Shasta Daisy Leucanthemum × superbum Freak! = 'Leuz0001' (PBR)
![Shasta daisy [Freak!]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5bab9d43b.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as Shasta daisy 'Freak!' boasts a distinctive and eye-catching appearance. Its most striking feature is the large, showy flowers that resemble traditional daisies, with bright white petals arranged in a regular, radial fashion around a prominent yellow central disc. The flowers stand out against the lush green foliage, which is made up of long, narrow leaves that have a slightly toothed edge and a glossy texture. The overall look of the Shasta daisy 'Freak!' is one of vibrant contrast, with the purity of the white petals drawing the eye and the sun-like yellow centers adding a warm, cheerful focal point to any garden. The plant has a robust and upright bearing, contributing to its presence as a standout addition to flower beds and borders. Its blossoms are also frequented by pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding movement and interest to its display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Shasta Daisy, Crazy Daisy.
Common names
Leucanthemum × superbum, Chrysanthemum maximum, Chrysanthemum × superbum.
ToxicityTo humans
The Shasta daisy is generally not considered toxic to humans. While not commonly ingested, if it were, it does not typically produce harmful effects. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant.
To pets
The Shasta daisy is also not considered toxic to pets. It is generally safe around animals, and even if ingested, it is unlikely to cause any significant symptoms of poisoning or adverse health consequences.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: The flowers of the Shasta daisy provide nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Shasta daisies are quite tolerant of drought, making them suitable for low-water gardens.
- Long Blooming Season: The Shasta daisy has a long flowering period, from early summer to fall, providing long-lasting garden interest.
- Low Maintenance: Shasta daisies require minimal care, making them an easy choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Versatility in the Garden: These flowers can be used in borders, container gardens, and as cut flowers, offering aesthetic flexibility.
- Deer Resistance: The Shasta daisy is typically not preferred by deer, reducing the risk of damage in areas with deer populations.
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 Shasta daisy 'Leuz0001' variety provides a striking background or subject for photographers, especially when capturing the intricate details of the petals and contrasting yellow centers.
- Educational Tool: This plant is used in horticultural education to teach the concept of hybridization and plant breeding, showcasing how new plant varieties like 'Leuz0001' are developed.
- Art Inspiration: Artists utilize the unique features of the Shasta daisy 'Leuz0001' as a muse for drawings, paintings, and other forms of art to capture the beauty of flora.
- Insect Habitat: Although not traditionally considered, the Shasta daisy can serve as a small habitat, providing shelter and nesting ground for beneficial insects like ladybugs.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried petals of the Shasta daisy can be tossed as a natural, biodegradable confetti option for celebrations and outdoor events.
- Pressing and Drying: For crafting enthusiasts, the petals and blooms of the Shasta daisy 'Leuz0001' can be pressed and dried to make bookmarks, greeting cards, or framed botanical art.
- Plant Dye: The petals of Shasta daisies contain pigments that can be used for creating natural dyes for textiles or art projects.
- Theme Gardens: The Shasta daisy can be a key plant in a theme garden, such as a moonlight garden, where its white blooms reflect moonlight and create a serene nighttime landscape.
- Companion Planting: Shasta daisies are used in companion planting to enhance the growth of vegetables and deter pests by attracting beneficial insects.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly consumed, the petals of Shasta daisies 'Leuz0001' can be used as a delicate, edible garnish for culinary presentations after ensuring they are free of pesticides.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Shasta Daisy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Shasta Daisy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: Shasta daisies, known for their clean white petals, are often associated with purity and innocence, reflecting a sense of simplicity and cleanliness.
- Positivity: The bright appearance of Shasta daisies can symbolize a positive outlook on life and an ability to see the good in situations.
- Innocence: Similar to purity, the unblemished white petals of the Shasta daisy represent childlike innocence and simplicity.
- Beauty: Shasta daisies are commonly admired for their aesthetic appeal, symbolizing natural beauty and grace.
- New Beginnings: Often used in bouquets to celebrate new chapters such as weddings or births, Shasta daisies signify fresh starts and hope for the future.
- Loyal Love: Shasta daisies can also represent faithful love and commitment, symbolizing a bond that withstands time and challenge.
- Patience: Their growth and perennial nature can symbolize patience and the ability to thrive under various conditions.
WaterThe Shasta Daisy 'Leuz0001' should be watered thoroughly, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In the growing season, usually once a week watering is adequate, but during particularly hot or dry periods it may require water every 2-3 days. It's best to water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to minimize evaporation. When watering, apply approximately 1 gallon of water per plant to reach deep into the root zone. In cooler months or when rainfall is abundant, reduce the frequency to prevent overwatering.
LightShasta Daisy 'Leuz0001' thrives best in full sunlight. It should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot in the garden that gets uninterrupted sun exposure throughout the day would be ideal for this plant.
TemperatureShasta Daisies including 'Leuz0001' prefer a temperature range from about 60°F to 75°F for optimal growth. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 85°F. For best performance, protect the plant from extremes, such as frost or intense midsummer heat.
PruningPruning Shasta Daisy 'Leuz0001' is crucial for promoting vigorous growth and continued blooming. Deadhead flowers regularly to encourage new blooms, and cut back the foliage to about 1 or 2 inches above ground level after the flowering season ends. The best time to do a more thorough pruning is in early spring or late fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShasta Daisy 'Freak!' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand would create an ideal growing medium for this plant, ensuring sufficient drainage and fertility for optimal growth.
RepottingShasta Daisy 'Freak!' generally does not require frequent repotting. It should be repotted or divided every 2 to 3 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding, ideally in the spring or fall.
Humidity & MistingShasta Daisy 'Freak!' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity conditions commonly found outdoors in its growing zones. It does not require any specific humidity adjustments when grown in typical garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and moderate water for Shasta Daisy 'Freak!'.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Shasta Daisy 'Leucanthemum × superbum Freak!' starts its life cycle as a seed, requiring well-drained soil and some light to germinate. Seedlings emerge and advance to a vegetative state, forming a rosette of leaves at the ground level. As the plant matures, it develops a sturdy stem and foliage, preparing for the flowering stage. The blooming stage occurs in late spring to summer, showcasing its distinctive white petals surrounding a yellow disc, attracting pollinators. After pollination, seeds develop and are dispersed, concluding the reproductive cycle. In the fall or winter, the plant's above-ground parts die back, and it enters a period of dormancy, relying on its underground structures to survive until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The most popular method for propagating the Shasta Daisy Freak! is by division. Dividing the parent plant should be done in the early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. This involves carefully digging up the entire plant and gently separating the clump into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system and several shoots. These sections are then replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth they were previously growing and spaced about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61 cm) apart to allow room for growth. After division, it's crucial to water the new plants thoroughly to help the roots establish in their new location.
