for immediate release

Chicago Botanic Garden Evaluates Shasta Daisy

Plant Evaluation Notes Identifies Best Plants for Midwest

Media Only:
Julie McCaffrey
(847) 835-8213
jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org

GLENCOE, Ill. (Jan. 15, 2007)—The Chicago Botanic Garden has released results of a seven-year study on Shasta daisy, Leucanthemum xsuperbum, and Oxeye daisy, L. vulgare, in its 30th issue of Plant Evaluation Notes: “A Report on Leucanthemum xsuperbum and Related Daisies.”

Introduced in 1901 by Luther Burbank, Leucanthemum xsuperbum is a hybrid of L. lactustre and L. maximum. Shasta daisy is part of the aster family (Asteraceae) and is prized for the simplicity of its bright white, yellow-eyed flowers and its long season of bloom. They are good companions to summer-bloomers including beebalms (Monarda), catmints (Nepeta), sages (Salvia) and ornamental grasses. Leucanthemum vulgare, oxeye daisy, is frequently confused with Shasta daisy, as they are similar in general appearance. Both species self-sow in the garden, but oxeye daisy is particularly fruitful.

The Chicago Botanic Garden evaluated 36 cultivars of Leucanthemum xsuperbum and L. vulgare between 1999 and 2006 to identify outstanding Leucanthemum for northern gardens. Twenty-seven taxa completed a minimum four-year trial, although some taxa were evaluated for a longer period.

Shasta daisies prefer fertile, well-drained soils in full sun and are intolerant of wet or poorly drained soils at any time. They are cold hardy in USDA zones 5-8 and benefit from regular deadheading to prolong flowering and to reduce reseeding. Taller selections may need to be staked to prevent floppiness. Shasta daisies can be troubled by aphids and spider mites, and verticillium wilt caused by poorly drained soils.

The top rated daisies in the trial were Leucanthemum xsuperbum ‘Amelia’, L. xsuperbum ‘Becky’, L. vulgare ‘Filigran’ and L. vulgare ‘Maikönigin’ (May Queen), which all received five-star excellent ratings. In each case, these plants were consistently healthy with heavy flower production and robust habits throughout the evaluation period. ‘Becky’ is perhaps the most popular Shasta daisy in the United States today because of its sturdy habit and garden dependability. In 2003, the Perennial Plant Association named ‘Becky’ the Perennial Plant of the Year.

Unlike Leucanthemum xsuperbum, the habit of L. vulgare is rhizomatous, so both ‘Filigran’ and ‘Maikönigin’ formed mats of foliage. Both cultivars produced abundant seedlings that not only added to the size of their plots, but also popped up in adjacent plots.

Approximately half of the daisies in the trial received high ratings based on heavy flower production, strong habits and adaptability to the soil and conditions of the test site. Cold hardiness was not a problem in the trial, however some Shasta daisies suffered significant crown damage and plant losses dues to excessive soil moisture and/or poor drainage during winter months.

The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Notes provide the latest information on plants suited to the Midwestern climate and growing conditions. To obtain Issue 30, “A Report on Leucanthemum xsuperbum and Related Daisies,” visit www.chicagobotanic.org/downloads/planteval_notes/no30_leucanthemum.pdf (free of charge) or, including $3, write:

Plant Evaluation Notes
c/o Richard Hawke
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022

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Editors, please note: The Chicago Botanic Garden's newsroom is online at www.chicagobotanic.org/pr. For digital images, contact Julie McCaffrey at (847) 835-8213 or at jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org.

The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the green treasures of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 23 distinct display gardens surrounded by lakes, as well as a prairie and woodlands. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year, except Dec. 25. Admission is free; select event fees apply. Parking is $15; free for members. On Tuesdays, senior citizens age 62 and older pay just $7 for parking. The Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Ill. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org, or call (847) 835-5440 for seasonal hours, images of the Garden and commuter transportation information.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society. It opened to the public in 1972 and is home to the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, offering a broad array of adult classes in plant science, landscape design and gardening arts. Through the Division of Plant Science and Conservation, Garden scientists work on plant conservation, research and environmental initiatives that have global impact. The Center for Teaching and Learning brings the wonder of nature and plants to children, teens and teachers. The Garden's Horticultural Therapy and Community Gardening programs provide nationally recognized community outreach and service programs. The Garden is also breaking new ground in urban horticulture and jobs training through a 15-acre project in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago called Windy City Harvest. The Chicago Botanic Garden is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is a member of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). In 2006, the Chicago Botanic Garden received the Award for Garden Excellence, given yearly by the APGA and Horticulture magazine to a public garden that exemplifies the highest standards of horticultural practices and has shown a commitment to supporting and demonstrating best gardening practices.