Shasta Daisy Leucanthemum 'Angel'
ABOUT
Leucanthemum 'Angel', more commonly known as the Shasta daisy, is a classic perennial that is cherished for its charming and cheerful appearance. It has a robust and upright form, characterized by a dense clump of deep green foliage. The leaves are typically oblong with a somewhat glossy texture, contributing to the lush backdrop for the blossoms. Flowering generously, the Shasta daisy boasts large, white flowers with a sunny yellow center disk that stands out brightly against the green leaves. Each petal radiates gracefully from the center, often overlapping slightly with a clean, even margin that gives it a pristine look. The flowers are known for their long-lasting quality and their propensity to bloom in a flush, which covers the plant in a cascade of white. These blooms are set atop sturdy stalks that emerge from the foliage, making them a favorite choice for cutting gardens as they hold up well in vases. The contrast of the yellow disk against the snowy petals creates a classic daisy appearance, which has made the Shasta daisy a popular choice for gardens seeking to evoke a sense of simplicity and purity. With its delightful blooms, the Shasta daisy 'Angel' is often associated with summer and is a staple in sunny garden borders and cottage garden themes.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Shasta Daisy, Angel Daisy
Common names
Leucanthemum 'Angel'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Leucanthemum 'Angel' is Shasta daisy. Shasta daisy is not considered toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of this plant typically does not result in poisoning. However, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities may occur, so it is always wise to be cautious and avoid eating plants that are not known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
The common name of Leucanthemum 'Angel' is Shasta daisy. Shasta daisy is not considered toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It is generally recognized as safe and should not cause poisoning if ingested by pets. However, it is still advisable to prevent pets from ingesting plants, as individual animals may have allergies or sensitivities to certain plants. Additionally, consuming large amounts of any non-food plant material can potentially cause mild stomach upset in some pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (61 cm)
Spread
2 feet (61 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Leucanthemum 'Angel' is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are vital for pollination.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is hardy and adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, making it easy for gardeners of all skill levels to grow.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it demonstrates good drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with low water availability.
- Long Blooming Period: The Shasta daisy typically offers a long blooming season, often from early summer into fall, providing extended visual interest.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in many garden settings, including borders, containers, and as a cut flower, due to its aesthetic appeal.
- Low Maintenance: Shasta daisy requires minimal care, which can include occasional deadheading to promote more blooms.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is generally resistant to deer, which can help to prevent damage in areas where deer are a common problem.
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: Leucanthemum 'Angel', commonly known as Shasta Daisy, can serve as an attractive backdrop or subject in garden and floral photography thanks to its bright white petals and sunny center.
- Educational tool: Shasta Daisy can be utilized in schools or educational programs for lessons on plant biology, pollination, and the life cycle of perennials.
- Natural fabric dye: The flowers and stems of the Shasta Daisy can be boiled down to produce a light green or yellow natural dye for fabrics.
- Floral art: The sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms of Shasta Daisies make them great for use in floral arrangements, including pressed flower art or living sculptures in garden displays.
- Companion planting: When planted alongside vegetables, Shasta Daisy may help attract beneficial insects and might deter some pests due to its presence.
- Flower crowns and garlands: The blooms of Shasta Daisy can be woven into flower crowns or garlands for festivals, weddings, or other decorative uses.
- Decorative potpourri: Dried Shasta Daisy petals can be included in homemade potpourri mixes for a subtle, natural fragrance and aesthetic appeal.
- Bookmarks: Pressed Shasta Daisy flowers can be encased in laminate to create unique and decorative bookmarks.
- Greeting cards: Pressed or dried Shasta Daisies can be attached to handmade paper or card stock to create one-of-a-kind greeting cards.
- Table decor: Fresh Shasta Daisies can be floated in bowls of water or laid out on tables for simple and elegant events such as weddings or garden parties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Shasta Daisy is believed to bring positive energy and can be used to attract purity, innocence, and loyal love. In a Feng Shui garden, it might be placed in the Love and Marriage area to strengthen relationships.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Shasta Daisy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The Leucanthemum 'Angel', commonly known as Shasta Daisy, represents purity due to its bright, white petals that bear a clean and untainted look.
- Innocence: This flower embodies innocence, often reminiscent of childhood simplicity and the straightforward beauty found in nature.
- Patience: The Shasta Daisy is also symbolic of patience, as it often takes time for its full beauty to unfold with the opening of its petals.
- Peace: Its pristine appearance can reflect a sense of calm and serenity, making it a symbol for peace.
- Beauty: The Shasta Daisy's simple charm and graceful look are evocative of a natural, effortless beauty.
- Cheerfulness: This flower is frequently associated with cheerfulness because of its bright, sunny center and its propensity to evoke a smile in the beholder.
- Loyal Love: Because daisies often grow in loyal clusters and can thrive in challenging conditions, they can represent loyal and steadfast love.
WaterShasta daisies should be watered deeply and thoroughly to encourage deep root growth; give them about 1 inch of water per week. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water them twice a week. Be sure not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of disease.
LightShasta daisies thrive in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot for them is one where they receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While they can manage in less than ideal light conditions, their blooms may be less abundant or vigorous.
TemperatureShasta daisies prefer moderate to cool temperatures and should be planted in areas where the temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate minimum temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but the ideal range will promote the best growth and flowering.
PruningShasta daisies should be pruned to remove spent blooms throughout the flowering season to encourage more blooms. In late fall or early spring, cut back the entire plant to about 1 or 2 inches above the soil line to keep it tidy and promote healthy growth. Deadheading, or removing dead flower heads, can be done on an as-needed basis throughout the blooming period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShasta Daisy 'Angel' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter and a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingShasta Daisies like 'Angel' typically require repotting every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingShasta Daisy 'Angel' prefers average room humidity and does not require any special humidity considerations.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Shasta Daisy 'Angel' in bright light, watering when topsoil feels dry.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun, space 12 inches apart; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Shasta Daisy 'Angel' (Leucanthemum 'Angel') begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate, typically in the spring after a period of stratification that helps break seed dormancy. Seedlings emerge and establish a root system, and it's during this vegetative stage that they develop a basal rosette of leaves. As the plant matures, it will develop a sturdy stem and foliage, preparing for the flowering stage. Flowering occurs in late spring to summer, with 'Angel' producing large, white, daisy-like flowers with a yellow center that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers will develop into seed heads, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant may then undergo a period of dormancy in the winter months, especially in colder climates, before resuming growth in the next season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Shasta Daisy 'Angel', a delightful variety of Leucanthemum, can be propagated by division, which is the most popular method. This process is typically done in the early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, gardeners should carefully dig up the plant, ensuring a good portion of the root system is intact. Next, with clean and sharp gardening tools, they should divide the plant into smaller sections, making sure each section has at least one growth point or set of leaves. The divisions are then replanted at the same depth they were growing before, spaced around 12 to 24 inches apart (which is approximately 30 to 61 centimeters), and watered thoroughly to establish the new plants. This simple and effective method allows the Shasta Daisy 'Angel' to spread and flourish in the garden, providing more of its trademark cheerful white blossoms.
