Introducing the Shasta Daisy to the Garden

All is well with the garden, and if you consider which plant you can add to create a delectable display, the introduction of the Shasta daisy is a great choice. Here is some background to Shasta Daisy and tips on how to make it thrive in your garden.

Shasta (Marguerite) Daisy (Leucanthemum Maximum)

As the last of the snow turns to reflecting pools in the shade garden, its bareness would fool anyone into thinking that there could not possibly be anything to come. However, nature knows its own calender and lets us know it is time to begin work in our own gardens. The good rains of April prepare the way with the awakening frequencies of birdsong to cheer nature on. Helping to celebrate this is the sunburst pattern of the Shasta Daisy.

Daisy in the garden

There are many beautiful hybrids of the Ox eye daisy, and one of the most endearing is the Marguerite Shasta.

The Shasta owes its name to the snow covered mountain in the United States where it was first hybridised, Mt. Shasta, California. It is ironic that this daisy so named was once the symbol of the sun due to its golden yellow centre.

In literature the daisy is immortalised in the poetry of Wordsworth in his poem: To the Daisy

Thy long-lost praise thou shalt regain;
Nor be less dear to future men
Than in old time; -thou not in vain
Art Nature’s favourite.

William Wordsworth (1770-1850)

Shasta Care

The maintenance and care is similar for most Shastas with the new hybrids being more tolerant of colder climates. The taller varieties make for quite a stunning display in the garden.

Shastas add a freshness to the garden. It is not too formal and strikes that balance between wild and cultivated. This herbaceous perennial belongs to the Asteraceae family of plants, and is a good border plant, it provides a canvas for other colours in the garden.

Shasta thrive in zone 4-9 and can reach a height of 2-4ft. They spread out from a mound base in their blooming season which is from July to September.

Grow from seed

I grew mine from seed as they are so easy to grow. I used a repurposed take out chicken container and set it under a grow light. Nothing fancy and the trick is to keep the soil moderately moist. one should introduce young plants slowly to the garden and keep in partial or indirect sun.

Once the plants are established and you have planted them outside, the placement should provide at least 3 to 4 hours of full sun. That is why I found spaces in the garden with gaps between the tree branches to place my young plants.

From cuttings

The Shasta daisy has a rhizome rooting system which allows you to easily separate a plant by cutting down to its roots from the main plant. Because it grows in clumps, Shasta daisies need a space of at least 2ft. (60.96cm) for a healthy spread.

Dead head

In order to encourage the growth of the new buds it is good idea to dead head the spent flowers so as to redirect the plant’s energy. This encourages a more robust plant with vigorous blooms.

Soil

These daisies love a rich organic mix of well draining soil which is important to prevent root rot, as they are a drought tolerate daisy. In addition, hold back on the fertiliser as too much will give you more foliage than blooms.

In colder climates you can achieve the best results if you cut back and cover with mulch to protect the plant during the winter, and look forward to lovely blooms again in the spring.

Now that you know what it takes to grow and care for the Shasta Daisy, find that perfect place in your garden and get growing.