Common Name: shasta daisy
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 5 to 9
Height: 1.50 to 1.75 feet
Spread: 1.25 to 1.50 feet
Bloom Time: June to September
Bloom Description: Yellow and white
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy, Good Cut
Attracts: Birds, Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer
Culture
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Good soil drainage is essential. Wet soils in winter can be fatal. Tolerates some light shade, particularly in hot summer climates. Remove spent flower heads to promote additional bloom. Divide clumps as needed (every 2-3 years) to maintain vigor. Plants are somewhat short-lived. Consider cutting stems back to basal leaves after flowering to preserve plant energies and perhaps prolong plant life.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Leucanthemum is a genus of about 26 perennials from Europe and temperate Asia. Leucanthemums were formerly included in the genus Chrysanthemum.
Genus name comes from the Greek leukos meaning white and anthemum meaning flower in reference to the white flowers of some species.
'Red Charmer'is a hybrid shasta daisy cultivar in the Realflor® series developed by PlantHaven International and often sold under the name Leucanthemum x superbum. It features fringed, 3" diameter, double flowers with cream colored outer petals and smaller, yellow petals surrounding a bright, golden center. The blooms are held on sturdy, well-branched stems above the foliage from early summer through early fall. The leaves are narrowly oblong (up to 6" long and 0.75" wide) and deep green in color. Individual clumps can reach up to 22" tall with an 18" spread. An excellent cut flower. Very attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Plant patent number PP27687 applies to this cultivar.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Leucanthemums generally have some susceptibility to verticillium wilt, leaf spots and stem rots. Aphids, leaf miners and mites are occasional visitors.
'Red Charmer' exhibits improved disease resistance compared to other shasta daisy cultivars.
Uses
Shasta daisies provide long-lasting summer bloom and are mainstays of the perennial border, cottage garden and cutting garden.