Real Dream Shasta Daisy

Real Dream Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum 'Real Dream')

Real Dream Shasta Daisy, Leucanthemum x superbum 'Real Dream', is a compact, showy Shasta daisy with soft buttery yellow blooms that gradually lighten toward creamy white as they age, giving each clump a multi toned, dreamy appearance in sunny beds. Flowers are semi double, with a full cushion of pale yellow petals at the center surrounded by lighter outer rays, all held on sturdy stems above a dense mound of green foliage. With its gentle color shift, refined flower form, and tidy habit, Real Dream brings a softer twist to the classic Shasta daisy while still providing a clear focal point in borders, containers, and cutting gardens.

Distinctive Features

Real Dream Shasta Daisy typically grows about 14 to 20 inches tall and 14 to 20 inches wide, forming a compact, upright clump that fits neatly toward the front or middle of mixed borders. Semi double blooms are medium sized, with multiple rows of petals and a warm yellow center that fades toward cream, so plants often display several shades on the same clump at once. Medium to deep green foliage forms a solid base that frames the flowers and helps shade the soil, keeping plantings looking finished even before and after peak bloom. The combination of layered petals, soft yellow to cream tones, and a manageable footprint makes this variety especially useful where you want a romantic, textured daisy that still behaves well in 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: Suited to many temperate regions where Shasta daisies are grown outdoors, especially when planted in soils that drain freely through wet seasons.
• Size: Forms a compact clump about 14 to 20 inches tall and 14 to 20 inches wide at maturity, depending on climate and care.
• Growth Rate: Moderate grower that fills in steadily and forms tidy clumps within a few seasons.

Ideal Uses

• Front of Border Accent: Perfect near the front of mixed borders with coneflowers, salvias, and compact grasses where its soft yellow to cream flowers add gentle contrast and structure.
• Cottage and Meadow Style Gardens: Mix with other classic perennials to build relaxed, naturalistic plantings that offer a warm, sun washed feel through summer.
• Cut Flower Gardens: Excellent for fresh bouquets; sturdy stems and semi double pastel blooms make it a charming choice for mixed arrangements.
• Mass Plantings and Edging: Use in small groups or low sweeps along paths and bed edges to create ribbons of soft yellow and cream that tie garden spaces together.
• Pollinator Friendly Beds: Open flower centers provide easy access for butterflies and other beneficial insects, adding motion and life to sunny plantings.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: After establishment, water during dry spells to keep plants from wilting, focusing on deep, occasional soakings rather than frequent shallow watering.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continued flowering 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 overly lush, 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 fresh growth; divide clumps every few years if they become crowded or flower production declines.

Why Choose Real Dream Shasta Daisy?

• Soft, Romantic Color: Blooms shift from buttery yellow to cream and white, adding depth and a gentle, dreamy look to sunny beds.
• Semi Double, Textured Flowers: Layered petals give each bloom a fuller, more refined appearance than a standard single daisy.
• Compact, Tidy Habit: Moderate height and dense clumping form work well in smaller gardens, front borders, and containers.
• Great for Cutting: Strong stems and long lasting pastel flowers make it a lovely choice for indoor arrangements.
• Versatile Design Use: Fits easily into cottage gardens, mixed borders, meadow style plantings, and cutting gardens wherever you want cheerful, softly colored blooms and a dependable summer focal point.

With its compact habit, softly shifting yellow to cream blooms, and sturdy stems, Real Dream Shasta Daisy is an excellent choice for adding gentle color, easy cut flowers, and a refined focal point to sunny borders, cottage gardens, and mixed perennial plantings.