Marguerite 'Edith' Leucanthemum × superbum 'Highland White Dream' (PBR)

Water

Shasta Daisy 'Highland White Dream' should be watered deeply to encourage root growth, but not too frequently to avoid waterlogging. Generally, watering once or twice a week during hot, dry periods should be sufficient. Adjust the watering schedule based on rainfall, as natural precipitation can reduce the need for supplemental watering. A good rule of thumb is to provide about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. It's best to water early in the morning to allow the foliage to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Light

Shasta Daisy 'Highland White Dream' thrives in full sun conditions, which means it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. An ideal spot is one that is exposed to the morning sun and shielded from the harshest afternoon light, or in a location that provides full-day exposure. This plant will also tolerate light shade, but too much shade can lead to weak stems and reduced flowering.

Temperature

Shasta Daisy 'Highland White Dream' prefers a range of temperatures but performs best in moderate conditions. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 to -20 Fahrenheit during its dormant winter phase. The ideal temperature for vigorous growth and blooming is between 60 and 75 Fahrenheit. Extreme heat can be stressful for the plant, so providing some afternoon shade in hotter regions may be beneficial.

Pruning

Pruning Shasta Daisy 'Highland White Dream' is essential to maintain a tidy appearance and promote better blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. Perform a more extensive pruning in early spring or late fall by cutting back the stems to just above ground level; this will stimulate new growth and maintain a healthy plant. You can also prune in the summer after the first wave of blooms to clean up the plant and potentially encourage a second bloom period.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Shasta daisy 'Highland White Dream' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A mix containing loamy soil, peat or compost, and perlite or vermiculite is ideal to provide the necessary drainage and nutrients. Regularly amending the soil with organic matter will help maintain its fertility and structure.

Repotting

Shasta daisies typically do not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years. Repotting is best done in the spring, and it's a good opportunity to divide the clumps if they have grown too large or crowded in their current container.

Humidity & Misting

Shasta daisy 'Highland White Dream' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but performs best in moderate conditions. Average room humidity is sufficient, but avoid placing it in excessively dry or damp environments to ensure healthy growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light, ensure good air flow.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-draining soil, space for growth.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Shasta Daisy 'Highland White Dream' begins its lifecycle as a seed, which, when sown, will germinate given the proper conditions of moisture and temperature, typically in spring. Once germinated, it develops a primary root system and foliage as a seedling, progressively forming a characteristic rosette of leaves at the soil surface. As the plant matures, it begins the vegetative stage, where it will grow and develop a more robust root system and fuller foliage in preparation for flowering. The next stage is the flowering period, generally in the summer, when 'Highland White Dream' produces its signature white petals with yellow disc centers attracting pollinators for reproduction. After pollination, the plant sets seed, completing its reproductive cycle, and these seeds can be dispersed to proliferate new plants. In autumn, the plant may die back, particularly in colder climates, but as a perennial, it will typically regrow from its rootstock with the onset of the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The Leucanthemum × superbum 'Highland White Dream', commonly known as Shasta daisy, is often propagated by division, which is best performed in spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump from the ground with a shovel after the flowering season or before new growth begins. Gently break the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each division has both roots and shoots. Replant these divisions immediately in well-prepared soil, maintaining the same planting depth as the original plant and watering them thoroughly. Divisions should be spaced about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to give each plant enough space to grow. This method of propagation is popular because it helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may have become woody and less floriferous, and it is an easy way to produce new plants that are identical to the parent.