Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum 'Becky')

Overview

Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Becky’, commonly known as Shasta daisy, is a celebrated, long-blooming herbaceous perennial renowned for its classic, cheerful white flowers. This cultivar stands out due to its strong, rigid stems that typically reach 3 to 4 feet tall without needing support, making it invaluable for upright structure in the garden. The eye-catching flowers, featuring brilliant white rays surrounding sunny yellow centers, provide dependable color throughout the summer and into early autumn.

Developed from historical crosses, the Shasta daisy brings enduring garden presence to sunny borders and cutting gardens while requiring relatively low attention once established. Its adaptation to drier conditions and deer resistance further cements its place as a reliable workhorse for home landscapers seeking high visual impact. Growing Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Becky’ promises reliable, classic summer beauty that resists common garden pests.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Asteraceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 3-4 ft
  • Spread: 2-3 ft
• Bloom Time: July to September
• Bloom Description: White rays with yellow center disks
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Becky’ thrives when planted in full sun, though it can tolerate light afternoon shade, especially in intense heat or when the soil tends toward dryness. The most crucial cultural requirement is excellent drainage; easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Be aware that sitting in wet soils during winter can prove fatal to these perennials.

Watering should be consistent until the plant is established, after which the Shasta daisy prefers drier periods. Fertilizing is rarely necessary; focus instead on maintenance pruning. Removing spent flower heads, a practice known as deadheading, encourages the plant to produce more blooms throughout its long season.

To maintain the vigor of your Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Becky’ clumps, division is recommended every two to three years, as these plants can be somewhat short-lived if not refreshed. After the main bloom period ends, consider cutting the stems back near the basal foliage to reserve energy for the next season, which may also help prolong the plant’s life.

Landscape Uses

Shasta daisies provide long-lasting summer bloom and are mainstays of the perennial border, cottage garden and cutting garden. Their bold stature and bright white flowers create excellent contrast against deep green foliage or softer, mounding plants. These reliable performers anchor the middle to rear sections of mixed borders, offering significant visual texture right when other spring bloomers fade.

Beyond traditional borders, Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Becky’ excels in cutting gardens due to the excellent, long-lasting quality of its fresh-cut flowers. They also perform well within rock gardens, provided the drainage mimics their native conditions, and can be featured prominently in large containers where their height can be utilized effectively within mixed summer arrangements.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Good Cut

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, created by crossing several different daisy species. This hybrid typically grows larger than many other Shasta cultivars, with ‘Becky’ boasting 3-4 inch flower heads on rigid stems that do not require staking. The genus name references the white flowers of many species, derived from Greek words for white (leukos) and flower (anthemum).

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer
• Drought
• Dry Soil

Potential Problems

Leucanthemums generally exhibit some susceptibility to fungal issues such as verticillium wilt, various leaf spots, and stem rots, often exacerbated by overly humid or crowded conditions. Ensuring adequate air circulation through proper spacing and maintaining excellent soil drainage are the best preventative measures against these diseases. Occasionally, insect pests like aphids, leaf miners, and mites may colonize the foliage or stems. A strong spray of water or the introduction of beneficial insects can often manage minor pest outbreaks effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Shasta daisy suitable for?

Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Becky’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 5 through 9.

How large does Shasta daisy grow?

This specific cultivar, Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Becky’, generally reaches a mature height between 3 and 4 feet, with a spread of 2 to 3 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Becky’ need?

This perennial demands full sun exposure to produce the best flowering performance throughout its July through September bloom period.

When does Shasta daisy bloom?

The characteristic white rays with yellow center disks appear reliably from July right through September.

Conclusion

The Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Becky’ Shasta daisy remains a garden essential, prized for its low maintenance needs, resistance to deer and rabbits, and exceptional, long-lasting summer bloom. By ensuring excellent drainage and providing full sun, you can fully enjoy the classic beauty this robust perennial brings to your landscape. Before planting, always confirm that your local hardiness zone falls within USDA Zones 5-9 to ensure long-term success.

Companion Planting with Shasta Daisies

Because Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Becky’ prefers dry to medium moisture and full sun, companion plants should share similar drought tolerance once established. Excellent partners include ornamental grasses that offer textural contrast, such as Calamagrostis (Feather Reed Grass) or fine-bladed fescues. Low-growing plants that handle dry soil, like many cultivars of Sedum or Achillea (Yarrow), work well at the front of the border to hide the plant’s base and complement the daisies’ white and yellow color scheme.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring care for your Shasta daisy should begin with cutting back old, tattered foliage to make way for new growth emerging from the crown. Divide any clumps that appear overly crowded, typically every three years, as soon as new growth has started in early spring to maintain plant vigor. During the summer growing season, deadheading spent blooms regularly is key to maximizing flower output from July through September, ensuring you extend the visual appeal of Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Becky’ until autumn.