⅛ inch of soil. These seeds don’t require stratification but sometimes benefit from it. You can usually achieve a cold snap by storing the seeds in your fridge for 2 weeks.
- These are biennial flowers and usually don’t bloom the first year.
- Deadheading spent blooms is optional but encourages more blooms.
- Can be started indoors.
- Works well in containers.
- Daisies can be toxic. Please take care with children and pets.
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