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Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum), whole plant
  • Shasta Daisy — close-up of leaves and flowers
  • Shasta Daisy — seasonal appearance
  • Shasta Daisy in a garden setting

Shasta Daisy

Leucanthemum x superbum

Easy · Beginner friendly

About Shasta Daisy

Shasta Daisy is a hybrid perennial developed by Luther Burbank in Santa Rosa, California in the 1890s, combining several Leucanthemum species to create the classic white-petaled, gold-centered daisy of American gardens. Plants reach 2–3 feet tall and bloom mid- to late summer. 'Becky', Perennial Plant of the Year 2003, remains the standard tall cultivar in US gardens. Hardy zones 4–9.

  • Cut-flower
  • Deer-resistant
  • Pollinator-friendly
WATER
Regular
Top inch dry
LIGHT
Full sun
6+ hrs direct
HARDY
Hardy to -30°F (-34°C)
USDA hardiness zones 4–9

How to care for Shasta Daisy

Watering

  • Springevery 5 days
  • Summerevery 4 days
  • Fallevery 7 days
  • Winterpause watering

Soil · Well-draining

  • Top dressingPine bark mulch10%
  • Main mixPotting soil + perlite 2:170%
  • DrainageLECA / gravel20%

Never skip the drainage layer — standing water is the top cause of root rot.

FERTILIZER

Balanced Feed 14-14-14

An even feed covers all three needs at once, keeping leaves, roots and blooms moving together with nothing pushed out of balance.

N33%P33%K33%
  • Nitrogen · Leaves
  • Phosphorus · Roots + Blooms
  • Potassium · Strength
  • Springevery 30 days
  • Summerevery 30 days
Get watering reminders for Shasta Daisy — free on iPhoneDownload on the App Store

At a Glance

  • Height2–3 ft (0.6–0.9 m)
  • Spread1–2 ft (0.3–0.6 m)
  • Flower colorWhite
  • Foliage colorGreen
  • SoilLoamy, Well-drained
  • LocationsYard

Bloom time

BLOOM CYCLE

Peak bloom

Jun–Aug

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

White gold-eyed daisies midsummer

Fragrance

LIGHT FRAGRANCE

The flowers have a mild herbaceous scent.

Toxicity

Humans Slight · Pets Slight

sesquiterpene lactones and pyrethrins

Slight

  • All
  • Contact

EXPOSURE Touching any part of the plant.

EFFECT Mild dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

NOTE Documented concern for humans: Mild dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Slight

  • All
  • Ingestion

EXPOSURE Eating any part of the plant.

EFFECT Vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation.

NOTE ASPCA lists Chrysanthemum/Leucanthemum group as mildly toxic to pets.

Slight

  • All
  • Ingestion

EXPOSURE Eating any part of the plant.

EFFECT Vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation.

NOTE ASPCA lists Chrysanthemum/Leucanthemum group as mildly toxic to pets.

Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.

History

Illustrated historical scene for Shasta Daisy

Leucanthemum x superbum, the Shasta daisy, is a complex hybrid developed by American horticulturist Luther Burbank at his Sebastopol, California breeding farm. Beginning around 1884 and continuing for 17 years, Burbank crossed the European oxeye daisy Leucanthemum maximum with Portuguese L. lacustre and then Japanese L. nipponicum to create an improved daisy with pure white rays, large heads, and sturdy stems. He introduced the first selection as 'Shasta' in 1901, naming it for the snow-capped peak visible from his property.

Countless cultivars followed, including 'Alaska', 'Becky' (2003 Perennial Plant of the Year), and modern double-flowered forms like 'Snowcap'. Created in the 1890s by American horticultural pioneer Luther Burbank in Santa Rosa, California, by combining four Leucanthemum species. Named for Mount Shasta, the snow-white summit of northern California. Shasta daisy became one of the most recognizable perennials in American gardens.

Symbolism & meaning

What It Symbolizes

The Shasta Daisy suggests innocence, the classic daisy meaning of simple, unguarded love. Its specific story is American — created by Luther Burbank in California through patient hybridizing, named for the snow-white slopes of Mount Shasta. It is a flower of homegrown horticulture, innocence with a Californian backstory and a horticulturist's careful hand.

  • Innocence — classic daisy symbolism
  • American horticulture — created by Luther Burbank in California

Where the Name Comes From

The name Shasta Daisy describes its daisy-like flower heads. Genus from Greek 'leukos' (white) and 'anthemon' (flower); 'superbum' means 'superb'.

Uses & Fun Facts

  • Classic white shasta daisies long-lasting in summer bouquets
  • Open white daisies draw bees, hoverflies, and butterflies

Related plants

More Leucanthemum plants

Plants with similar care

Frequently asked questions

How often should I water Shasta Daisy?

Water about every 5 days during the growing season, and always let excess water drain away.

How much light does Shasta Daisy need?

Full sun: 6+ hrs direct. Watch the leaves — scorching or stretching means the light needs adjusting.

Is Shasta Daisy toxic to cats or dogs?

Pets Slight (Dogs Slight · Cats Slight) Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.

Is Shasta Daisy easy to grow?

Yes — it is considered an easy, beginner-friendly plant.

When does Shasta Daisy bloom?

It typically blooms Jun–Aug in the Northern Hemisphere.

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