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Shasta daisy: Leucanthemum x superbum Becky

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Shasta daisy: Leucanthemum x superbum Becky

From summer through fall, this Shasta daisy produces large, white-petaled, yellow-centered flowers on long, leafless stalks that make them great for cutting. Perfectly suited to the hot and humid South, 'Becky' tolerates a wide range of conditions, grows larger each year, and is easy to care for.

Profile

Plant typeperennial
Hardiness zones5 to 8
Lightfull-sun-to-part-shade
Height up to 3 ft.
Spread up to 2 ft.
Soil pHslightly-acidic-to-neutral-pH6.5-7
Soil moistureaverage
Bloom timefall,summer
Flower colorwhite
Bloom size5 in. to 5 in.
Foliage colordark-green
Foliage size1 ft. to 1 ft.

did you know?

The Shasta daisy was hybridized by Luther Burbank (1849?1926), an esteemed plant breeder who developed several hundred varieties of plants during his lifetime. Burbank named his white-as-snow daisy after the snow-capped Mount Shasta of northern California.

general maintenance:

Deadhead spent blooms to encourage flowering. Remove old foliage after frost in fall or before new growth resumes in spring.

pests/diseases:

Aphids, slugs and leaf spot may occur.

controls:

Regularly hose off aphids with a directed stream of water or apply insecticidal soap, following label directions. Handpick slugs or spread diatomaceous earth around plants. To discourage leaf spot, space plants for adequate air circulation and avoid wetting leaves when watering. Pick off diseased leaves where practical, and remove and destroy severely infected plants.

how to sow/plant:

Start with new plants or divisions. Choose a sunny to partly shady site and amend with well-rotted manure or compost. Place plants 18?24 inches apart. Water upon planting and mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil moisture throughout the growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and after flowering, following label directions.

garden hint:

Shasta daisies need to be divided every 2?3 years, either in spring or fall, when they begin to die out in the center.

features:

  • Attractive Flowers
  • Attractive Foliage
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Drought Tolerant

garden uses:

  • Containers
  • Edging
  • Flowerbed borders

other uses:

  • Cut Flower

combine with:

cushion spurge wormwood and tickseed

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