Becky Shasta Daisy

Becky Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum 'Becky')

Becky Shasta Daisy, Leucanthemum x superbum 'Becky', is a sturdy, long blooming perennial daisy known for its big white petals, bright yellow centers, and strong stems that stay upright even in summer heat. Plants form a full clump of dark green foliage that sets off the clean white blooms, creating a high contrast look that reads clearly across the garden and in cut flower arrangements. Dependable flowering, weather resistant stems, and a generous bloom window make Becky an easy choice for sunny borders, cottage gardens, and cutting beds where you want cheerful color and a reliable focal point through the heart of summer.

Distinctive Features

Becky Shasta Daisy typically grows about 30 to 36 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide, forming an upright, clumping habit with multiple flowering stems. Large single daisies with crisp white rays and golden yellow centers appear over a long period, often holding their color and shape better than many older varieties in heat and humidity. The foliage is medium to dark green, forming a dense base that helps shade the soil and keep plantings looking finished, even before and after the main flush of blooms. With its combination of height, strong stems, and classic daisy form, Becky brings structure and dependable performance to a wide range of sunny plantings.

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 added organic matter but does not tolerate soggy, 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 adapted to many temperate regions where Shasta daisies are grown outdoors when planted in soils that drain freely.
• Size: Forms an upright clump about 30 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 with coneflowers, salvias, rudbeckias, and ornamental grasses to build bright, layered summer borders.
• Cottage and Meadow Style Gardens: Mix with other classic perennials to create relaxed, naturalistic plantings that offer long lasting bloom and movement.
• Cut Flower Gardens: Excellent for fresh bouquets; sturdy stems and large, long lasting blooms make it a dependable cut flower.
• Mass Plantings and Drifts: Use in groups or drifts to create bold sweeps of white and yellow that tie garden spaces together.
• Pollinator Friendly Plantings: Sunny flower centers attract butterflies and other beneficial insects, adding life and motion to summer beds.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: After establishment, water during dry periods to keep plants from wilting, focusing on deep, occasional soakings rather than frequent light watering.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming and keep clumps 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 if soil is poor; avoid heavy feeding that can lead to floppy growth.
• Mulching: Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base to 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 new growth; divide clumps every few years if they become crowded or flower production declines.

Why Choose Becky Shasta Daisy?

• Big, Bright Blooms: Large white petals and sunny yellow centers deliver classic daisy appeal that stands out in borders and arrangements.
• Heat and Weather Tolerant: Strong stems and reliable flowers hold up well through hot, humid summer weather when given good care.
• Excellent for Cutting: Long, sturdy stems and long lasting blooms make Becky a go to choice for bouquets and indoor displays.
• Easy to Grow: Adaptable to a wide range of garden soils and conditions when provided sun and drainage, making it suitable for both new and experienced gardeners.
• Versatile Design Use: Fits seamlessly into cottage gardens, mixed borders, meadow style plantings, and dedicated cutting gardens wherever you want cheerful color and a simple, dependable summer focal point.

With its strong stems, bright white and yellow flowers, and reliable summer performance, Becky 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.