Snowcap Shasta Daisy

Snowcap Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum 'Snowcap')

Snowcap Shasta Daisy, Leucanthemum x superbum 'Snowcap', is a compact, heavy blooming Shasta daisy that forms a dense mound of deep green foliage topped with pure white petals and bright yellow centers. Naturally short and tidy, it stays low and full while producing a carpet of cheerful blooms in early to midsummer, making it ideal for the front of borders, along paths, and in containers. With its clean coloring, sturdy stems, and reliable performance, Snowcap adds a crisp, high contrast focal point to sunny beds without taking up much space.

Distinctive Features

Snowcap Shasta Daisy typically grows about 12 to 15 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide, forming a compact, rounded clump that rarely needs staking under normal conditions. Large single daisies with crisp white rays and golden yellow centers are held just above the foliage, so the plant reads as a neat cushion of bloom at peak. The foliage is medium to dark green and finely textured, creating a solid base that frames the flowers and helps shade the soil. The combination of dwarf habit, bold flower color, and a dense, mounded form makes this variety especially useful in smaller gardens and high visibility locations near walkways, patios, and seating areas.

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 moderate, consistent 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 when planted in soils that drain freely.
• Size: Forms a compact clump about 12 to 15 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide at maturity, depending on climate and care.
• Growth Rate: Moderate grower that fills in steadily and forms tidy, flower filled clumps within a few seasons.

Ideal Uses

• Front of Border Accent: Perfect for the front edge of mixed borders with coneflowers, salvias, and compact grasses where its bright white blooms pop against deeper colors.
• Edging and Pathways: Plant in a row along walks, drives, or patio edges to create a low ribbon of green foliage and white daisy flowers.
• Containers and Patio Pots: Excellent in pots, window boxes, and mixed containers where the compact habit and plentiful blooms provide long lasting color close to eye level.
• Cottage and Meadow Style Gardens: Mix with other classic perennials to build relaxed, naturalistic plantings that feel full and cheerful without overwhelming small spaces.
• Pollinator Friendly Beds: Open flower centers attract 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 clean; trim 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 promote 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 bloom production declines.

Why Choose Snowcap Shasta Daisy?

• Compact, Dwarf Habit: Short, tidy plants are ideal for small gardens, front borders, and containers where taller daisies would be too large.
• Bright, Classic Blooms: Crisp white petals and sunny yellow centers deliver timeless daisy appeal in a petite, high impact package.
• Reliable Performance: Steady flowering, strong stems, and a dense mounded habit keep plantings looking good throughout the summer season.
• Easy to Grow: Adaptable to typical garden soils and conditions when given sun and drainage, making it a good choice for beginners and busy gardeners.
• Versatile Design Use: Fits seamlessly into cottage gardens, mixed borders, meadow style plantings, and container displays wherever you want cheerful color and a dependable small scale focal point.

With its dwarf, mounded habit, bright white and yellow flowers, and steady summer performance, Snowcap Shasta Daisy is an excellent choice for adding cheerful color, easy cut flowers, and a compact focal point to sunny borders, paths, and container plantings.