Shasta Daisy

A perennial flower native to Europe, Shasta Daisy has naturalized across the United States.  Frequently found along roadsides and the edges of fields and pastures, it grows 2 to 3 feet tall and its white flowers with yellow centers can be up to 4 inches diameter.  It is sometimes confused with its smaller cousin the ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) a noxious weed in Colorado because it aggressively out-competes desirable forage plants, taking over cattle pastures and wildlife habitat alike.    But the Shasta Daisy, although it has the ability to spread and form colonies, is not an aggressive invader.

Shasta Daisy is a gardening favorite because it is easy to grow, blooms all summer, and its cheery blossoms make great cut flowers that last up to 10 days.   It prefers full sun to partial shade and does best in medium textured soils with a neutral pH and moderate amounts of moisture.   It can be planted Spring or Fall, with the seeds barely covered with 1/16 to 1/8 inch of soil.  Because of its spreading ability, Shasta Daisy can be a good ground cover.