Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum maximum 'Leumayel' BROADWAY LIGHTS)
Vibrant Leucanthemum maximum 'Leumayel' BROADWAY LIGHTS Shasta daisy offers unique yellow-to-white fading blooms. Drought-tolerant perennial for sunny borders.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Leucanthemum maximum ‘Leumayel’ BROADWAY LIGHTS is a standout cultivar in the Shasta daisy family, celebrated for its uniquely evolving flower color. Unlike traditional white forms, this variety opens with a brilliant yellow hue, slowly transitioning to soft pale yellow and eventually white, offering multi-toned blooms simultaneously throughout the season. This compact herbaceous perennial brings reliable, long-lasting color to beds, easily integrating into mixed perennial plantings.
Providing excellent visual impact from June through August, Leucanthemum maximum ‘Leumayel’ BROADWAY LIGHTS thrives in conditions where many other perennials struggle, demonstrating good drought tolerance once established. Gardeners value this Shasta daisy for its consistent performance, adaptable nature, and stunning visual progression of flower shades on one plant.
This cultivar typically reaches a manageable height of 1.5 to 2 feet, making it ideal for the middle of borders where it can reliably supply material for cut flower arrangements. Ensure superior drainage to maximize the life and vigor of your Leucanthemum maximum ‘Leumayel’ BROADWAY LIGHTS planting.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1.5-2 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to August
- Bloom Description: Yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Leucanthemum maximum ‘Leumayel’ BROADWAY LIGHTS is easily established when planted in average, well-drained soils during the spring or fall. Full sun exposure is critical for robust blooming, although these Shasta daisies can tolerate light afternoon shade, especially in hotter summer climates where afternoon relief can be appreciated. Excellent drainage is non-negotiable; wet winter soils are often fatal to established clumps.
Once planted, watering should be consistent until the plant is established, after which lean toward dry to medium moisture levels. Avoid overwatering, as this variety prefers drier conditions. Fertilization is generally not required if the soil is average, but an annual application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can boost vigor.
Maintenance is moderate. Immediately remove spent flower heads (deadheading) promptly throughout the season to encourage repeat flowering, though some slower bloom may occur late in the season. For long-term health, plan to divide the clumps every two to three years to maintain vigor, as these plants can become somewhat short-lived if left undisturbed.
A practical tip for longevity involves cutting the stems back to the basal leaves immediately after the main flush of summer bloom concludes. This action redirects plant energy and may help prolong the life of the individual perennial clump.
Landscape Uses
Shasta daisies provide long-lasting bloom and are mainstays of the perennial borders and cutting gardens. The Leucanthemum maximum ‘Leumayel’ BROADWAY LIGHTS is particularly effective in sunny borders where its changing flower color provides continuous interest against backdrop foliage. It pairs beautifully with blue or purple flowering companions like catmint (Nepeta) or salvia, creating dynamic color contrast against the yellow and white daisy faces.
Because of its manageable 1.5 to 2-foot height, this variety works well in the middle layer of a tiered border design, preventing it from being lost behind taller plants. Furthermore, the strong stems and lasting nature of the flowers make Leucanthemum maximum ‘Leumayel’ BROADWAY LIGHTS an essential addition to any dedicated cutting garden plot.
These daisies also perform admirably when grown in containers, provided the container offers excellent drainage to mimic their preferred soil conditions. Groupings of three or five plants in a large pot can create a striking, temporary summer feature near patios or seating areas.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
‘Broadway Lights’ is a Shasta daisy cultivar whose flowers open bright yellow instead of white, but gradually fade to soft pale yellow and then white as they mature. Flowers bloom from late spring into summer, meaning you will often see a full spectrum of yellow, pale yellow, and white daisies blooming concurrently. Plants typically grow to a compact 18-24” tall, complemented by coarsely-toothed, lance-shaped, medium green leaves.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
Potential Problems
Leucanthemum maximum ‘Leumayel’ BROADWAY LIGHTS exhibits some susceptibility to fungal issues, mainly verticillium wilt, various leaf spots, and stem rots. Prevention centers on excellent cultural practices: ensuring superb drainage and avoiding overhead watering late in the day during humid periods. Good air circulation, achieved through proper spacing, also mitigates fungal spread.
Common pests are generally minor but can include aphids clustered on new growth, occasional spider mites during very hot, dry spells, and leaf miners which create unsightly trails in the foliage. Inspect plants regularly, and treat localized infestations of aphids with insecticidal soap or a strong jet of water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Shasta daisy suitable for?
This robust variety of Shasta daisy, Leucanthemum maximum ‘Leumayel’ BROADWAY LIGHTS, is suitable for gardeners in USDA Zones 5 through 9.
How large does Leucanthemum maximum ‘Leumayel’ BROADWAY LIGHTS grow?
This perennial typically reaches a height between 1.5 and 2 feet tall, with a comparable spread of 1.5 to 2 feet at maturity.
When does Shasta daisy bloom?
The primary bloom time for Leucanthemum maximum ‘Leumayel’ BROADWAY LIGHTS extends from June into August, featuring flowers described as yellow upon opening.
What sun exposure does Leucanthemum maximum ‘Leumayel’ BROADWAY LIGHTS need?
For optimal performance and flower production, this plant requires full sun exposure in the garden.
Conclusion
The Leucanthemum maximum ‘Leumayel’ BROADWAY LIGHTS offers exceptional value by providing gardeners with the classic beauty of the Shasta daisy combined with a unique, continuously shifting color palette from vivid yellow to white. This drought-tolerant, sun-loving perennial ensures long-lasting texture and reliable garden performance. Check your local hardiness zone (5-9) and plan your planting during cooler seasons for the best establishment of this versatile flower.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate companions for Leucanthemum maximum ‘Leumayel’ BROADWAY LIGHTS enhances border aesthetics and benefits plant health. Complement the bright daisy flowers by planting them near cool-toned perennials. Try pairing them with plants that enjoy similar dry to medium soil and full sun requirements.
Consider using Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) or ornamental grasses to provide textural contrast to the broad, coarse leaves of the Shasta daisy. These neighbors typically do not compete aggressively for nutrients and share the need for good drainage, leading to a harmonious and low-maintenance planting scheme.
Design Ideas
The Leucanthemum maximum ‘Leumayel’ BROADWAY LIGHTS shines as an informal element in cottage gardens, where its traditional daisy form is celebrated alongside lavender, roses, and phlox. For a more contemporary look, mass plantings of this cultivar—allowing the yellow-to-white transition to create a blurring, luminous effect—can be grounded by dark-leafed foliage plants.
Since these plants are sometimes grown as annuals in Zone 10, they can be excellent “fillers” in large seasonal displays or mixed containers during the summer months in warmer regions. In traditional perennial beds, position them strategically for easy deadheading access to continually promote rebloom throughout the summer intensity.
