Shasta Daisy | A Horticultural Variety Born in 19th-Century America

The Shasta daisy is a perennial plant distinguished by its white petals and bright yellow center. With its pure and graceful appearance, it has long been cherished in gardens and parks as a flower that creates a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere.

In this article, I will provide detailed information about the Shasta daisy, including its basic characteristics, cultural and historical background, and tips on how to grow it.

Basic Information

• Scientific name: Leucanthemum × superbum
• Family: Asteraceae
• Origin: Horticultural hybrid
• Appearance: Simple flowers with white petals and a yellow center, measuring about 5–10 cm in diameter. The stems grow upright with slender leaves.
• Blooming season: From early summer through autumn, it produces flowers over a long period.

Cultural Significance Around the World

The Shasta daisy, with its pure white petals and bright yellow center, is regarded worldwide as a symbol of hope and purity.

In the United States, it is commonly seen in wide meadows and gardens, making it a staple of natural-style landscaping. Its refreshing image has also made it a popular choice for wedding flowers, where it symbolizes happiness and joy.

In Europe, daisies have long been known as symbols of friendship and sincerity, and the Shasta daisy shares this cultural meaning.

In France, its pure white petals are associated with innocence, and the flower is sometimes used in the traditional love game effeuiller la marguerite (“loves me, loves me not”).

In the United Kingdom, the Shasta daisy is valued for its simple, rustic beauty and is considered an essential part of country gardens.

Historical Background

The Shasta daisy was created at the end of the 19th century by the American horticulturist Luther Burbank.

In his pursuit of a larger and hardier daisy, he crossed the European oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), the Japanese Nippon daisy (Nipponanthemum nipponicum), and the Portuguese daisy (Leucanthemum maximum).

The result of this breeding was the flower we now know as the Shasta daisy.

Its name was inspired by Mount Shasta in California, as Burbank felt that the flower’s pure white petals resembled the mountain’s snow.

Since then, the Shasta daisy has undergone further breeding and today exists in many varieties of different sizes and flower shapes, widely enjoyed in gardens and parks.

Gardening Advice

The Shasta daisy is relatively easy to grow, but creating the right environment is important for healthy flowering.

Sunlight

Prefers full sun. It can grow in partial shade, but flowering may be reduced.

Watering

Water thoroughly when the soil surface becomes dry. Ensure good drainage to avoid excessive moisture.

Soil

Well-drained soil is ideal. Loamy soil mixed with compost or sandy soil works best.

Fertilizer

Apply a slow-release fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it may weaken the stems.

Pruning

Regularly remove wilted flowers to encourage new blooms. Trim back overgrown stems to maintain shape.

Winter care

Hardy in winter, but in colder regions, mulch around the base for protection.

Conclusion

The Shasta daisy is a beautiful flower with pure white petals and a yellow center, blooming continuously from early summer to autumn.

It has become a classic feature of American natural gardens and is loved in Europe as a symbol of friendship and sincerity.

Created in the late 19th century by horticulturist Luther Burbank, its name was inspired by the snowy peak of Mount Shasta in California.

Thriving in sunny locations and with proper care such as watering and pruning, the Shasta daisy can be enjoyed for its long-lasting beauty in gardens and parks.