Shasta daisy Leucanthemum × superbum 'Crazy Daisy'
ABOUT
Crazy Daisy is an attractive flowering plant notable for its lush green foliage that sets the stage for its distinctive blooms. The leaves are dark green, elongated, and deeply lobed, creating a textured backdrop. The flowers of Crazy Daisy are what truly captivate attention. These blooms are large and resemble the classic daisy shape, but with a whimsical twist. Each flower head is a burst of white petals, many of which are quilled or twisted, giving them a frilly, ruffled appearance that looks as though the petals are playfully curling and swirling around the center. The center of the flower is a sunny, bright yellow disc, which contrasts sharply with the pure white of the petals and adds a cheerful pop of color. These flowers bloom profusely and can cover the plant, creating a dense mat of white and yellow that's a delight in any garden setting. Overall, Crazy Daisy presents a charming and exuberant presence, its festive flower heads dancing atop the foliage and bringing joy to spectator.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Shasta Daisy, Crazy Daisy
Common names
Leucanthemum maximum 'Crazy Daisy', Chrysanthemum maximum 'Crazy Daisy', Chrysanthemum × superbum 'Crazy Daisy'.
ToxicityTo humans
Shasta daisy is not known to be toxic to humans. Generally, it is considered non-toxic and does not cause serious symptoms if ingested in small quantities. However, like with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause mild discomfort or gastrointestinal irritation.
To pets
Shasta daisy is also not recognized as toxic to pets, such as cats and dogs. It should be safe if pets happen to ingest small amounts. However, as with humans, some pets might experience mild gastrointestinal upset due to individual sensitivities or if they consume a large amount of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Shasta Daisy 'Crazy Daisy' has frilly, double white petals with a bright yellow center, adding charm and decoration to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems and aiding in plant pollination.
- Low Maintenance: It is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: It exhibits some level of drought resistance, making it a resilient choice in diverse climates and conditions.
- Versatile Landscaping: Ideal for borders, garden beds, and as cut flowers, providing versatility in garden design and indoor decoration.
- Extended Blooming Season: The Shasta Daisy 'Crazy Daisy' has a long flowering period from early summer to fall, offering prolonged visual interest.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial plant, it will return year after year, creating a lasting presence in the garden.
- Wildlife Friendly: It creates a habitat for various species of wildlife, contributing to a balanced garden ecology.
- Adaptable: This plant can adapt to a range of soil types and sun exposures, allowing it to thrive in many garden settings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting and Flower Arranging: The Shasta daisy's full, textured blooms are excellent for creating intricate dried flower arrangements or wreaths.
- Natural Fabric Dyes: The petals of Shasta daisies can be utilized to create a subtle, natural dye for fabrics.
- Photography Props: The distinctive appearance of Shasta daisies makes them a popular choice as a natural prop in portrait and macro photography.
- Educational Resource: The Shasta daisy can be used in schools or educational programs to teach students about plant biology and hybridization.
- Companion Planting: Gardeners sometimes plant Shasta daisies near vegetable gardens as they are believed to attract beneficial insects.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried Shasta daisy petals can serve as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti at events.
- Garden Design and Landscaping: These plants are used in garden design for their height and structure, creating depth in flower beds.
- Culinary Decoration: Though not widely known for culinary use, the petals can be used for a decorative garnish on salads and desserts.
- Symbolic Gifts: Shasta daisies are often associated with purity and innocence, making them a meaningful gift for special occasions.
- Artistic Inspiration: The distinct form of the Shasta daisy inspires artists and can be found in various forms of art, from painting to textile design.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Shasta Daisy, as Leucanthemum × superbum 'Crazy Daisy' is commonly known, can be used in Feng Shui to introduce yang energy due to its vibrant and lush white petals, which can symbolize purity and innocence. To balance the energies in a home or garden, Shasta Daisies should be placed in areas that require more vibrant, lively energy, which can invite happiness and positivity.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Shasta Daisy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: As a member of the Daisy family, Leucanthemum × superbum 'Crazy Daisy', commonly known as Shasta Daisy, is often associated with purity due to its bright white petals that resemble cleanliness and innocence.
- Innocence: The pristine white of the Shasta Daisy is reminiscent of youth and simplicity, symbolizing innocence and a childlike perspective.
- Optimism: The Shasta Daisy has a bright appearance that is easily associated with positivity and the optimistic belief that better times are ahead.
- New Beginnings: Often found in bouquets given to new mothers or as gifts for new ventures, Shasta Daisies reflect the hope and potential of new starts.
- True Love: Folklore often cites the Daisy as a symbol of loyal love and trust, with the common "He loves me, he loves me not" game speaking to the quest for true love.
WaterShasta daisies should be watered deeply and thoroughly to encourage strong root development. Typically, watering once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant is sufficient, but this can vary based on climate and soil conditions. In hotter, drier periods, they may require additional water, possibly twice a week. Ensure the soil is moist but not soggy, and always check the soil moisture before watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
LightShasta daisies thrive best in full sunlight, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate partial shade; however, too much shade can lead to leggy stems and poor flowering. The best spot for planting Shasta daisies would be an open area away from tall trees and structures that can cast shadows over the plants for significant portions of the day.
TemperatureShasta daisies prefer temperate climates and can typically survive in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9 and can endure minimum winter temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit. During growing months, maintaining temperatures within the ideal range will promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
PruningPruning Shasta daisies is important to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote further blooming throughout the growing season. Cut back the stems by one-third after blooming is complete to maintain a compact form and to help rejuvenate the plants for the coming year. The best time for a major prune is in the early spring or late fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShasta Daisy 'Crazy Daisy' thrives best in well-draining soil with a good amount of organic matter, such as a mix of garden soil, compost, and peat moss. An ideal pH range is between 6.0 and 8.0.
RepottingShasta Daisy 'Crazy Daisy' typically does not require frequent repotting and is often planted directly in the ground. If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingShasta Daisy 'Crazy Daisy' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average garden conditions without the need for special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and ample space.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, and regular deadheading.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Shasta Daisy 'Crazy Daisy' begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in the spring when the soil temperatures become conducive. This perennial plant then develops a basal rosette of leaves during its initial growth stage. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant grows stems and foliage, gathering energy through photosynthesis. Following vegetative growth, 'Crazy Daisy' transitions to the reproductive phase, blooming usually in the early to mid-summer, displaying its distinctive double or semi-double white petals with a yellow center. After pollination, which is often facilitated by insects attracted to the blooms, the plant sets seeds which mature by late summer or fall, completing the cycle. Over winter, the plant may die back to the ground, with the root system remaining dormant, ready to regenerate the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Shasta Daisy 'Crazy Daisy' is typically propagated by division. The preferred time for dividing this perennial plant is in early spring or late summer to early fall, when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, preserving as much of the root system as possible. Gently separate the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy portion of roots. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) apart to give them ample room to grow. Water the new divisions well to help establish them. This method is effective because it helps maintain the vigor of the plant and also controls its size, making it the most popular method of propagation for Shasta Daisy 'Crazy Daisy'.
