Shasta Daisy Leucanthemum × superbum 'Beauté Nivelloise'
ABOUT
The Leucanthemum × superbum 'Beauté Nivelloise', commonly known as the Shasta daisy, is a perennial plant known for its large, radiant flowers that can be the main attraction in any garden. The flowers are characterized by their classic daisy form: pure white petals radiating around a contrasting bright yellow central disc. This particular variety is distinguished by its full, dense petals which can give the flower a ruffled appearance, creating a lush and delicate texture. These white petals can sometimes have a slightly creamy hue, particularly towards the base near the yellow center. The blossoms are held aloft by sturdy, erect stems that are well-branched, ensuring a robust display of flowers that seem to float on top of the lush green foliage. Leaves of the Shasta daisy are generally oblong with a smooth or slightly toothed margin, and they have a deep green color which forms a dense clump and provides a vivid backdrop to the bright blooms. The Shasta daisy is known for blooming in the summer, often continuing its display of cheerfulness into the fall. The vibrant flowers not only add a striking contrast to the greenery of the plant but are also known to attract beneficial insects like butterflies, adding to the plant's charm. The combination of its floral abundance, clean white color, and bright yellow centers makes the Shasta daisy 'Beauté Nivelloise' a standout in sunny garden spots, borders, and as a component of cut flower arrangements.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Shasta Daisy, Max Chrysanthemum
Common names
Chrysanthemum maximum 'Beauté Nivelloise', Chrysanthemum superbum 'Beauté Nivelloise'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Leucanthemum × superbum 'Beauté Nivelloise' is Shasta daisy. Shasta daisy is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, sensitive individuals may experience mild irritation of the skin, mouth, throat, or stomach if they handle or ingest parts of the plant. It is always recommended to exercise caution and avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants. If someone were to ingest a large quantity, they might experience gastrointestinal discomfort or an allergic reaction, but serious toxicity is unlikely.
To pets
Shasta daisy is also the most common name of Leucanthemum × superbum 'Beauté Nivelloise' when referring to pets. This plant is typically not considered highly toxic to pets either. However, some pets may be more sensitive and could potentially experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, if they consume parts of the plant. It is always best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants to avoid any potential adverse reactions. If you suspect your pet has ingested a substantial amount of the plant and is showing symptoms, consult your veterinarian.
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- Attracts Pollinators: Invites beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies to the garden, which is essential for pollination.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its bright white, daisy-like flowers and lush green foliage.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good tolerance to dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking for low-maintenance plants.
- Cut Flower Use: The blossoms make excellent cut flowers, with a long vase life, brightening up indoor spaces.
- Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Soil Adaptability: Can grow in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils.
- Long Blooming Period: Produces flowers for an extended period, often from early summer to fall, providing long-lasting garden color.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of surviving and thriving in colder climates, making it suitable for gardens in many regions.
- Deer Resistance: Less palatable to deer than many other garden plants, which helps prevent browsing damage.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography and Art Subject: The Shasta daisy's striking appearance, with its white petals and yellow centers, makes it a popular choice for photographers and artists looking for a classic flower subject.
- Crafting: Dried Shasta daisy flowers can be used in crafting, such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or in scrapbooking for their aesthetic appeal.
- Educational Tool: Gardeners and educators often use Shasta daisies to teach principles of plant care, horticulture, and pollination to students and budding gardeners.
- Companion Planting: Shasta daisies can be planted alongside vegetables and fruits to attract beneficial insects and act as a natural pest deterrent.
- Garden Aesthetic: The Shasta daisy is employed by landscape designers to create a 'cottage garden' look or to evoke a sense of nostalgia and simplicity in garden settings.
- Floral Arrangements: Shasta daisies are frequently used in fresh floral arrangements, bouquets, and centerpieces for their classic beauty and long vase life.
- Cultural and Religious Ceremonies: In some cultures, Shasta daisies are used in wedding bouquets or ceremonial garlands to symbolize purity or new beginnings.
- Literary Representation: Authors and poets may use the imagery of Shasta daisies to evoke a particular mood or setting, benefiting from the flower’s well-known image.
- Plant Dye: The Shasta daisy can be used to create a natural plant dye for fabrics, providing a soft color when used in traditional dyeing practices.
- Erosion Control: In landscaping, Shasta daisies' root systems can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on sloped gardens.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Shasta daisy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Shasta daisy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity and Innocence - The bright white petals of the Shasta Daisy, which is the most common name for Leucanthemum × superbum 'Beauté Nivelloise', are often associated with purity and innocence, reflecting its clean and crisp appearance.
- Positivity and Cheerfulness - Shasta Daisies convey a sense of joy and positive energy, due in part to their resemblance to the sun with their yellow centers and radiant white petals.
- Loyal Love - As a perennial, the Shasta Daisy returns every year, symbolizing loyalty and faithful love that endures over time.
- Patience - The daisy's growing habit, slowly spreading and taking its time to fully bloom, can symbolize patience and the rewards that come from waiting.
- Transcendence - The Shasta Daisy's ability to rise above the surrounding grasses and weeds can also represent overcoming challenges or transcending difficulties.
WaterThe Shasta daisy should be watered deeply to encourage root development, generally providing about one inch of water per week, whether through rainfall or manual watering. During hot, dry periods, it may be necessary to water twice a week, especially for plants in full sun. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. Check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it's dry, it's time to water. Overhead watering is less preferable as it can promote disease; instead, water at the base of the plant.
LightShasta daisies thrive in full sun conditions, which means they require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, they can tolerate partial shade, especially in regions with very hot summers. The ideal spot for this plant would get morning sunlight and some afternoon shade to protect it from the intense late-day sun.
TemperatureShasta daisies grow best in temperatures that range from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive temperatures as low as -20 degrees and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They are hardy perennials in zones 5 through 9 and prefer the cooler temperatures of spring and fall.
PruningShasta daisies need pruning to maintain a neat appearance and promote continuous blooming. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly during the blooming season to encourage new blooms. In late fall or early spring, cut the plants back to about 2 inches above the ground to help rejuvenate them for the next growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShasta Daisy, or Leucanthemum × superbum 'Beauté Nivelloise', thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. A good soil mix for Shasta Daisy would consist of garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage and soil structure.
RepottingShasta Daisy generally does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil or if the plant has outgrown its current container. It's important to ensure that any new pot has adequate drainage holes.
Humidity & MistingShasta Daisy prefers average humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations, making it quite adaptable to typical outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, infrequent watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space adequately.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleLeucanthemum x superbum 'Beauté Nivelloise', commonly known as Shasta Daisy, begins its life cycle with germination, where the seed needs moist, well-drained soil and light to sprout. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the growth of the first true leaves after which vegetative growth accelerates as the plant develops a sturdy stem and a rosette of leaves. As it matures, the Shasta Daisy enters the flowering stage, typically in late spring to summer, producing large, white daisy-like flowers with yellow centers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant sets seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. The Shasta Daisy is a perennial plant, so it will enter a period of dormancy in the fall and winter with foliage dying back, to then regrow from the root system in the following spring. Throughout its life, the plant may also spread through rhizomes or stolons, creating new plants nearby.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Shasta Daisy 'Beauté Nivelloise' is by division. This is typically done in the early spring or late fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire clump of daisies, ensuring to keep a good amount of soil around the roots. Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the sections at the same depth they were growing at previously and water them well to help establish their roots. It's important to maintain consistent moisture for the first few weeks after division to ensure successful establishment. Division not only helps to propagate new plants but also rejuvenates old clumps that may have become too large or less vigorous.
