Shasta Daisy Leucanthemum × superbum 'Snowcap'
ABOUT
The plant with the common name 'Snowcap' has a striking appearance characterized by its luscious green foliage and vibrant white flowers. The leaves are oblong, with edges that may be smooth or slightly toothed, forming an attractive, low mound. From this green base, sturdy stems arise, each crowned with a large, showy flower. The flowers are composed of numerous white petals arranged in a classic daisy-like shape that radiate from a central yellow disk. These blossoms are known for their clean, bright white color, which contrasts beautifully against the green leaves, and they can be quite eye-catching in the landscape. The yellow centers add a pop of color, making the flowers look like sunny-side-up eggs resting on a white plate. These white petals are typically tightly packed, giving the flower a dense, full appearance, and the blossoms are known to attract various pollinators, adding to the plant's appeal not just as a visual specimen but also as a beneficial addition to the garden. The Snowcap's flowers are a source of delight when they bloom, creating a visual effect akin to a patch of freshly fallen snow, hence the name 'Snowcap'. This plant is popular among gardeners and landscapers looking to add a touch of classic beauty to their settings, and its flowers are often used in cut flower arrangements due to their longevity and appealing aesthetic. Overall, the plant presents a compact, bushy appearance, with the white flowers standing out prominently above the green foliage, producing a display that is both elegant and charming.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Shasta Daisy, Snowcap Daisy
Common names
Chrysanthemum maximum 'Snowcap', Chrysanthemum superbum 'Snowcap', Chrysanthemum × superbum 'Snowcap'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Leucanthemum × superbum 'Snowcap' is Shasta Daisy. Shasta Daisy is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it can potentially cause a mild allergic skin reaction in some individuals due to its sap. Ingesting parts of the plant typically does not lead to poisoning or severe adverse effects, but consumption is not advised as it is not a food plant.
To pets
The Shasta Daisy is also known to be non-toxic to pets. Dogs, cats, and other domestic animals can typically come into contact with the plant without risk of poisoning. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion in large quantities could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea due to the novelty and fiber content, rather than toxicity. It is still advisable to prevent pets from consuming the plant to avoid these potential but generally minor issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its bright white daisy-like flowers and lush green foliage.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws in bees and butterflies, which are crucial for pollination and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and fertilizing, making it a good choice for novice gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good level of drought resistance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Blooming Period: Flowers from early summer to fall, providing long-lasting color and interest in the garden.
- Compact Growth: The 'Snowcap' cultivar is more compact, making it suitable for small gardens or as a border plant.
- Cut Flower: The blooms make excellent cut flowers for vases and arrangements, lasting well once cut.
- Deer Resistance: Less palatable to deer, which can help prevent damage to the garden.
- Versatility: Can be used in a variety of garden settings including borders, wildflower meadows, and container gardens.
- Hardiness: Perennial that is hardy in a wide range of climates and can withstand cold winters.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography backdrops: Shasta daisies, with their bright white petals, are often used to create stunning natural backdrops for wildlife and portrait photography.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried petals of Shasta daisies can be used as a biodegradable alternative to traditional paper or plastic confetti.
- Natural dye: The petals of Shasta daisies can be used to produce a subtle dye for fabrics or paper crafting.
- Edible garnishes: The blossoms of Shasta daisies can be used as decorative, edible garnishes in salads or to embellish desserts and drinks.
- Lawn alternative: Low-growing varieties of Shasta daisies can be used in creating a flowering lawn or meadow area, providing a habitat for beneficial insects while reducing mowing needs.
- Art supplies: The petals and stems can be incorporated into paper making or to create plant-based art materials.
- Companion planting: Shasta daisies can help repel certain pests and thus are beneficial when planted near vegetable gardens or fruit-bearing plants.
- Sleep aid: The pleasant scent of Shasta daisies may have a mild, calming effect that could potentially promote better sleep when used in sachets or pillow sprays.
