How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Shasta Daisy Flowers (2024)

Shasta daisies, a hybrid perennial known for their bright-white flowers and dark green leaves, are a favorite among gardeners in northern California, Alaska, and even small urban lots.

These stunning plants, with their sturdy stems and white petals, bring vigor and a long vase life to any garden, attracting butterflies throughout their blooming season.

They are particularly appreciated for their full sun-loving nature and drought-tolerant capabilities, making them an ideal choice for garden beds or pots placed by a sunny window.

The Shasta daisy is a hardy hybrid developed in the 1800s by crossing the oxeye daisy with several wild daisy varieties. Today, there are 69 cultivars of the Shasta Daisy.

They come in single and double petal varieties, have white blooms with yellow centers, and attract butterflies and pollinators.

Plant them in spring or summer, especially in colder climates, as they may not become established before winter if planted in the fall. Once established, they easily spread via rhizomes.

As a master gardener, I’ve always admired these stunning flowers and made sure to learn as much as possible about growing them successfully. In this guide, I’ll go through everything I know so you can grow and care for Shasta daisies easily.

Botanical Name: Leucanthemum × superbum

Common Name: Shasta daisy

Family: Asteraceae

Plant Type: Perennial

Hardiness Zones: 5-9, USA

Sun Exposure: Full, partial

Soil Type: Loamy, moist but well-drained

Soil pH: Neutral

Bloom Time: Spring, summer

Flower Color: White

Native Area: North America

Shasta Daisy Plant Care

Shasta daisies thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a perfect addition to your garden beds or pots. Plant Shasta daisies in early spring, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.

These perennials prefer a thin layer of compost and a well-balanced fertilizer to enhance their vigor. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, extends their blooming season and promotes sturdy stems.

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, a common issue often signaled by yellowing leaves. During dry spells, provide an inch of water weekly to maintain their bright-white flowers and dark green foliage.

Shasta daisies are drought-tolerant, but they appreciate a bit of shade in the hot, midday sun.

Light

Shasta daisies do best in full sun, which means they require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

However, in hotter climates, such as southern parts of northern California, they can benefit from a bit of afternoon shade to protect them from extreme heat.

If grown in pots, make sure to place them by a sunny window to ensure they receive adequate light. Shorter varieties can also tolerate partial shade, but for the most vigorous growth and abundant bright-white flowers, a sunnier location is ideal.

Remember that too much direct sunlight can lead to dry spells, so it’s important to monitor their moisture levels.

Soil

Shasta daisies thrive in well-drained soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter to ensure the plant’s vigor and longevity.

A thin layer of compost can be added to the top of the root ball to enhance the soil’s fertility. Avoid soggy soil as it can lead to root rot, which can damage the plant’s stem and leaves.

Water

Shasta daisies prefer consistent moisture, but they are also quite drought-tolerant. During dry spells, it’s essential to provide them with at least an inch of water per week.

However, overwatering can lead to soggy soil conditions, which can cause root rot – a condition where the roots become infected and the plant’s vigor declines.

Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that the soil is well-draining, particularly in pots or small urban lots. Remember, the top of the root ball should be kept slightly moist, but never soaking.

Temperature and Humidity

Shasta daisies grow best in cooler areas like northern California and Alaska. They prefer full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade, especially in areas with intense summer heat.

Early spring to early fall is the ideal blooming season for these perennials, but they can withstand the danger of frost with proper care.

Shasta daisies are not overly picky about humidity, but they do prefer well-drained soil to prevent root rot from soggy soil.

Fertilizer

For strong growth and a long blooming season, Shasta daisies require a well-balanced fertilizer in early spring and again in early summer. These perennials benefit from organic matter, such as compost, which can be mixed into the soil at the time of planting or used as a top dressing.

For established plants, a thin layer of compost or a slow-release fertilizer can be applied at the top of the root ball in early spring, just as new growth begins. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers.

Regular fertilization will ensure sturdy stems, vibrant dark green leaves, and bright-white flowers.

Pruning

Pruning Shasta daisies is an integral part of their care, which helps maintain their vigor and long vase life. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages the plant to produce more bright-white flowers throughout the blooming season.

In early spring, cut back the foliage to the base to stimulate the growth of sturdy stems. In early fall, after the blooming season, trim the 2-foot stems down to the top of the root ball to prepare the plant for winter.

Always use clean, sharp tools to prevent the spread of disease to the plant.

Overwintering

Shasta daisies are hardy perennials that can survive cold winters but need care to stay healthy. Before the danger of frost sets in, trim the foliage back to the top of the root ball.

Add a thin layer of compost around the plant, followed by a layer of organic matter to insulate the roots against freezing temperatures. If you live in an area with soggy soil, consider raising your garden beds or planting in pots to avoid root rot from overwatering.

In early spring, look for new growth and start watering regularly, providing an inch of water weekly until early fall.

Types of Shasta Daisies

• Becky: The ‘Becky’ Shasta daisy is a sturdy perennial that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is a hybrid, known for its vigor and long vase life, boasting bright-white flowers atop 3 to 4-foot stems.

• Snow Lady: ‘Snow Lady’ is a dwarf variety of Shasta daisy, ideal for small urban lots or pots placed near a sunny window. It is an early bloomer, with its blooming season starting in early spring and extending through early fall.

