Shasta Daisy Leucanthemum × superbum 'Real Galaxy' (PBR) (Realflor Series)
ABOUT
The plant known as the Shasta Daisy 'Real Galaxy', which is part of the Realflor Series, showcases a remarkable appearance that captures the attention of many garden enthusiasts. This variety is adorned with abundant and eye-catching white flowers that present a unique twist in their form. Each bloom boasts multiple layers of delicate, white petals that radiate from a bright yellow center disk, giving it a frilly, full look reminiscent of a classic pompom. The plethora of petals creates an intricate, textural appeal that adds depth and dimension to the flowers. The white petals are crisply colored and exude a sense of purity and freshness. They are arranged in an overlapping fashion, contributing to the flower's voluminous form. At the heart, the yellow eye is striking and serves as an attractive contrast to the white petals. This feature also provides a visual guide for pollinators as they search for nectar. The leaves of the Shasta Daisy 'Real Galaxy' are dark green, glossy, and lance-shaped, which adds further to the plant's beauty by providing a rich, verdant backdrop for the impressive blooms. The foliage's lushness contributes to the plant's overall robust and healthy appearance. Overall, the Shasta Daisy 'Real Galaxy' is celebrated for its extravagant floral display and is often used for its vivid and enduring blooms in garden beds, borders, and as a charming cut flower in bouquets, creating a stunning impact wherever it grows. Its appealing form and colors make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance and vibrancy to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Shasta Daisy, Chrysanthemum maximum
Common names
Leucanthemum × superbum 'Real Galaxy' (PBR) (Realflor Series)
ToxicityTo humans
The Leucanthemum × superbum, commonly known as Shasta Daisy, typically does not have significant toxicity to humans. It is generally considered safe and does not commonly cause poisoning when touched or ingested in small quantities. However, sensitivity to plants can vary from person to person, and in some cases, individuals may experience allergic reactions or dermatitis upon contact with the plant. Ingesting large amounts could potentially lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, but severe poisoning is unlikely.
To pets
The Shasta Daisy is not known to be significantly toxic to pets. However, as with humans, individual pets may have varying sensitivities, and consuming the plant in large amounts might lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If a pet consumes a large quantity of the plant and displays these symptoms, it is advised to consult a veterinarian. Generally, it is not expected to cause severe poisoning in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its large, frilly and double white flowers and lush green foliage.
- Long Blooming Season: Offers a long period of blooming, generally from early summer to early fall, enhancing garden aesthetics for an extended time.
- Attracts Pollinators: Serves as a nectar source for bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, saving time and effort for gardeners.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Deer Resistance: Less palatable to deer, which can help prevent browsing damage in gardens where deer are a problem.
- Versatile Landscaping: Can be used in multiple landscape applications, including borders, containers, and as a cut flower in floral arrangements.
- Cold Hardy: Able to withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
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: Shasta daisies can be used as a subject or a soft background for macro photography and portrait sessions, offering a natural and serene atmosphere.
- Educational Tool: You can use Shasta daisies to educate students or gardening enthusiasts on hybridization, flower structure, and plant propagation techniques.
- Floral Art Material: Petals and blooms of Shasta daisies can be used in floral art such as pressing or framing for decorative purposes.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The flowers can be used in fabric dyeing to produce a range of yellow hues on natural fibers.
- Themed Garden Design: These flowers can be incorporated into a 'moon garden' where all plants have white flowers or foliage that reflect moonlight.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried petals of the Shasta daisy can be used as a sustainable alternative to traditional confetti at weddings and other celebrations.
- Plant Markers: Dry stems of the Shasta daisy can be repurposed as natural and decorative plant markers in the garden.
- Bird Habitat: Dense plantings can provide shelter for small birds or beneficial insects within a garden ecosystem.
- Craft Projects: Flowers can be used in craft projects such as DIY wreaths, homemade potpourri, or in making natural garlands.
- Literary Inspiration: Shasta daisies can serve as inspiration for poetry, stories, or art, particularly in pieces that celebrate nature and the countryside.
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 white petals of the Shasta daisy, most commonly associated with Leucanthemum × superbum 'Real Galaxy', symbolize purity and innocence.
- Innocence: Similar to purity, the bright, clean appearance of the flower conveys a sense of simplicity and naiveté.
- Cheerfulness: The Shasta daisy's sunny look with its yellow center surrounded by white petals evokes an image of happiness and positive energy.
- Transformation: As this flower, like many daisies, follows the sun across the sky, it can symbolize transformation and the ability to change or adapt.
- Loyal Love: The Shasta daisy is often associated with steadfastness and loyal love, making it a popular choice in bouquets for loved ones.
WaterShasta daisies require regular watering to ensure the soil remains evenly moist but not soggy. Water them thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once a week, but this can vary with temperature and soil conditions. During hot, dry spells, more frequent waterings may be necessary, possibly every few days. Provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for each plant per watering session. It's important to avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and prevent disease; instead, water at the base of the plant.
LightShasta daisies thrive in full sun, which means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade can inhibit blooming and cause the plants to become leggy. The best spot for these daisies is a sunny garden bed away from tall trees or buildings that would cast significant shade on them.
TemperatureShasta daisies prefer temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate a range from about 40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They enjoy cooler nights and mild daytime temperatures. Although they can survive a light frost, prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental to their growth and flowering.
PruningPruning Shasta daisies is essential for maintaining plant health and encouraging vigorous blooming. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly during the blooming season to promote continuous blooming. In late fall, after flowering has finished, cut back the foliage to a few inches above ground level to prepare for winter. Clean and sharpen pruning tools before use to ensure the best results and prevent disease transmission.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShasta Daisy 'Real Galaxy' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part sand or perlite is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingShasta Daisies 'Real Galaxy' typically don't need to be repotted often; repot every 2-3 years or when rootbound to promote healthy growth. Spring is the best time for repotting to minimize stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingShasta Daisy 'Real Galaxy' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and does well in average outdoor humidity levels. They do not require special humidity considerations when grown in the garden.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Shasta Daisy 'Real Galaxy' in a sunny spot and water moderately.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, water regularly, deadhead often.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Leucanthemum × superbum 'Real Galaxy', commonly known as Shasta Daisy, starts its life as a seed which, when sown in spring or autumn, germinates in a warm environment with adequate moisture. The seedling stage follows, where the young plant develops its first set of true leaves and establishes a root system. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it produces a rosette of foliage and grows in size and strength, preparing for the flowering stage. During the flowering stage, typically in late spring to summer, the Shasta Daisy produces large, white petalled flowers with yellow centers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant sets seeds which mature, and once dispersed, can propagate new plants. Following the bloom, the Shasta Daisy enters a period of dormancy in the winter, particularly in cold climates, only to regrow from its rootstock with the return of favorable growth conditions in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Shasta daisy 'Real Galaxy' is commonly propagated by division, which is best done in spring or early fall. To propagate by division, dig up an established clump and gently separate it into smaller clumps, each with a few shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were growing at originally, spacing them about 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) apart to ensure adequate room for growth. Water thoroughly after planting to help establish the new divisions. This method of propagation is quick, maintains the characteristics of the parent plant, and can rejuvenate older plants that may have become woody or less vigorous over time.
