Leucanthemum Superbum
Contents
Description
Leucanthemum Superbum, commonly known as Shasta Daisy, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe but has become a popular garden plant in North America due to its attractive appearance and easy-to-care-for nature. The plant produces large, white, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers that bloom in mid to late summer. Its foliage is green and lance-shaped, and it reaches a height of up to three feet.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Leucanthemum |
Appearance
Leucanthemum Superbum is a stunning plant that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. Its flowers are large and showy, measuring up to four inches in diameter. They are white with yellow centers and have a papery texture. The plant’s foliage is dark green and forms a clump at the base of the stem. Its leaves are lance-shaped, with serrated edges that add to its overall beauty. Leucanthemum Superbum can grow up to three feet tall and two feet wide.
Care Guide
Leucanthemum Superbum is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your Shasta Daisy healthy:
- Water: The plant needs regular watering during the growing season, but be careful not to overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Repeat every six weeks until midsummer.
- Soil: Leucanthemum Superbum prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.
- Sunlight: The plant needs full sun to partial shade. It will not tolerate deep shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Leucanthemum Superbum is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Leucanthemum Superbum is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to some common garden problems. Here are some issues to watch out for:
- Aphids: These small insects can infest the plant, causing leaves to curl and distort. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause the plant’s leaves to turn yellow and develop brown spots. Remove infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the plant’s leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Habitat
Leucanthemum Superbum is native to Europe but has become naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, fields, and along roadsides. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: When is the best time to plant Leucanthemum Superbum?
A: The best time to plant the Shasta Daisy is in the spring after the last frost.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Leucanthemum Superbum?
A: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Repeat every six weeks until midsummer.
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for Leucanthemum Superbum?
A: The plant can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.
Q: How tall can Leucanthemum Superbum grow?
A: The plant can grow up to three feet tall and two feet wide.
Related Plants
- Leucanthemum maximum (Oxeye Daisy)
- Leucanthemum vulgare (Wild Daisy)
- Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Becky’ (Becky Shasta Daisy)
References
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/leucanthemum-superbum-shasta-daisy
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/shasta-daisy/growing-shasta-daisies.htm
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/23695/leucanthemum-x-superbum/details
