Daisy – Shasta

The Shasta Daisy is an extremely resilient perennial flower that is native to Europe and will grow successfully in an area that provides full or partial shade. The blooms that this flower produces are larger than those of its cousin, the Ox-Eyed daisy. If established in a hospitable environment, the Shasta Daisy will grow into a large colony. The Shasta Daisy was formerly of the genus, Chrysanthemum. However, in recent years it has been recognized to lack necessary traits of true Chrysanthemums. One such example is that the Shasta Daisy releases a foul smelling odor, which is an uncommon characteristic among flowers. Also, Chrysanthemum flowers produce pyrethrin, which is a naturally potent insecticide, but the Shasta Daisy does not produce pyrethrin. They have been reclassified as Leucanthemum superbum. Many species in the Leucanthemum genus are considered weeds, but the Shasta Daisy is still a common favorite among gardeners.     Note that most perennials will not bloom the first year they are planted from seed. They establish a plant the first and then bloom the second. You may not see any blooms the first year this is planted.