Shasta Daisy Leucanthemum × superbum 'Banana Cream'
ABOUT
The plant commonly referred to as 'Banana Cream' Shasta Daisy features charming lemon-yellow flowers that gradually mature to a creamy white as they age. The blooms are large with a prominent central disk surrounded by numerous long, slender petals that radiate outwards, creating a classic daisy appearance. The petals transition from a soft yellow to buttery hues before reaching their final ivory shade. Contrasting strikingly with its vibrant green foliage, the leaves of the plant are glossy and oblong, creating a lush backdrop for the showy flowers. The plant forms a bushy, dense mound that is covered in blooms during its flowering season. The central disks of the flowers are often a deeper yellow or gold, adding to the sunny, cheerful presentation of this garden favorite. The stems holding the flowers are sturdy and upright, showcasing the blooms prominently amidst the verdant leaves. With its progressive color transformation, 'Banana Cream' Shasta Daisy brings a dynamic and long-lasting display of color to any garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Shasta Daisy, Banana Cream Shasta Daisy
Common names
Chrysanthemum maximum 'Banana Cream', Chrysanthemum × superbum 'Banana Cream'.
ToxicityTo humans
Shasta daisy, the common name for Leucanthemum × superbum 'Banana Cream', is not considered toxic to humans. Therefore, there are typically no symptoms associated with poisoning since it is not poisonous. However, some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to plants in the Asteraceae family, which could cause mild skin irritation or an allergic reaction upon handling.
To pets
Shasta daisy is also generally not considered toxic to pets. Poisonous symptoms are unlikely because the plant is not known to contain toxic substances that affect pets. However, individual animals may have sensitivities that could result in mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. It's always prudent to discourage pets from eating non-food plants, as they could cause vomiting or diarrhea simply from the plant matter's physical irritation.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The Shasta daisy 'Banana Cream' attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, helping to pollinate plants and support biodiversity.
- Long Blooming Season: This perennial exhibits a long blooming season from early summer into fall, providing consistent color and interest in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Shasta daisies are known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established and proving quite drought-tolerant.
- Cut Flower: 'Banana Cream' makes an excellent cut flower, with long stems and a long vase life, ideal for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Landscape Versatility: The plant can be used in a variety of garden settings including borders, containers, and as a mass planting for a bold impact.
- Visual Appeal: With its creamy yellow flowers that mature to white, this Shasta daisy cultivar adds a unique color palette to the garden.
- Rabbit Resistant: They are generally resistant to rabbits, making them a good choice in areas where rabbits are a common garden nuisance.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: The bright yellow blossoms of the Shasta Daisy 'Banana Cream' offer a vibrant backdrop or focal point for photographers, especially for insect and nature macro photography.
- Creative Crafts: The petals of the Shasta Daisy can be used in creating pressed flower art, adding a sunny hue to bookmarks, greeting cards, or framed botanical displays.
- Educational Tool: Gardeners and educators can use the Shasta Daisy to teach children about plant growth cycles, pollination, and the importance of perennial plants in garden ecosystems.
- Companion Planting: The Shasta Daisy can be planted alongside vegetables to attract pollinators, helping to increase the yield of crops like tomatoes and peppers.
- Natural Dye: The petals of the Shasta Daisy can be boiled to extract a light yellow dye, which can be used for coloring fabrics, yarns, or even Easter eggs.
- Garden Design: With its creamy yellow flowers, the Shasta Daisy 'Banana Cream' is perfect for creating a color-themed garden or to serve as a contrast against plants with dark foliage or deep blue/purple blooms.
- Mood Enhancer: Simply having the Shasta Daisy around can brighten moods with its cheerful blooms, making it a great addition to spaces needing a touch of joy.
- Artistic Inspiration: The unique color and form of the Shasta Daisy 'Banana Cream' can serve as a muse for artists, inspiring paintings, and floral designs.
- Event Decor: The flowers can be used in table arrangements or bouquets for weddings and other events, offering a soft, lemony hue that's both elegant and uplifting.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Petals from the Shasta Daisy can be used as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti in celebrations, reducing the environmental footprint of events.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiShasta Daisy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityShasta Daisy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: Because of its white petals, the Shasta daisy typically symbolizes purity, much like other white flowers.
- Innocence: Associated with its clean appearance, the Shasta daisy is often linked to innocence and childlike wonder.
- Positivity: With its bright and cheery presence, this plant is often seen as symbolizing positivity and the ability to brighten someone's day.
- Loyalty: Shasta daisies can represent loyal love, making them a popular choice in bouquets meant to convey commitment.
WaterTo ensure the Shasta daisy 'Banana Cream' thrives, water it deeply and thoroughly to encourage deep root growth. Aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week, whether through rainfall or manual watering. During hotter and dryer periods, you may need to water twice a week. When watering, avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. Ensure that the soil is moist but not saturated, as poor drainage or overwatering can lead to root rot.
LightShasta daisy 'Banana Cream' prefers full sun to part shade conditions. It thrives with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, though it can tolerate some light afternoon shade. The ideal spot for this plant would be in a garden area that receives morning sunlight and is protected from the intense heat of the midday sun.
TemperatureThe Shasta daisy 'Banana Cream' is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures but performs best in conditions where temperatures range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures well into the 80s, though extreme heat may stress the plant.
PruningPruning Shasta daisy 'Banana Cream' helps promote bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages a second bloom in late summer or early fall. Cut back the stems to about 2 inches above the ground level after the first killing frost in fall or in early spring to clean up the plant and stimulate new growth. Prune or thin out overcrowded clumps in the spring every few years to maintain plant vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShasta daisy 'Banana Cream' thrives in well-drained soil enriched with compost or other organic matter. The ideal soil pH for this plant is between 6.0 and 8.0. A soil mix consisting of equal parts garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand would provide a suitable environment for healthy growth.
RepottingShasta daisies like 'Banana Cream' generally need repotting every 2 to 3 years or when they become root-bound. This provides them with fresh soil and room to grow. Spring is the best time to repot this perennial.
Humidity & MistingShasta daisy 'Banana Cream' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any specific humidity conditions. They perform well in the typical outdoor humidity found in most temperate regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-drained soil, and moderate water.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, fertile soil, with space for air circulation.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Shasta Daisy 'Banana Cream' begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions. Following germination, seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of foliage at the soil level. As the plant matures, it develops a sturdy stem and foliage, entering a vegetative growth phase where it accumulates resources through photosynthesis. Flowering typically occurs in the summer, with 'Banana Cream' producing large, creamy yellow daisies that gradually mature to white, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant may then enter a period of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, before resuming growth the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Shasta daisy 'Banana Cream' is commonly propagated by division, which is best done in the spring or early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the established clumps of the Shasta daisy ensuring you keep a good amount of soil around the roots. Gently separate the clump into smaller clumps, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions immediately at the same soil level they were previously, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches apart to allow for growth. Water them thoroughly after planting to help establish the new divisions. This method allows the gardener to create new plants that are genetically identical to the parent, ensuring the same desirable characteristics of 'Banana Cream' are maintained.
