Shasta Daisy
Most
Shasta daisies
are perennials in
USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9.
The combination of their snowy petals and golden centers gives them the quintessential daisy appearance. With an extended flowering period, Shasta daisies can enhance almost any garden environment with their charm.
One of the most prevalent types is ‘Becky,’
Leucanthemum x superbum
It reaches heights of two to three feet and produces an abundance of flowers in early summer. These blossoms are plentiful and may continue well into late summer with adequate care and attention. Ensure it receives plenty of sunlight.
deadhead
wilted flowers, and you’ll relish daisy perennials throughout the summertime.
A different type of Shasta daisy is ‘Alaska,’ suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. If you grow it from seed, it will flower during the second year following sowing.
Expert tip:
As you cultivate Shasta Daisies, ensure the soil offers proper drainage and add a layer of mulch to keep weeds at bay and aid in retaining moisture.
Ox-Eye Daisy
You could come across seeds for the oxeye daisy (
Leuanthemum vulgare.)
Included in wildflower seed blends, it isn’t a native species but possesses the traditional daisy appeal. Originating from Europe, it propagates readily via self-seeding in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8, where it thrives. Nonetheless, gardeners should be cautious when dealing with this plant, particularly in regions such as the Western states,
regard oxeye daisies as invasive species
and should be avoided.
After planting oxeye daisies, you’ll see them emerging each spring in spots where you didn’t sow them. This unpredictability can bring freshness and vitality to your garden; however, it’s crucial to remove the flowers before they go to seed. Luckily, these plants are simple to extract when needed.
Expert tip:
Introduce oxeye daisies into your garden beds and contained areas to relish their abundant flowers and natural charm without worrying about them becoming invasive.
Painted Daisies
To add a burst of color primarily in hues of red and pink, consider planting some painted daisies.
(Tanacetum coccineum.)
You can begin seeding indoors for outdoor planting come springtime. These plants will typically flower during their second year post-planting.
I also suggest trying the ‘James Kelway.’ These varieties are named in tribute to James Kelway himself, an esteemed horticulturist and nursery owner from Somerset, England, recognizing his significant impact on gardening. Nonetheless, they won’t flower during their initial year; you’ll have to wait until their second year for them to showcase their vibrant colors.
Painted daisies are renowned for their vibrant pink, red, and purple flowers—adding liveliness and richness to your garden that contrasts with the usual white variety.
In USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7, painted daisies thrive optimally when grown in
full sun
with well-drained soil. They can also tolerate partial shade in warmer climates, especially in the afternoon. If you’re planning on planting these in hotter climates, ensure that these are placed in partial shade areas — especially for the afternoons in peak summer.
Expert tip:
Using fertilizers during growth phases along with timely removal of faded blossoms can lead to improved flowering and an extended bloom period. Additionally, these practices guarantee vivid and lively blooms across the season.
Dahlberg Daisy
By incorporating the Dahlberg daisy as a perennial in your garden, you will definitely add vibrant splashes of yellow flowers to the area. Should your gardening zone be between 9 and 10, you have the opportunity to cultivate Dahlberg daisies.
Thymophylla tenuiloba)
As a perennial plant everywhere else, they are annuals.
Begin by planting seeds directly into your garden during the spring season, or start the seeds indoors about six to eight weeks prior to the final frost. Often referred to as bristleleaf, these vibrant yellow daisies originate from Texas and Mexico and demonstrate impressive resilience to dry conditions. Their adaptability makes them perfect choices for water-efficient landscapes and suitable for xeriscaping initiatives. These plants grow low enough to be classified
a ground cover plant
And an excellent option for delineating boundaries, bordering walkways, or populating stone gardens.
Expert tip:
To ensure constant flowering, grow Dahlberg daisies as perennials in well-draining soil with full sunlight exposure.
English Daisies
Many of us would adore having daisies grow in our lawns, which is typically where English daisies end up appearing.
Bellis perennis),
However, what one gardener considers a lawn flower might be seen as a weed by another. Therefore, they are typically cultivated as annual plants.
.
These plants thrive in USDA zones 4 to 8. You can combine these daisy varieties with pansies in your garden to create a refreshing and appealing look.
Several hues of pink and white are found among English daisies, which can be cultivated either from seeds or bought as mature plants. These flowers thrive best in milder climates, explaining their superior growth in regions like England compared to the warmer parts of the U.S.
These plants are ideal for edges, pots, and meadow areas. They thrive in well-drained soils and conditions with some shade.
Expert tip:
Dianthus candensis can assist in forming an attractive ground cover in your garden. Sow the seeds closely together and make sure to provide ample watering while ensuring proper drainage of the soil. Removing the faded blooms will encourage more blossoming.
Blue Daisy
Indeed, there exists a blue daisy! It goes by this name: Blue Daisy.
Felicia amelloides
It originates from South Africa. This plant is a perennial in USDA hardiness zones 10 through 11 but acts as an annual elsewhere in the U.S., suggesting it can handle cooler climates.
It only reaches up to 10 inches in height, compact enough to easily fit in a
container planting
In a bright spot, this plant will thrive. To encourage continuous flowering, remove faded blossoms. During the spring season, you can easily find varieties such as ‘Cape Town’ which are known for their impressive blooms and consistent growth.
