Introducing...
Leucanthemum
Botanical name: Leucanthemum
Common name: Shasta daisy, ox-eye daisy
Covered in cheery daisy flowers all summer, these easy-to-grow sun-lovers are traditional favourites for borders and cottage-garden schemes. You can choose from long-lasting perennial types and short-lived, compact annuals. The UK native ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) is ideal for wildflower plantings.
Looks
The daisy flowers, with white or sometimes soft yellow petals, are carried on strong upright stems, above mounds of usually dark green foliage. Some cultivars have flowers with frilly or downward-sloping outer petals.
Likes
Leucanthemums grow well in most soils that drain easily. They flower best in full sun, but can tolerate light shade.
Dislikes
They dislike soil that is permanently wet or excessively dry, and don’t flower well in deep shade.
Did you know?
There are over 30 species of Leucanthemum, originating from Europe and temperate Asia, where they grow in various locations including rocky alpine slopes, moist meadows, grassland and wasteland. They used to be included in the genus Chrysanthemum.
Growing guide
How to grow leucanthemum
All the information you’ll need to grow and care for leucanthemums can be found in the RHS Guide to growing perennials.
Leucanthemum we recommend
Leucanthemum × superbum 'Real Neat' (Realflor Compact Series)
Shasta daisy 'Real Neat'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Leucanthemum × superbum 'Phyllis Smith'
Shasta daisy 'Phyllis Smith'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Leucanthemum × superbum 'T.E. Killin' (d)
Shasta daisy 'T.E. Killin'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Leucanthemum × superbum 'Real Neat' (Realflor Compact Series)
Shasta daisy 'Real Neat'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Leucanthemum × superbum 'Phyllis Smith'
Shasta daisy 'Phyllis Smith'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Leucanthemum × superbum 'T.E. Killin' (d)
Shasta daisy 'T.E. Killin'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Useful advice
Creating wildflower meadows
Perennials: dividing
Perennials: planting
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Prairie planting: creation and maintenance
Wildflower meadow maintenance
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.