Shasta daisy Leucanthemum x superbum
Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to Garden hybrid of European Leucanthemum species. It grows 50–90 cm (20–35 in) tall and 50–70 cm (20–28 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
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Shasta daisy at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 50–70 cm (20–28 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Garden hybrid of European Leucanthemum species |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Shasta daisy toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, flowers
ASPCA lists Leucanthemum as toxic to cats, dogs and horses (pyrethrins and sesquiterpene lactones); signs are vomiting, drooling and skin irritation.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Shasta daisy
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Shasta daisy
- How far apart should I plant Shasta daisy?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–70 cm (20–28 in).
- Does Shasta daisy need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Shasta daisy need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Shasta daisy?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Shasta daisy flower?
- From about June for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Shasta daisy poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. ASPCA lists Leucanthemum as toxic to cats, dogs and horses (pyrethrins and sesquiterpene lactones); signs are vomiting, drooling and skin irritation.
- What grows well with Shasta daisy?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Shasta daisy. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Semi-evergreen basal foliage persists in mild winters; clumps benefit from division every 2 to 3 years.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
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- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
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- Zinnia Zinnia elegans
- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus
- Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- French tarragon Artemisia dracunculus