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The Shasta Daisy is one of the backbones of a perennial border, with long lasting 3 inch wide sparkling white blooms and yellow centers on sturdy stems that grow up to 40” tall, flowering in June through September. The flowers make wonderful cut flowers, and in the landscape they attract bees and butterflies.
As a young man in Massachusetts, Luther Burbank loved the wild oxeye daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare), considered a noxious weed by the local farmers. When Burbank moved to California in 1884, he began developing his nursery and refining the oxeye. After 15 years of breeding, Burbank finally developed an entirely new species, Leucanthemum x superbum, which became an instant success. One simple formula explanation I saw was this: oxeye daisy + English field daisy pollen + Portuguese field daisy pollen + Japanese daisy pollen = Shasta daisy. The true Shasta does not have the invasive characteristics of the common oxeye but if allowed to set seed, some seeds may revert.
The name ‘Shasta Daisy’ supposedly comes from Burbank comparing the crisp white petals to the pure white snow on Mt. Shasta. I have read that the word ‘Daisy’ came from ‘Dad’s Eye’ and morphed into ‘Day’s Eye’ for the similarity of a daisy to the yellow sun with its white ‘rays’.
Shasta Daisies are hardy in zones 4-9 and often characterized by an unusual and somewhat unpleasant odor. They like full sun and well-drained fertile soil with a pH from 6.1 to 7.8 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline). They tolerate a range of conditions including partial shade but not wet feet in winter. Deadheading extends the blooming season. They are attractive to bees and butterflies but fortunately, not to deer. Propagation is by cuttings or division of the clumps (which should be divided every 2-3 years for plant vigor).
Shastas are best planted in spring after frost has passed, or early fall. When planting from nursery containers, carefully remove the root ball and check to be sure they are not root-bound. I carefully loosen any roots encircling the rootball. Place in well-composted soil, and water well until established.
The first named Shasta daisy developed by Burbank was ‘Alaska’. Later he crossed that with a wild daisy-like Northern California flower to make a double/triple fringe-petalled variety he named ‘Marconi’ and a triple-quadruple petalled variety ‘Esther Read’. There have now been over 100 named varieties introduced since 1901. [1].
My favorite Shasta daisy is Leucanthemum x superbum 'Becky', discovered growing in Atlanta by Ida Mae Gatlin and passed on to her daughter and then to Jimmy and Becky Stewart. This passalong daisy went through a couple of other people and names before Bill Funkhouser joined Wayside Gardens and included it in their catalogs as Leucanthemum 'Becky'. [2] Unlike many Shasta daisies, ‘Becky’ will stand up to both the hot, humid Atlanta summers and cold northern winters. The tall stems are strong and do not need staking, and 'Becky' starts blooming late June to early July when other Shastas are finishing.
Some Shasta Daisy Varieties: Leucanthemum x superbum 'Alaska', 18-30” Leucanthemum x superbum 'Becky', 36-48” Leucanthemum 'Broadway Lights', flowers opening bright yellow and turning all shades from butter to cream to pure white as they mature, 18-24” Leucanthemum x superbum 'Crazy Daisy', early bloomer, fluffy double flowers Leucanthemum x superbum 'Little Princess', compact 6-12” Leucanthemum superbum 'Silver Princess', dwarf 12-15” Leucanthemum 'Snowdrift', shaggy double and semi-double 30-34” Leucanthemum x superbum 'Snow Lady', dwarf Shasta with 2-3" white flowers, 8-12” Leucanthemum x superbum 'Summer Snowball', large, double dahlia-like flower heads of pure white with no yellow center, 24-36” Leucanthemum x superbum 'Switzerland', Multiple flowers per stem, one of the longest bloomers, 24-36” Leucanthemum x superbum 'Thomas Killen', Extra large single flowers with double rows of white petals, and a crested gold center. Because of its thick, sturdy stems, this variety is better suited as a cut flower. 12-30”
Photo Credits: Thanks to hczone6, peachespickett and Victorgardener for their photos from Plantfiles. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/57377/ The seedling photos are my own, Darius Van d’Rhys.
About Darius Van d'Rhys
I have a 'growing my own food' obsession that grew out of my overlapping interests in cooking, nutrition and gardening. I am also a teacher (but outside the System), a writer, and a builder… and a craftsperson and... and… and many other things, LOL. In fact, I guess I am a generalist.
I live in the southern Appalachian Mountains on a hillside with a creek in front and drive a 15 year old truck I lovingly call “My Farmer’s Ferrari.”
Posted by chelmip (from Riverbank, CA) on June 13, 2008 at 2:09 AM:
I have lots of Shasta daisies here in central California. They are beautiful, but when I cut them, and put them in a vase, they wilt within 24 hours. Everyone says they should last up to 10 days - is there a secret that I have not been told yet as to how to keep these cut flowers looking beautiful for more than one day?
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Posted by darius (from Marion, VA) on June 13, 2008 at 9:53 AM:
All I know is to cut the flowers when the petals are only half open. I re-cut mine in the kitchen sink with the stems where I'm cutting under running water. They should last a week or so.
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Subject: Becky
Posted by Warburton (from Rochester, NY) on May 14, 2008 at 8:02 AM:
Hi Darius:
I enjoyed your article - I love daisies.
Do you know of a reputable place where I can mail order some Becky plants or seeds? Thanks.
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Posted by darius (from Marion, VA) on May 14, 2008 at 8:19 AM:
I have received the best mail order perennial seedlings of any kind from Bluestone Perennials, and their reputation is excellent. You might try them.
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Posted by Pamgarden (from Central, VA) on May 16, 2008 at 4:48 PM:
These daisies are beautiful. I have my first ever daisy purchased from a plant sale by our county's Master Gardeners. It was marked 'Ox Eye' 4-10'. I hope it doesn't get to 10', but I'll be thrilled with 4'. The Becky looks like a perfect daisy for my garden. Thank you for an informative article.
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Subject: Nice
Posted by phicks (from Lakeland, FL) on May 7, 2008 at 2:34 PM:
I really Like the Shasta IN VA i use to have a huge bed down here they wont grow Nice Article Paul
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Posted by darius (from Marion, VA) on May 7, 2008 at 4:54 PM:
Thanks, Paul. I just planted a BUNCH of them here!
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Posted by Sharran (from Calvert City, KY) on May 7, 2008 at 11:31 PM:
One of my favorite flowers. Thank you for such a lovely article. I had never heard of Day's Eye, but what a beautiful concept.
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Posted by Sundownr (from Wytheville, VA) on May 8, 2008 at 10:27 AM:
Great info on one of my favorite flowers, and beautiful pictures, too.
Thanks!
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Posted by Fitsy (from Hayesville, NC) on May 12, 2008 at 8:44 AM:
Thanks for this info! I am just starting to plant daisies.
Fitsy
The name ‘Shasta Daisy’ supposedly comes from Burbank comparing the crisp white petals to the pure white snow on Mt. Shasta. I have read that the word ‘Daisy’ came from ‘Dad’s Eye’ and morphed into ‘Day’s Eye’ for the similarity of a daisy to the yellow sun with its white ‘rays’. 
remove the root ball and check to be sure they are not root-bound. I carefully loosen any roots encircling the rootball. Place in well-composted soil, and water well until established.
The first named Shasta daisy developed by Burbank was ‘Alaska’. Later he crossed that with a wild daisy-like Northern California flower to make a double/triple fringe-petalled variety he named ‘Marconi’ and a triple-quadruple petalled variety ‘Esther Read’. There have now been over 100 named varieties introduced since 1901. [1].
