Daisy Mae Shasta Daisy

Daisy Mae Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum 'Daisy Mae')

Daisy Mae Shasta Daisy, Leucanthemum x superbum 'Daisy Mae', is a compact, heavy blooming Shasta daisy that covers itself in crisp white petals surrounding sunny yellow centers on sturdy, upright stems. Plants form a dense mound of deep green foliage that sets off the flowers, creating a clean, bright look in sunny borders, containers, and cutting gardens. With its reliable flowering, tidy habit, and cheerful classic daisy form, Daisy Mae is an easy way to add long lasting summer color and a simple, eye catching focal point to almost any sunny landscape.

Distinctive Features

Daisy Mae Shasta Daisy typically grows about 18 to 24 inches tall and 16 to 20 inches wide, forming a compact, upright clump that stays neat with minimal staking in normal conditions. Large single daisies with broad white rays and golden yellow centers appear in generous numbers, creating a full, high impact display over the foliage. The deep green leaves form a solid base that helps shade the soil and keep plantings looking finished before, during, and after bloom. The combination of strong stems, bright flowers that show well from a distance, and a manageable size makes this variety especially useful for the front to mid border, cutting gardens, and smaller spaces.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Performs best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light daily for sturdy 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 or poorly drained sites.
• Water: Water regularly during establishment; once rooted in, provide consistent, 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 soil drains freely through wet seasons.
• Size: Forms an upright clump about 18 to 24 inches tall and 16 to 20 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, coreopsis, and ornamental grasses to create bright, layered summer borders.
• Cottage and Meadow Style Gardens: Mix with other classic perennials to build relaxed, naturalistic plantings with plenty of color and movement.
• Cut Flower Gardens: Excellent for fresh bouquets; strong stems and long lasting blooms make Daisy Mae a dependable cut flower.
• Mass Plantings and Drifts: Use in groups or sweeps to create bold ribbons of white and yellow that tie garden spaces together.
• Pollinator Friendly Beds: Sunny centers attract butterflies and other beneficial insects, adding motion and life to summer plantings.

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 clumps looking clean; 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 cause 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 Daisy Mae Shasta Daisy?

• Bright, Classic Blooms: Large white petals and golden centers deliver timeless daisy appeal that fits almost any garden style.
• Compact, Tidy Habit: Moderate height and dense clumping form work well in smaller gardens, front borders, and mixed beds.
• Great for Cutting: Sturdy stems and long lasting flowers make it an easy choice for vases and indoor arrangements.
• Easy and Reliable: Adaptable to a range of garden soils and conditions when given sun and drainage, making it suitable for beginners and busy gardeners.
• Versatile Design Use: Fits seamlessly into cottage gardens, mixed borders, meadow style plantings, and cutting gardens wherever you want cheerful color and a dependable summer focal point.

With its compact, upright habit, bright white and yellow blooms, and reliable summer performance, Daisy Mae 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.