Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum 'Summer Snowball')
Leucanthemum × superbum 'Summer Snowball' Shasta daisy offers superb, pure white double blooms from June to August in zones 5-9.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Summer Snowball’, commonly known as the Shasta daisy, is an iconic cottage garden staple prized for its reliable, long-lasting summer color. This specific cultivar is highly valued for its fully double, pure white, dahlia-like flower heads that lack the traditional yellow center, offering a pristine, crisp accent in the garden. As an easy-to-grow herbaceous perennial, the Shasta daisy adapts well to average soils provided drainage is excellent.
This hybrid cultivar brightens borders from mid-summer through August, creating dense mounds of medium green foliage below rigid stems that reach up to three feet tall without needing staking. The superb blooms of Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Summer Snowball’ make it an essential element for cutting gardens, ensuring fresh bouquets last well indoors. Gardeners appreciate the low maintenance demands of this reliable performer.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to August
- Bloom Description: White (double)
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
When planting the Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Summer Snowball’, select a location that receives full sun exposure, which is crucial for maximizing bud production. These plants thrive in average soils, but excellent drainage is non-negotiable; wet winter soils can quickly prove fatal to established clumps. While they tolerate some light shade, especially in extremely hot climates, flowering may be reduced.
Watering requirements are dry to medium once established. Avoid overwatering, as this can sometimes exacerbate root issues. Fertilization is generally unnecessary if the soil is reasonably fertile, making this a low-input perennial. Deadheading spent flower heads promptly will encourage the plant to produce more flushes of bloom throughout the summer season.
To maintain vigor in your Shasta daisy clumps, plan to divide them every two to three years. Be mindful that these perennials are somewhat short-lived compared to other border standards. A helpful practice is cutting the spent stems back down to the basal foliage after the main bloom period concludes; this conserves plant energy and may extend the overall lifespan of your Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Summer Snowball’.
Landscape Uses
Shasta daisies, exemplified by the stunning Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Summer Snowball’, are foundational plants for any perennial border, offering crucial mid-to-late summer structure and brightness. Their clean white color allows them to blend seamlessly with blues, pinks, and purples, fitting perfectly into traditional cottage garden designs. They provide excellent vertical contrast against lower-growing groundcovers or edging plants.
Beyond the traditional border, these reliable bloomers excel in dedicated cutting gardens due to their long vase life. They also perform admirably in containers, particularly when paired with contrasting textures or colors, provided containers have adequate drainage. Use Shasta daisies to brighten rock gardens where drier soil conditions naturally mimic their preferred environment.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Leucanthemum × superbum, commonly called Shasta daisy, is a hybrid developed by Luther Burbank (1849-1926) in the 1890s near snow covered Mt. Shasta in northern California. Burbank crossed L. Vulgare (European oxeye daisy), L. Maximum (Pyrenees chrysanthemum), L. Lacustre (Portuguese field daisy) and Nipponanthemum nipponicum (Japanese field daisy) to produce Leucanthemum × superbum which was given the common name of Shasta daisy. ‘Summer Snowball’ is a hybrid cultivar that typically grows on rigid stems to 36” tall and features large, fully double, dahlia-like flower heads which are pure white.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
Potential Problems
Leucanthemums generally have some susceptibility to fungal issues such as verticillium wilt, leaf spots, and stem rots. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering, especially late in the day, can help mitigate fungal risks. Proper spacing according to the 1.5 to 2 ft spread requirement is key to managing diseases.
Pest-wise, aphids, leaf miners, and mites are occasional visitors to Shasta daisy foliage and stems. Minor infestations can often be managed with a strong spray of water or the application of insecticidal soap. Regular inspection during the growing season allows for early intervention before populations become problematic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Shasta daisy suitable for?
The Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Summer Snowball’ is typically suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9.
How large does Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Summer Snowball’ grow?
This cultivar generally reaches a height between 2 to 3 feet and spans a width of 1.5 to 2 feet at maturity.
When does Shasta daisy bloom?
The Shasta daisy blooms reliably from June all the way through August, offering stunning double white flowers for several weeks.
What sun exposure does Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Summer Snowball’ need?
This plant requires full sun exposure to achieve its best performance and most abundant bloom count.
Conclusion
The Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Summer Snowball’ remains a cornerstone of the summer garden, offering stunning, high-impact white double flowers with remarkably low fuss. Its deer and drought tolerance, combined with its robust bloom time, makes the Shasta daisy an indispensable perennial for mixed borders and cutting gardens alike. Before planting, confirm your site provides the necessary full sun and excellent drainage to enjoy years of superb performance from this classic selection.
Companion Planting
Choosing companions that share similar cultural needs—full sun and dry to medium moisture—will ensure the sustained health of your Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Summer Snowball’. Consider pairing them with drought-tolerant, late-blooming perennials like Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) or Ornamental Grasses like Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). These combinations offer textural contrast that highlights the bold, simple structure of the Shasta daisy flowers.
For a classical cottage garden feel, combine the white snowballs with deep purple or blue companions. Catmint (Nepeta) works well as a soft, flowing border plant beneath the daisies, suppressing weeds while enjoying similar sun exposure. Ensure companion plants do not create dense shade, as the Leucanthemum × superbum requires maximum solar energy for its prolific flowering.
Design Ideas for Full Double Blooms
The pure white, fully double blooms of ‘Summer Snowball’ make it highly versatile in design schemes. In modern or minimalist gardens, plant large drifts of this cultivar against dark mulch or deep green hedging to emphasize the clean, crisp geometry of the flowers. Staking is rarely required, providing reliable, upright texture throughout the heat of the summer months.
For cutting gardens, plant Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Summer Snowball’ in dedicated rows or blocks, allowing for easy harvesting. Because the flowers are so structurally appealing and long-lasting, they serve as excellent focal points or visual breaks between more vibrantly colored annuals that might fade quickly. These daisies provide reliable white structure from early summer until mid-autumn if deadheaded diligently.