- Educational use: Shasta daisies can be used in teaching about plant biology and ecology due to their relatively easy growth and maintenance habits.
- Event decoration: Shasta daisies can be strung together or placed in containers to create simple, elegant decorations for weddings or garden parties.
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 and Purity: The Shasta Daisy, with its white petals and bright yellow center, is often associated with innocence and purity, similar to other white flowers.
- Cheerfulness: The vibrant and bold appearance of the Shasta Daisy radiates positivity and is symbolic of cheerfulness and joy.
- Loyal Love: Their long-lasting nature makes Shasta Daisies a symbol of loyal love and commitment in a relationship.
- Patience: Shasta Daisies are perennials and return each year, representing patience and the reward for patience in life’s pursuits.
- New Beginnings: Often associated with spring and the return of life after winter, Shasta Daisies can symbolize new beginnings or a fresh start.
WaterThe Shasta daisy 'Snowcap' should be watered deeply and thoroughly, ensuring moisture reaches the roots. During the active growing season, water approximately once or twice a week, depending on the soil moisture and climate. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not soggy. Each watering session should consist of about 1 gallon of water per plant, ensuring it's distributed evenly around the base, avoiding water on the foliage. Cut back on watering as the plant goes dormant in the fall and during winter months.
LightShasta daisies 'Snowcap' thrive in full sunlight for at least six hours daily. These plants do best in a location that receives direct, unfiltered sunlight throughout the morning and into the afternoon. Partial shade in the late afternoon is acceptable, especially in hot climates, but insufficient light may result in weaker stems and fewer blooms.
TemperatureShasta daisies 'Snowcap' can withstand a broad range of temperatures but flourish between 60°F and 75°F. They are cold hardy and can survive temperatures down to about -20°F, and tolerate heat up to 85°F. However, prolonged temperatures outside this range could stress the plant, with extreme cold or frost potentially damaging the foliage.
PruningShasta daisies 'Snowcap' should be pruned to remove spent blooms, a process known as deadheading, which encourages additional blooming. Prune back the foliage in late fall or early spring to clean up the plant and promote healthy growth. The best time for major pruning is in the spring when new shoots appear; cut back old stems to about 6 inches from the ground.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShasta Daisy 'Snowcap' prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. An ideal mix would include garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand for drainage.
RepottingShasta Daisy 'Snowcap' typically doesn't require frequent repotting. Repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil or when it outgrows its container.
Humidity & MistingShasta Daisy 'Snowcap' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require any specific humidity level to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Shasta Daisy 'Snowcap' in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Shasta Daisy 'Snowcap' in full sun; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Shasta Daisy 'Snowcap' begins with seed germination, occurring in warm, well-drained soil, typically in the spring. Following germination, the seedling stage is marked by the emergence of the first true leaves, and the plant establishes a small rosette. It progresses to a vegetative stage during which it develops a robust foliage clump, with leaves growing in a basal tuft. Flowering occurs typically in the summer, with 'Snowcap' producing characteristic white petals around a yellow disk, attracting pollinators and potentially leading to cross-pollination. After flowering, seed development ensues, where seeds form in the center of the spent flower heads, which are then dispersed by wind or wildlife. The plant may also enter a period of dormancy in winter, particularly in colder regions, before resuming growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Leucanthemum × superbum 'Snowcap', commonly known as Shasta Daisy 'Snowcap', is typically propagated through division. The ideal time for this is in the early spring or late summer to early fall, when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, the gardener should carefully dig up the parent plant, ensuring to get a good portion of the root system. The clump should then be gently pulled apart into smaller sections, making sure each section has a portion of roots attached. These divisions can then be replanted at the same depth they were originally growing, spaced about 12 to 24 inches (approximately 30 to 60 centimeters) apart to give them room to grow. The new divisions should be watered well and mulched to help retain moisture and reduce weed competition while they establish.
