Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. 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. Consider cutting stems back to basal leaves after flowering. Seed of species plants is sometimes sold as ‘May Queen’, however the original and true cultivar is reportedly sterile and can only be reproduced vegetatively. Plants will spread in the garden by rhizomes.
Leucanthemum vulgare, commonly known as oxeye daisy or marguerite, is an erect, somewhat weedy, rhizomatous perennial that typically grows to 3’ tall. Although native to Europe, this is the common white daisy that has naturalized in fields, pastures, roadsides and waste areas throughout North American. ‘Maikonigin’ is a compact cultivar that grows on stiff, upright stems to 2’ tall and features large single daisies (2” diameter) with white rays and yellow center disks. Blooms in mid-spring to early summer. Toothed, spatulate to obovate, dark green basal leaves (to 5” long). Smaller stem leaves are often pinnatifid. Excellent and long-lasting fresh cut flower. Common name is in reference to the flower’s large flattened center disk, which purportedly resembles the eye of an ox. Oxeye daisy was formerly included in the genus Chrysanthemum as C. leucanthemum.
No serious insect or disease problems. Leucanthemums generally have some susceptibility to verticillium wilt, leaf spots and stem rots. Aphids, mites and leaf miners are occasional visitors.
Oxeye daisies provide long-lasting bloom and are valued additions to the perennial border, cottage garden, wild garden, cutting garden naturalized areas and meadows.
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