Expert tip:
Drought-resistant blue daisies thrive after establishment. Yet, during early growth, consistent moisture and well-draining earth are essential. Choose sheltered spots away from harsh breezes for optimal performance and apply light fertilizer to encourage vibrant patches of flowers in your outdoor space.
Gerbera Daisies
You could come across Gerbera daisies (
Gerbera jamesonii)
Like potted flowers at a nearby florist, or during the spring at the local garden center. These daisies are considered perennials only in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10. For most of us, they are grown as annual plants.
Large blooms appear in hues of orange and yellow.
pink
And red. Keep deadheading to ensure continuous blooms throughout the summer. If you’re considering moving them, remember they dislike being disturbed. The ideal approach is to bring them inside in their original pots during the season and place them somewhere with plenty of sunlight. These plants are great for injecting lively touches and vibrant pops into both your garden and patio spaces.
Taking care of Gerbera daisies involves preventing excessive watering indoors. Water them solely when they’re completely dry since these vibrant flowers thrive best with infrequent waterings following some level of soil dryness. Always verify the moisture at the surface of the potting mix prior to giving them more water. Position them where they can receive ample yet filtered light.
Expert tip:
Plant Gerbera daisies in soil with good drainage and be cautious not to overwater them. Applying light fertilizer at intervals can help promote healthier blossoms during the growth period, along with ensuring adequate airflow to ward off fungal diseases.
Gloriosa Daisy
One of the commonly used names for the perennial flower is Gloriosa daisy.
Rudbeckia hirta
The alternative is the black-eyed Susan. Typically, these plants can withstand zones 4 through 9 quite well. However, since they tend to be brief-lived perennials, many individuals handle them as annuals and do not anticipate their reappearance come next spring. This characteristic makes them ideal for landscapes designed with a naturally rustic appeal that preserves an element of wilderness.
Plant them from seeds in your garden. ‘Double Gold’ is
heirloom variety
With twice as many yellow petals as usual, this plant can grow up to three feet in height. Be sure to take a look at the list provided.
short perennial flowers
, since this daisy perennial is bound to pair excellently with them. Again, like other varieties, deadheading spent flowers will promote better, long-lasting blooming seasons.
Expert tip:
Plant glorious flowers in rich soil enhanced with mulch to retain dampness. If you’re aiming for varied small groupings, think about combining them with summertime perennials to boost both appearance and practicality.
Leucanthemum ‘Sweet Daisy Birdy’
Leucanthemum
‘Sweet Daisy Birdy’ is a recently introduced Shasta-type daisy, which is a perennial suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3 through 10. This plant reaches heights of about two feet and blooms early, making it ideal for edges, flowerbeds, and pots alike. Regular removal of spent blossoms will encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
From afar, the white blossoms appear as typical daisies, yet upon closer inspection, you’ll see that their centers are encircled by minuscule white flowerets. Given that these plants blossom at the start of the growing season, they will lend an abundant vibrancy to your garden due to this distinctive variety. Regular upkeep along with additional feeding using fertilizers can help extend the duration of their flowering period.
Like many daisies, these thrive best in full sunlight and soil that drains well. In 2021, they received recognition as an All-America Selections regional winner.
Expert tip:
Growing clusters of sweet daisy birds will lead to evenly ‘bloomed’ flowers that will swiftly grab attention in your garden. Combining them with complementary hues will create an exceptionally vivid area.
Leucanthemum ‘Carpet Angel’
If you’re seeking a compact perennial daisy as groundcover for your garden, ‘Carpet Angel’ could be ideal. Named an All-America Selections winner in 2023, this plant reaches just six inches in height yet extends up to 20 inches wide. Its dimensions make it suitable for various areas such as flower beds, edges, walkways, and rocky sections of your garden.
Tolerant of zones 4 to 10, this plant thrives best in full sunlight and requires well-draining soil similar to other varieties within the Shasta daisy group. Regular removal of spent flowers will help maintain its appearance.
bloom through the summer
Furthermore, removing spent flowers helps maintain the vibrancy of the blossoms and promotes improved overall plant health in the long run for this type of Shasta daisy.
Expert tip:
Combining tall, decorative grasses could produce a multi-layered visual contrast, lending a more organic feel to your garden. Given their minimal upkeep requirements, the carpet angel plants can readily cover bare spots within your garden area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which daisies are perennials?
Daisy perennials encompass types such as Shasta daisies, oxeye daisies, and painted daises.
daisies
And gerberas. These plants can thrive season after season with the appropriate conditions.
What steps should be taken to look after perennial daisies?
Daisies that bloom year after year generally flourish in brightly lit areas, including spots that receive direct sunlight. It’s important to prevent overwatering and to remove faded flowers to encourage more abundant and lush blossoms.
What distinguishes Shasta daisies from Oxeye daisies?
Oxeye daisies feature petite, naturally appearing flowers that can reproduce on their own, causing them to be considered invasive in certain regions. In contrast, Shasta daisies are hybrid varieties known for their sizable blossoms and distinctively vivid colors.
Can daisies survive winter?
Although daisies inside their hardiness zones can endure winter, it’s crucial to shield them by adding mulch over the soil. This helps maintain warmth and stops frost from damaging the plants.
