Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum 'Switzerland')
Leucanthemum × superbum 'Switzerland' offers superb, long-lasting summer color. This Shasta daisy perennial demands full sun and low maintenance.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Switzerland’ is a highly valued classic for the summer garden, instantly recognizable as the Shasta daisy. This vigorous herbaceous perennial provides masses of cheerful white flowers, bringing reliable structure and brightness to perennial borders from early summer through late August. Its traditional daisy form, featuring crisp white rays radiating from a golden yellow eye, performs beautifully in both sunlight and as a cut flower centerpiece.
Developed from crosses including the European oxeye daisy, the variety ‘Switzerland’ typically reaches 2 to 2.5 feet high, fitting seamlessly into middle- or back-of-border plantings. The plant thrives with full sun exposure and possesses a relatively low maintenance requirement, making it a stable and dependable choice for gardeners seeking dependable summer impact.
As a sturdy hybrid, the Shasta daisy is well-suited to various garden styles, from formal cottage arrangements to naturalized settings. Its tolerance for dry conditions once established makes it an excellent performer in areas where deep, continuous watering might be difficult.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to August
- Bloom Description: White rays with yellow center disks
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Switzerland’ in the spring or fall, ideally after the danger of hard frost has passed. Choose a location that guarantees full sun exposure for the best flowering performance. Good soil drainage is the most critical factor; wet soils, especially during winter dormancy, can quickly prove fatal to the roots of this Shasta daisy.
Once planted, incorporate organic matter to improve soil structure, though the plant adapts well to average soils. Watering should be consistent until the plant is established, transitioning to dry to medium needs thereafter. These plants perform well even when conditions become somewhat dry during the heat of the summer.
Maintenance is relatively easy for this low-input perennial. Deadheading—removing the spent flower heads—will encourage repeat blooming throughout the summer season. To maintain plant vigor and prevent the clumps from becoming too crowded, plan to divide your Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Switzerland’ every two to three years, typically done in early spring.
A final cultural note suggests that cutting the stems back by about one-third after the main flush of bloom subsides can encourage fresh, quality new flowers later in the season and potentially prolong the overall life of the clumps, which are known to be somewhat short-lived compared to other perennials.
Landscape Uses
Shasta daisies provide long-lasting summer bloom and are true mainstays of the perennial border, offering a fantastic contrast against deep purples, blues, and dark foliage. Their classic, bright white flowers naturally illuminate cottage gardens, where they blend well with roses, salvias, and lavender, evoking a timeless, informal feel.
For a more formal look, plant them in structured drifts within the perennial border or use them in mass plantings to define edges. Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Switzerland’ also performs admirably in rock gardens, provided the drainage remains excellent.
Because the spent blooms are so attractive and the stems are sturdy, these plants are quintessential cutting flowers. Harvest stems mid-morning for the longest vase life. They also translate well into large containers when paired with thrillers or complementary spillers that share similar sun and water requirements.
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. The hybrid name ‘superbum’ means superb, and ‘Switzerland’ typically grows 2-2.5’ tall, featuring the classic daisy flowers with white rays and yellow center disks, making it an excellent and long-lasting fresh cut flower.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
Potential Problems
Leucanthemums generally have some susceptibility to common ailments, including verticillium wilt, various leaf spots, and stem rots, often tied to excessive moisture. Always ensure sharp drainage to mitigate the risk of fungal and rot issues, particularly during cool, wet periods.
Pest pressure remains relatively low, but gardeners should monitor for occasional visitors like aphids clustered on new growth, leaf miners leaving distinctive trails on the foliage, and spider mites, especially in extremely hot, dry conditions. Prompt removal of infested leaves or early treatment with insecticidal soap can manage most minor infestations of this reliable Shasta daisy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Shasta daisy suitable for?
Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Switzerland’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 9, offering wide adaptability across various climates.
How large does Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Switzerland’ grow?
This cultivar typically reaches a mature height between 2 and 3 feet tall, with a complementary spread ranging from 1.5 to 2 feet wide.
When does Shasta daisy bloom?
The prolific bloom period for this plant spans from June into August, displaying its signature white ray flowers with bright yellow center disks.
What sun exposure does Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Switzerland’ need?
This perennial demands full sun exposure to produce the strongest stems and the heaviest bloom set throughout the summer season.
Conclusion
For dependable, bright summer color that requires minimal assistance from the gardener, Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Switzerland’ is an unparalleled choice. Its classic white-and-yellow bloom structure ensures it remains a favorite in the cutting garden, while its tolerance for drier conditions simplifies summer care. Before planting, confirm that your site offers full sun and excellent drainage, which are the keys to success with this superb Shasta daisy variety.
Companion Planting
When designing a border around Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Switzerland’, focus on plants that appreciate similar soil moisture profiles—dry to medium—and full sun. Companions that provide textural or color contrast work exceptionally well. Consider planting it alongside plants with contrasting deep blue or purple flowers, such as Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) or Summer Phlox (Phlox paniculata).
For mid-border structure, taller ornamental grasses work beautifully, catching the sun and allowing the daisies room to breathe. Avoid moisture-loving plants nearby, as keeping the soil consistently wet will compromise the health of your daisies.
Propagation Tips
As noted in care requirements, the primary method for increasing your Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Switzerland’ stock is through division. Wait until the early spring, before new growth is fully activated, to carefully dig up the established clumps. Gently pull or slice the clump into sections, ensuring each division has a healthy knot of roots and several growing points.
Replant these divisions immediately into prepared soil at the same depth they were previously growing. Division is essential not only for propagation but also for revitalizing older plants that may have a declining bloom performance due to overcrowding in the center of the clump.
