Over 20 years ago, my Dad planted a few Shasta daisies in our garden. I didn't think too much about them at that time. However, when they bloomed I was surprised at the impact that they made. I was just as surprised seeing how they propagate themselves into more and more every year and how they are easy to divide and replant. I found that out when I took a few of the Shasta daisies he planted and replanted them at my house.
I've had very good success with my Shasta daisies in my garden. The photo above shows my Shasta daisies blooming this year. They are a major bright spot in my flower garden. They give it that needed 'pop' my flower garden was lacking. I'm very happy with them.
Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum) are perennials (they come back every year) and are pretty hardy from zones 4 through 9. They were formerly classified in the genus Chrysanthemum, these daisies were transferred to their own genus of Leucanthemum because they lack some traits of true Chrysanthemums. The Shasta Daisy originated as a hybrid produced by the famed American horticulturist Luther Burbank, who developed more than 800 strains and varieties of plants over his 55-year career.
My Dad always loved gardening and it was a passion I didn't quite share back when he planted the Shasta daisies all of those years ago. I have to say that now I sure do. Unfortunately, gardening didn't appeal to me until after he passed on. That would have been a great thing to share with him.
Shasta daisies are fun and easy to grow. They do like good garden soil; this means a well-drained soil, not clay soil, but one where moisture is present and organic matter is excellent. They will also thrive better is you practice deadheading, which means to cut off the flower and stem as it starts to fade and die but before it has a chance to set seed. One potential problem I see is that after a few years you need to have plenty of room for them or you'll need to thin them out. One great resolution for this is to divide them and give a few to friends. They can then enjoy Shasta daisies at their home as I have enjoyed the ones I received from the ones my Dad planted over 20 years ago. Thanks Dad.
