Easily identified. Stands tall. Nods in the wind. Brings a smile. Attracts birds. Loved by all.

Shasta daisies have long been a favorite perennial of gardeners for many reasons.

Daisies:

1. naturalize.

2. attract birds and bees.

3. are great cut flowers.

4. are considered to be low-maintenance flowers.

5. can be grown through propagation, seeds or division.

6. are deer-resistant.

Daisies are easily recognized by their pure white petals, yellow disk florets and glossy green leaves on a straight stem of about 14 or more inches in height. When grouped with blue, pink or purple bellflowers; daylilies; phlox; and other colorful blossoms, daisies will make a definite statement in one’s garden. The Shasta daisy grows best in full sun or partial shade in rich well-drained soil.

History

According to one source, the daisy was bred from a small white wildflower found growing in the mountains between France and Spain. Daisies were found in Egyptian temple gardens as long ago as 2200 B.C. It was grown for herbal and medicinal properties. King Henry VIII of England relied on eating daisies to treat his stomach ulcers and his gout. Daisies were also used to treat wounds and fever. Shasta daisies were created by American horticulturist Luther Burbank, who was inspired by the wild ox-eye daisies found in New England. In 1901, after much effort, he introduced a mixed selection of Shasta daisy hybrids. His goal was to create the perfect white daisy with yellow center.

Daisies by the season

Suggested seasonal tasks result in prolific Shasta daisies.

• Spring – Plants like Shasta daisies and others should be divided for propagation in early spring just as they are breaking dormancy. Division of plants can begin as early as fall up to and through early spring.
• Summer – Summer is deadheading time. Cut the stems above a new leaf or a flower bud. Remove the flowers as they begin to fade rather than when they are fully spent.
• Fall – Fall in our area may find the daisies still blooming. Be ready to trim dead stems. If we receive a hard freeze as we did in January this year, trim all stems to 2-3 inches above the ground.
• Winter – Winter provides time for gardeners to study books and catalogs to plan for new ways to use daisies. Roses and Shasta daisies make a beautiful view in one’s landscape. What about a border of mixed perennials and white daisies?

Low-maintenance, but watch for other issues

Daisies are low-maintenance, but watch for aphids, slugs, nematodes, earwigs, stem rot and leaf spot that could attack your plants. Drip irrigation and sunshine assist with the growth of healthy Shasta daisies.

If rainfall is less than an inch a week, water your daisies. Every spring, apply compost and mulch for weed control. Every three to four years, divide the daisies in early spring or late, late summer (September or October for our zone) and share with your friends.

Varieties

Shasta Daisy Luna has double flowers, which begin with a glowing yellow followed by a two-tone yellow and ends with a flourish of white petals. This daisy is recommended for zones 5-9.

There are numerous varieties of daisies, such as Cobham Gold, Horace Reed and Snow Lady. Dr. William Welch recommends Little Miss Muffet in his book “Perennial Garden Color.” One might also look for Alaska Shasta Daisy, Becky Shasta Daisy, Banana Cream Shasta Daisy, Red Shasta Daisy or, my favorite name, Crazy Daisy Shasta. The National Gardening Association database lists 60 varieties of Shasta daisies.

Use in arrangements — and more

With an abundance of flowers, cutting the daisies for arrangements will not detract from your garden. These lovely blooms have a long vase life. They are thought of as the floral archetype and are often the first thing children learn to draw.

Daisies are everywhere — on clothing, on dishes, on jewelry, on art, in wedding bouquets or perhaps in a chain of daisies in your hair. There is even a line of soaps available named Shasta Daisy Soaps. There are so many types of daisies that there is sure to be one to suit every taste.

At Easter

Daisies symbolize purity, innocence and loyalty. This flower can be found growing wild on grassy fields and could likely be cradling hidden Easter eggs during this weekend’s egg hunts. Favorites for Easter are Shasta daisies and the bright, colorful Gerbera daisies.

Well said:

“Daisy, buttercup, yellow cowslip together mix in fellowship.”

– Brian Strand