Alaska Shasta Daisy

Alaska Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum 'Alaska')

Alaska Shasta Daisy, Leucanthemum x superbum 'Alaska', is a classic perennial daisy known for its large, crisp white petals, sunny yellow centers, and sturdy, upright habit that holds flowers proudly above the foliage. Plants form a dense mound of deep green leaves that sets off the bright blooms, creating a clean, high contrast look in sunny borders and cutting gardens. Reliable flowering, strong stems, and a long bloom window make Alaska a favorite for mixed beds, cottage gardens, and any spot where you want cheerful, long lasting color and a simple, timeless focal point in summer.

Distinctive Features

Alaska Shasta Daisy typically grows about 24 to 36 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide, forming a clump of upright stems topped with classic single daisies. Flowers are generous in size, with broad white rays around golden yellow centers that show clearly from a distance and photograph beautifully. The foliage is medium to deep green, forming a full clump that helps shade the soil and keep plantings looking finished even between flushes of bloom. With its traditional daisy form, strong stems that resist flopping under normal conditions, and dependable summer performance, Alaska is an easy choice for both landscape and cutting use.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Performs best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light daily for strong stems, abundant blooms, and compact growth.
• Soil: Thrives in well drained, fertile to average garden soil; appreciates organic matter but does not like heavy, waterlogged conditions.
• Water: Water regularly during establishment; once rooted in, provide moderate moisture, allowing the top of the soil to dry slightly between deep waterings.
• Hardiness: Well suited to many temperate regions where Shasta daisies are grown outdoors, especially when planted in soils that drain freely.
• Size: Forms an upright clump about 24 to 36 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide at maturity, depending on climate and care.
• Growth Rate: Moderate grower that fills in steadily and forms substantial clumps within a few seasons.

Ideal Uses

• Sunny Border Accent: Plant in mixed borders with coneflowers, salvias, and ornamental grasses to create bright, layered summer displays.
• Cottage and Meadow Style Gardens: Combine with other classic perennials to build relaxed, naturalistic plantings that bloom over a long season.
• Cut Flower Gardens: Excellent for fresh bouquets; sturdy stems and long lasting blooms make it a dependable choice for home arrangements.
• Mass Plantings and Drifts: Use in groups or sweeps to create a bold, repeating ribbon of white and yellow that ties garden spaces together.
• Pollinator Friendly Plantings: Flower centers attract butterflies and other beneficial insects, adding life and movement to sunny beds.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: After establishment, water during dry spells to keep plants from wilting, focusing on deep, occasional soakings rather than frequent light watering.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage additional flowering and keep plants looking fresh; cut stems back to a strong set of leaves.
• Fertilizing: In spring, apply a light dose of balanced, slow release fertilizer or compost around the base if soil is poor; avoid heavy feeding that can cause floppy growth.
• Mulching: Apply a thin layer of organic mulch to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch a few inches away from the crown to reduce rot risk.
• Seasonal Care: In late fall or very early spring, cut back dead stems close to the ground to make way for fresh growth; divide clumps every few years if they become crowded or flower production declines.

Why Choose Alaska Shasta Daisy?

• Classic Daisy Look: Big white petals and sunny yellow centers deliver the timeless daisy appearance that fits almost any garden style.
• Reliable Summer Color: Provides a long season of bloom in sunny beds, keeping borders bright during the heart of summer.
• Strong Stems for Cutting: Sturdy flower stalks hold up well in the garden and in vases, making it a go to cut flower.
• Easy to Grow: Adaptable to a wide range of garden soils and conditions when provided sun and drainage, making it suitable for beginners and busy gardeners.
• Versatile Design Use: Works in cottage gardens, mixed borders, meadow style plantings, and dedicated cutting gardens wherever you want cheerful color and a simple, dependable focal point.

With its sturdy habit, bright white and yellow blooms, and reliable summer performance, Alaska Shasta Daisy is an excellent choice for adding cheerful color, easy cut flowers, and a classic focal point to sunny borders, cottage gardens, and mixed perennial plantings.