• Crazy Daisy: The ‘Crazy Daisy’ is a unique type of Shasta daisy, known for its full, frilly white petals and sturdy stems. It is a short-lived perennial, best planted in early summer in areas with a danger of frost.

How to Plant Shasta Daisy From Seed

Step 1: Preparing the Soil

Start preparing your garden bed in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed. Incorporating compost into the soil will increase its fertility and improve drainage.

A thin layer of compost on top of the soil can provide the necessary nutrients for the seedlings. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent water-logging and subsequent root damage.

Step 2: Planting the Seeds

Plant the seeds about 1/8 inch deep, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Water the seeds with about an inch of water, taking care not to overwater to prevent the risk of root rot.

Place the pots near a sunny window or in a location that receives full sun.

Step 3: Caring for the Seedlings

In early summer, the seedlings should start to sprout. Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, slugs, and earwigs that can damage the young plants.

A well-balanced fertilizer can help boost the vigor of the plants, resulting in sturdy stems and vibrant blooms.

How to Propagate Shasta Daisies

Step 1: Choose the Right Time

The optimal timing for dividing Shasta daisies is in early spring or fall. During these seasons, the plant is either dormant or less actively growing, which reduces the shock of transplanting.

Dividing during these periods also allows the plant time to establish itself before the stress of summer heat or winter cold.

Step 2: Prepare the Plant

Use a garden fork or spade to gently loosen the soil around the perimeter of the Shasta daisy clump.

Work carefully to avoid damaging the roots. Loosening the soil makes it easier to lift the clump out intact.

Step 3: Lift and Expose Roots

Once the soil around the clump is loosened, carefully lift the entire clump out of the ground. Gently shake off excess soil to expose the root system.

This step allows you to see where you’ll make your divisions.

Step 4: Divide the Clump

Use a sharp knife, spade, or even your hands to divide the clump into smaller sections. Ensure each division has several healthy shoots (stems) and a portion of the root system intact.

Try to make clean cuts, avoiding damage to the roots as much as possible.

Step 5: Replant Immediately

After dividing, replant the sections immediately in prepared soil. Dig holes slightly larger than the root mass of each division to accommodate the roots without crowding.

Spread out the roots in the planting hole and cover them with soil, gently firming them around the roots to remove air pockets. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to settle the soil and provide moisture to the roots.

How to Pot or Repot Shasta Daisy

Step 1: Selecting the Right Pot and Soil

The first step in potting or repotting a Shasta daisy is to select a pot that provides ample space for the plant’s root ball and has well-draining capabilities to prevent soggy soil and root rot.

Shasta daisies prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Adding compost to your potting soil can increase its nutrient content and improve drainage.

A well-balanced fertilizer can also be mixed into the soil to enhance the plant’s vigor and blooming season.

Step 2: Preparing the Shasta Daisy

Shasta daisies are perennials that can be planted as seedlings in early spring after the danger of frost has passed. Before planting, ensure the plant has a sturdy stem, dark green leaves, and white petals.

If the plant is a hybrid variety, it may have been grafted onto a rootstock, so be sure to keep the graft union at the top of the root ball when planting. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can also encourage more blooms.

Step 3: Planting the Shasta Daisy

Place the Shasta daisy in the pot, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Fill in around the plant with the prepared soil, pressing it down gently to remove air pockets.

Water the plant thoroughly, but avoid overwatering. A thin layer of compost can be added to the top of the soil for added nutrients.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases for Shasta Daisy

Aphids

Aphids are small insects that can infest Shasta daisies, particularly in early summer. They suck sap from the stems and leaves, which can lead to distorted growth and a decline in the plant’s vigor.

Regular inspection of your plants and a strong stream of water can help to control these pests.

Slugs and Earwigs

Slugs and earwigs are attracted to the moisture and shade provided by the dense foliage of Shasta daisies. They feed on the leaves and petals, leaving noticeable holes and damage.

These pests can be managed by reducing excessive moisture and removing any garden debris that could serve as a hiding place.

Root Rot

Overwatering or planting in soggy soil can lead to root rot in Shasta daisies. The disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots, causing them to turn dark and mushy.

Infected roots can’t deliver water to the plant, leading to wilting and death. Good drainage is key to preventing root rot, so make sure your Shasta daisies are planted in well-drained soil.

Common Plant Problems and Solutions for Shasta Daisy

Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves on your Shasta daisies could be a sign of overwatering or poorly drained soil.

To rectify this issue, ensure your garden beds or pots have a well-draining system, and adjust your watering schedule to avoid waterlogged soil.

A good rule of thumb is to provide an inch of water per week, especially during dry spells in early summer.

Brown Tips

Brown tips on the leaves of Shasta daisies may indicate a lack of organic matter or nutrients in the soil. To keep your plants healthy and robust, apply a well-balanced fertilizer during early spring.

You can also add a thin layer of compost to the top of the root ball to enrich the soil and promote healthier, dark green leaves.

Short Blooming Season

Shasta daisies are short-lived perennials with a blooming season that can be extended through deadheading. This process involves removing spent flowers to encourage the plant to produce more.

For a longer display of bright-white flowers on sturdy 2-foot stems, deadhead your Shasta daisies regularly throughout the summer.

Other Flower Guides from Planet Natural:

Crocus Guide: How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Crocus

The 32 Best Spring Flowers to Plant in Your Home Garden

Celosia: How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Celosia Plants