Shasta Daisy Leucanthemum × superbum 'Silberprinzesschen'
ABOUT
The Shasta daisy 'Silberprinzesschen' is a picturesque perennial that is cherished for its classic beauty and simplicity. This plant features a dense cluster of deep green foliage that forms a lush backdrop for its standout feature - the flowers. These blooms are characterized by their pristine white petals that radiate outwards from a sunny yellow center disk, creating a striking contrast that is both clean and vibrant. The petals are numerous and arranged in a single layer, giving the flower a harmonious, daisy-like appearance that's both timeless and cheerful. These bright flowers perch atop sturdy stems which rise neatly above the green foliage, forming a delightful canopy of white that seems to hover like a cloud of blooms. The Shasta daisy 'Silberprinzesschen' presents a cheerful display that is reminiscent of the carefree days of summer and would make a sparkling addition to any garden setting where its beauty can be admired all season long.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Shasta Daisy, Silver Princess
Common names
Leucanthemum × superbum 'Silberprinzesschen'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum 'Silberprinzesschen') is not generally considered toxic to humans. However, ingesting any part of the plant is not advisable. If large quantities are eaten, it could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, due to the plant's fibrous and indigestible nature.
To pets
The Shasta daisy is also not generally considered toxic to pets, but as with humans, it's not recommended for animals to consume this plant. Ingesting parts of the plant can lead to similar mild gastrointestinal upset in pets, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. It is always best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as a precautionary measure.
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 × superbum 'Silberprinzesschen', commonly known as Shasta daisy, draws in bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden.
- Easy to Grow: Shasta daisies are known for being low maintenance and easy to care for, making them suitable for novice gardeners.
- Long Blooming: They have a lengthy blooming season, from early summer to fall, providing extended beauty in the landscape.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Shasta daisies are quite drought-resistant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Landscape Versatility: This plant is versatile and can be used in borders, containers, and as a cut flower in bouquets.
- Deer Resistant: Shasta daisies are often resistant to deer, making them a suitable choice for gardens in areas with deer populations.
- Improves Garden Aesthetics: With their bright white petals and sunny yellow centers, Shasta daisies enhance the visual appeal of any garden space.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography backdrop: Shasta daisy 'Silberprinzesschen' provides a bright and attractive background for amateur and professional garden photography.
- Themed events: The flowers are used as decor for weddings and other events that have a rustic or countryside theme, due to their classic charm.
- Educational tool: Schools or botanical gardens may use Shasta daisy to teach botany and plant hybridization principles as it is a hybrid species.
- Support for beneficial insects: Gardeners may incorporate Shasta daisy in their gardens to attract and support populations of beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
- Art inspiration: Artists may use the Shasta daisy as a motif in paintings, textiles, and other decorative arts, due to its distinctive and aesthetically pleasing shape.
- Crafting: The blooms of Shasta daisy can be used in flower crafts, such as making potpourri or pressed flower arrangements.
- Companion planting: Shasta daisy can be planted alongside vegetable crops to attract pollinators and potentially improve crop yield.
- Natural border: These plants can be used to create a natural, unobtrusive border around property lines or garden beds.
- Seasonal decoration: Fresh or dried Shasta daisy flowers can be used in seasonal decorations like summer wreaths or table centerpieces.
- Culinary presentation: While not typically consumed, the blossoms could be used as an organic garnish to decorate plates in high-end culinary presentations.
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: The Shasta daisy, with its clean white petals, is often associated with purity and innocence.
- Innocence: Similar to purity, the Shasta daisy's simple and unspoiled look evokes feelings of childlike innocence.
- Chastity: In historical symbolism, daisies have been connected with chastity, particularly due to their white color and modest appearance.
- New Beginnings: Daisies can represent new beginnings or a fresh start, as they are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring.
- True Love: A single daisy flower is often a representation of true love, as it carries with it a sense of loyal affections and emotions.
- Patience: The Shasta daisy's slow bloom cycle and perennial nature represent patience and the ability to wait for things to unfold in due course.
- Tranquility: The Shasta daisy is also a plant that brings a sense of peace and tranquility, often used in gardens to create a serene atmosphere.
- Positivity: Bright and cheerful, Shasta daisies are often associated with positivity and optimistic attitudes.
WaterShasta daisies should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure the root system is well-hydrated, generally once or twice a week depending on the weather and soil conditions. During the growing season, they may require up to 1-2 gallons of water per plant each week, with the higher end during hotter, dry periods and the lesser amount during cooler, moist weeks. It's important to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant goes dormant, and let the soil dry out between watering sessions to prevent root rot.
LightShasta daisies flourish in full sun, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade may result in weak stems and fewer flowers. The ideal spot would be in an area with unobstructed sunlight for the majority of the day, ensuring vibrant blooms and strong plant growth.
TemperatureShasta daisies thrive in a wide range of temperatures but do best in conditions between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F and can handle maximum temperatures up to about 90°F. However, in extremely hot climates, they appreciate light afternoon shade to protect them from scorching temperatures.
PruningPruning Shasta daisies helps to maintain their shape, remove dead or spent flowers, and encourage a second bloom in the fall. Deadhead the flowers regularly once they begin to fade to prolong the blooming period. In late fall or early spring, cut back the entire plant to about 1-2 inches above the ground to prepare it for new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Shasta daisy, a well-draining soil mix is ideal, comprising two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or sand. The best soil pH range for Shasta daisies is between 6.0 and 8.0.
RepottingShasta daisies typically require repotting every 2-3 years, or when they outgrow their current container and start to crowd.
Humidity & MistingShasta daisies prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Leucanthemum × superbum 'Silberprinzesschen' is Shasta Daisy 'Silberprinzesschen'. The first stage of its life cycle is germination, where the seed begins to grow when exposed to the correct conditions of warmth, moisture, and light. Following germination, the seedling stage is characterized by the emergence of the first leaves and establishment of the root system. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant develops a strong stem and more leaves, gathering energy through photosynthesis to prepare for flowering. The reproductive stage follows, where the Shasta Daisy 'Silberprinzesschen' produces characteristic white petals with a yellow center, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction. Finally, after pollination and fertilization, seeds are produced and dispersed, completing the cycle and allowing for new plants to grow.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for Leucanthemum × superbum 'Silberprinzesschen', commonly known as the Shasta Daisy 'Silberprinzesschen', is division. This is best carried out in the early spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire clump of the Shasta Daisy, making sure to keep a good amount of soil around the roots. Gently separate the clump into smaller sections with your hands or use a sharp knife, ensuring that each section has a portion of the roots and several shoots. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches (approximately 30 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and good air circulation, and water thoroughly to settle them into their new location.
