Shasta daisy 'Phyllis Smith' Leucanthemum × superbum 'Phyllis Smith'
ABOUT
'Phyllis Smith' grows to 90cm tall, with dark green foliage and shaggy, double white flower heads in summer and early autumn
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Shasta Daisy
Common names
Leucanthemum maximum 'Phyllis Smith', Chrysanthemum maximum 'Phyllis Smith', Chrysanthemum superbum 'Phyllis Smith'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds beauty to the garden with its bright white daisy-like flowers and yellow centers, which can enhance visual interest and create a focal point.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that contribute to the pollination of nearby plants and flowers.
- Easy to Grow: Known for its hardiness and low maintenance needs, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long Blooming Period: Flowers throughout the summer months, providing long-lasting color to the landscape.
- Versatile Landscaping Use: Can be planted in borders, containers, or as part of a wildflower meadow for a more naturalized look.
- Cut Flower Production: Suitable for cutting gardens, the blooms make excellent fresh-cut flowers for arrangements and bouquets.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good level of drought resistance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Deer Resistance: Less palatable to deer, which can help prevent damage to the plant and surrounding flora in deer-prone areas.
- Tolerance of Various Soils: Adapts to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil conditions.
- Cold Hardy: Able to withstand cooler temperatures and can survive in a variety of climates, making it a versatile addition to many gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography: The Shasta daisy's striking white petals and yellow centers make them excellent subjects for close-up photography or botanical illustration.
- Art Supplies: Petals of the Shasta daisy can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or paper, providing a soft, organic color palette.
- Educational Model: The large, distinct parts of the Shasta daisy flower make it an ideal specimen for teaching botany and the anatomy of a flower to students.
- Homemade Potpourri: Dried Shasta daisy petals can be incorporated into homemade potpourri mixtures, contributing a subtle natural fragrance and aesthetic appeal.
- Garden Design: Shasta daisies, because of their height and clumping nature, can be used as a ‘living border’ to define areas in a garden or walkway.
- Erosion Control: Their extensive root system can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion in garden areas that are prone to wearing away.
- Insect Habitats: Shasta daisies can be used to create insect habitats, providing food and shelter for beneficial insects, including bees and butterflies.
- Journaling: Pressed Shasta daisies can be used to decorate journals or as part of a nature collection, capturing the beauty of a garden in a personal keepsake.
- Crafting: The flowers and stems can be used in crafting, such as in making natural wreaths or for floral arrangements in homemade gifts.
- Culinary Presentation: While not part of the flavor profile, Shasta daisy petals can add an eye-catching garnish to salads or desserts for special occasions.
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: The Leucanthemum × superbum 'Phyllis Smith', commonly known as Shasta Daisy, has white petals that symbolize purity and innocence.
- Peace: The simplicity and pristine appearance of the Shasta Daisy evoke a sense of calm and peace.
- Optimism: With its bright yellow center and radiant white petals, the Shasta Daisy represents a cheerful outlook and positivity.
- Innocence: Often associated with childhood, the white Shasta Daisy conveys innocence and simplicity.
- Patience: As a perennial that blooms year after year, the Shasta Daisy is seen as a symbol of patience and steadfastness.
WaterShasta daisy requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. It's important to water the plant deeply at least once a week, providing about 1-2 gallons of water for each plant, depending on the climate and soil conditions. During particularly dry periods, you may need to water more frequently to maintain moist soil; however, avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Ensure that the soil has good drainage to prevent water from accumulating at the roots. Water at the base to keep the foliage dry and minimize the risk of disease.
LightShasta daisies thrive in full sun conditions, meaning they need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for these plants is in an area where they can receive unobstructed sunlight for most of the day. While they can tolerate some light shade, too much shade can lead to weak stems and fewer blooms.
TemperatureShasta daisies are hardy perennials that prefer temperate climates. They can survive in temperatures as low as -20°F and as high as 85°F, but thrive best when the temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. Protecting the plant from extreme cold by adding mulch can help ensure it returns after winter.
PruningPruning Shasta daisies helps to maintain their shape and encourage more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the summer. In early spring or late fall, cut back the entire plant to a few inches above the ground to keep it tidy and to stimulate new growth for the next season. Also remove any dead or damaged stems to maintain the plant's health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShasta daisy thrives in well-draining soil enriched with compost, with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingShasta daisies typically need repotting every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingShasta daisy prefers moderate humidity levels but is tolerant of a wide range of conditions and does not require high humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, space 12-24 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Shasta daisy 'Phyllis Smith' begins its life as a seed, which when sown and given the right conditions, germinates and emerges as a seedling. The seedling grows into a juvenile plant, developing a basal rosette of oblong, dark green leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, during which it focuses on leaf and stem growth, slowly forming a clump through vegetative propagation. Following this, the Shasta daisy 'Phyllis Smith' reaches the flowering stage, producing sturdy stems topped with large, white, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers, typically from early to late summer. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads, allowing for seed dispersal and the potential start of new plants. Finally, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the winter months, especially in colder climates, only to begin the cycle anew come spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Shasta daisy 'Phyllis Smith' can be effectively propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this perennial. The best time to divide these plants is in the early spring or late fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant clump, ensuring a large enough root ball to maintain plant health. Using a sharp spade or knife, split the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions promptly at the same depth they were previously growing, spacing them about 12 to 15 inches (around 30 to 38 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This process rejuvenates the plant, encourages more vigorous growth, and multiplies the number of plants in your garden.
