Shasta Daisy Leucanthemum 'Sante'
ABOUT
Leucanthemum 'Sante', commonly known as the Shasta Daisy, is a popular perennial plant that exudes an old-fashioned charm with its bright, eye-catching flowers. This particular cultivar boasts a profusion of large, stunning blooms with a classic daisy appearance. Each flower features a multitude of pristine white petals radiantly arrayed around a prominent, sunny yellow center disk. The petals are known for their pure color and symmetry, overlapping slightly in a pleasing, orderly fashion. The foliage of the Shasta Daisy 'Sante' is deeply green, with a glossy sheen that beautifully sets off the purity of the flowers. Leaves are oblong and coarsely toothed, forming a lush, verdant base that serves both as a backdrop and a contrast to the spectacular white flowers. Shasta Daisy 'Sante' typically blossoms in the warmer months, bringing a long-lasting display of cheerful blooms that can brighten any garden. Its cut flowers are equally appreciated in fresh floral arrangements, and its robust nature allows it to endure in a vase for an extended period. This variety is revered not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ability to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, adding a dynamic element to the garden ecosystem. It is a favored choice among gardeners for its vigor and the ease with which it can bring life to a garden border or flower bed.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Sante Shasta Daisy, Sante Daisy
Common names
Leucanthemum 'Sante'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum 'Sante') is generally considered non-toxic to humans. No severe toxicity is associated with this plant, so accidental ingestion typically does not lead to poisoning or serious health consequences. However, some individuals may experience mild discomfort or allergic reactions if they have specific sensitivities.
To pets
The Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum 'Sante') is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. No significant toxicity is associated with the ingestion of this plant by pets like cats or dogs. Consequently, consumption of the Shasta Daisy is not expected to cause poisoning or severe health issues in pets. However, as with humans, some pets might have mild gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions if they have a particular sensitivity to the plant.
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: Leucanthemum 'Sante', commonly known as Shasta Daisy, is attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which aid in pollination.
- Low maintenance: Shasta Daisies are known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.
- Drought tolerance: These plants can withstand periods of dryness, making them suitable for gardens in regions with water restrictions.
- Long blooming season: Shasta Daisies have a lengthy flowering period, providing white blooms from early summer to early fall.
- Landscape versatility: They can be used in a variety of landscape settings, such as borders, wildflower meadows, and as cut flowers in arrangements.
- Deer resistance: Shasta Daisies are generally resistant to deer, which can benefit gardeners in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Craft Projects: The daisy-like flowers of Shasta Daisy can be pressed and used in botanical art or to embellish handcrafted cards and bookmarks.
- Edible Decorations: The petals of Shasta Daisy, while not widely known for their taste, can be used to decorate salads or cakes for a whimsical touch.
- Photography Subjects: The bright and cheerful look of Shasta Daisy makes them popular subjects for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
- Dye Source: Although not a common dye plant, the flowers of Shasta Daisy have the potential to be used as a natural dye source for fabrics or crafts.
- Garden Mulch: Dried Shasta Daisy plants can be chopped up and used as mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture in gardens.
- Plant Stakes: The sturdy stems of mature Shasta Daisy can be repurposed as small plant stakes for supporting other plants in the garden.
- Educational Aid: Shasta Daisy can be used to teach children about plant biology, pollination, and the lifecycle of perennial plants.
- Ice Cubes: Freezing the small Shasta Daisy flowers inside ice cubes can make a festive and decorative element for summer drinks.
- Fragrance Sachets: Although not known for a strong scent, dried Shasta Daisy flowers can be included in potpourri or fragrance sachets to add bulk and visual appeal.
- Companion Planting: Shasta Daisy can be used in the garden as part of a companion planting strategy to attract beneficial insects and improve biodiversity.
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- Innocence: The Leucanthemum 'Sante', commonly known as the Shasta Daisy, often symbolizes innocence due to its pure white petals that are reminiscent of childhood purity and simplicity.
- Purity: The clean white color of the Shasta Daisy is frequently associated with purity and virtue, making it a popular choice in bridal bouquets and innocent gestures.
- Loyal Love: The Shasta Daisy, with its loyal perennial nature and simplistic beauty, tends to represent loyal love and fidelity in the language of flowers.
- New Beginnings: The fresh, bright appearance of the Shasta Daisy often signifies new beginnings, making it a suitable gift for someone embarking on a new journey or chapter in life.
- Cherished Friendships: The Shasta Daisy is indicative of long-lasting bonds and cherished friendships, as it brings a sense of cheer and companionship to gardens and floral arrangements alike.
WaterThe Shasta daisy, which is the common name for the Leucanthemum 'Sante', should be watered regularly to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil. It's recommended to provide about an inch of water per week, whether through rainfall or manual watering. During the summer months or in particularly hot and dry weather, you may need to increase the frequency to twice a week. Always check the top inch of soil before watering—if it feels dry, it's time to water. It's best to water the plant at its base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightShasta daisies thrive in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot for Shasta daisies is an area that receives ample morning light and some afternoon shade in hotter regions. Avoid planting them in areas that are fully shaded or get only indirect light, as this will inhibit their blooming and can lead to leggy growth.
TemperatureThe Shasta daisy prefers moderate temperatures and can tolerate a range from approximately 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive brief periods of colder weather down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but not extended freezes. The ideal growing conditions for Shasta daisies are in areas where the nighttime temperature consistently stays above freezing and daytime temperatures are moderate.
PruningShasta daisies should be pruned to encourage bushier growth, promote more blooms, and maintain their tidy appearance. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to encourage continuous flowering. In late fall or early spring, cut the entire plant back to about 2 inches above the ground to help rejuvenate the plant for the next growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShasta Daisy 'Sante' prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loamy soil, peat, and perlite or sand would provide an ideal texture for root growth and drainage.
RepottingShasta Daisy 'Sante' generally does not require frequent repotting and should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound.
Humidity & MistingShasta Daisy 'Sante' does best in moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and tolerant of a range of humidity conditions typical of outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, moderate watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, space 12 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Shasta Daisy 'Sante' starts as a seed, which, when sown, will germinate given the right conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedling stage follows, marked by the emergence of the plant's first true leaves, and the plant begins to establish a root system. As it enters the vegetative stage, it develops a fuller foliage structure and a stronger root system. The plant then reaches the flowering stage, where buds develop and bloom into the characteristic white petals with a yellow center, typically in late spring or early summer. After pollination, it sets seed, completing its reproductive cycle. The plant will then either enter a period of dormancy in the winter or die back, depending on the climate and if it is treated as an annual or a perennial.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Shasta daisy 'Sante', a lovely perennial known for its bright, cheerful blooms, is typically propagated through division. The best time for this method is in the early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, making sure to keep a good amount of soil around the roots. Using a sharp spade or knife, split the plant into several sections, each with an adequate root system and several shoots. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were growing at originally, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches apart (approximately 30 to 60 centimeters), to allow for growth and air circulation. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This simple process helps rejuvenate older plants and produces new, vigorous Shasta daisies for the garden.
