Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum 'Snowcap')
Discover Leucanthemum × superbum 'Snowcap', a compact Shasta daisy offering showy white-rayed flowers from July to September in low-maintenance settings.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Snowcap’ provides gardeners with classic, cheerful daisy blooms in a highly manageable, compact size. This cultivar of Shasta daisy brings the traditional look of large white petals surrounding bright golden centers, blooming reliably from mid-summer well into fall. It is a superb choice for gardeners seeking reliable, low-fuss perennials that maintain their vigor throughout the season.
Developed from historic crosses, this specific Shasta daisy variety offers practicality alongside its beauty. Its shorter stature helps prevent flopping, a common issue with taller relatives, making Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Snowcap’ a stalwart performer in mixed plantings. The plant is celebrated for its continuous flush of showy flowers, perfect for adding bright accents to borders and cutting arrangements.
Despite their robust appearance, these plants appreciate focused care regarding drainage. They are relatively low maintenance once established, offering excellent drought tolerance in sunny locations. Incorporating the compact Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Snowcap’ ensures predictable summer color without demanding excessive coddling.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 0.75-1 ft
- Bloom Time: July to September
- Bloom Description: White rays with yellow center
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Snowcap’ in spring or early fall once the danger of hard frost has passed. Select a location receiving full sun, which is crucial for strong stems and abundant flowering. The most critical cultural requirement for this Shasta daisy is excellent soil drainage; areas where water pools, particularly during winter, must be avoided as wet winter soils can prove fatal to the plant.
Water newly planted specimens regularly until established, which may take the first season. Once mature, Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Snowcap’ is quite drought tolerant, preferring dry to medium soil moisture levels. Fertilizing is rarely required; over-fertilizing can lead to luxurious foliage but fewer blooms.
Deadheading, or removing spent flower heads, encourages the plant to produce subsequent flushes of blooms throughout the blooming period of July to September. To preserve the plant’s energy and potentially extend its short life span, consider cutting the stems back down to the basal rosette of leaves after the main bloom concludes. Clumps of this vigorous daisy benefit from division every two to three years to maintain strong performance.
Landscape Uses
The consistent, classic look of the Shasta daisy makes it indispensable in perennial borders, providing vertical contrast against lower-growing groundcovers. Because Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Snowcap’ is compactly sized—reaching only 1 to 1.5 feet—it excels in the middle to front tiers of a border where taller cultivars might overshadow neighbors. It mixes particularly well with deep purple or blue flowering companions that complement the brilliant white rays.
The Good Cut quality of these flowers means they are perfect candidates for inclusion in cottage gardens or dedicated cutting gardens, where they can be harvested frequently. Furthermore, this variety is ideal for smaller gardens and foundation plantings where space is limited, living up to its compact reputation. They also fare well in rock gardens or large containers.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Leucanthemum genus, commonly called Shasta daisy, owes its existence to Luther Burbank, who hybridized several daisy species around the 1890s near Mt. Shasta. This specific cultivar, ‘Snowcap’, distinguishes itself by growing only 15-18” tall with a spread of 12”, featuring large, single white daisies with bright golden centers blooming profusely through the summer. The genus name references the Greek ‘leukos’ (white) and ‘anthemum’ (flower).
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
Potential Problems
Leucanthemums, including this Shasta daisy cultivar, are generally robust but exhibit some susceptibility to common fungal issues like leaf spots and stem rots, as well as verticillium wilt. Good air circulation, achieved through proper spacing and punctual pruning as noted in cultural care, minimizes fungal risk. Monitor occasionally for minor pests such as aphids, leaf miners, or mites, which are typically easy to manage with targeted treatments if infestations become severe.
The biggest cultural hurdle remains avoiding overly wet soil, particularly in winter. Good management practices that focus on excellent soil nutrition and proper water management indirectly support the plant’s overall health, helping it resist disease pressure throughout its summer blooming period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Snowcap’ suitable for?
This herbaceous perennial is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9. Be sure your location falls within this range for reliable overwintering.
How large does Shasta daisy grow?
Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Snowcap’ maintains a compact habit, typically reaching a height between 1 and 1.5 feet, with a spread between 0.75 and 1 foot wide.
What sun exposure does Shasta daisy need?
This plant requires full sun exposure to produce the best display of its white rays with yellow center blooms. It can tolerate some light shade in very hot summer climates.
When does Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Snowcap’ bloom?
This resilient variety blooms throughout summer, generally from July to September, featuring its showy white flowers.
Conclusion
The Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Snowcap’ is a cornerstone perennial, offering long-lasting, classic summer beauty in an easy-to-manage size ideal for modern gardens. Its proven ability to handle drought and resist common pests makes the Shasta daisy a low-maintenance star. Before planting, ensure your site provides the full sun and sharp drainage that Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Snowcap’ demands for success.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for your Shasta daisy, focus on plants that share similar soil and sun requirements—namely, full sun and dry to medium moisture. Good partners include plants with contrasting textures or deep purples that make the white blooms pop, such as Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) or various Nepeta varieties. Avoid moisture-loving plants near the base of the Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Snowcap’ to protect its sensitive root system from rot.
Propagation Tips
As these plants are known for being somewhat short-lived, regular propagation is a good practice for ensuring continuity in your garden. The easiest method for increasing the stock of Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Snowcap’ is division. Perform this every two to three years in early spring before new growth hardens off. Dig up the entire clump, gently separate sections ensuring each division has a healthy portion of roots and foliage, and replant immediately into prepared, well-drained soil.
