Leucanthemum 'BANANA CREAM'

Shasta daisy is a hybrid daisy which originated by crossing l. lacustre and l. maximum. It’s alternative name l. x superbum is accepted but not used very often anymore. Shasta daisy is a large-flowered version of a common daisy which is an omnipresent plant perennial of Czech meadows and cottage gardens. It is elegant and gentle and thanks to modern breeding you can enjoy this handsome flower in several varieties offering shorter stems and repeat blooming.

Kevin Hurd from Walters Gardens nursery in Michigan, USA, is a perennial breeder and among his targets are e.g., pinks, hardy hibiscus, and daisies. Banana Cream Shasta daisy is his work of art which he created in 2008 by crossing l. ‘Leumayel’ and l. ‘Sunny Side Up’. The result is a variety with 10-12 cm wide flowers with two layers of ray florets and large yellow discs. They are banana yellow as they emerge and mature to cream.

Individual flowers excel in longevity (up to 4 weeks) and commonly appear from June. While they bloom atop 35-45 cm tall stems new buds are formed in their lower parts. Deadheading and feeding will encourage formation of more flower buds until September. Leaves are deep green and glossy, narrowly lance-shaped, distinctively serrated. The plant makes a compact, freely flowering clump. Patent No. PP23181 was granted in 2012.

Shasta daisy is widely soil adaptable provided the soil is evenly moist but well-drained. Just make sure the crown of plant is just above the soil level, never deeper. For best results we recommend growing it in humus-rich soil where the number of flowers and overall plant appearance will be better. It is commonly disease resistant but slugs become a problem when they find it since they love it - both flowers and foliage. Make sure they stay away from this beauty, otherwise they can eat the entire plant leaving bare stems in the bed. Fully hardy to min. -30 °C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 21-11-2022