How to Grow Leucanthemum

Leucanthemum are also known as the ‘Shasta daisy’ and are tough herbaceous, perennial plants. Dark compact foliage nestles amongst stately stems and large daisy-like flower heads, presenting a prolonged period of beauty and colour throughout summer into autumn. Leucanthemum are best suited to flower beds and borders within cottage, informal and wildflower garden settings. They will also make fantastic cut flowers. You should expect to see your plants grow to an average height of 40cm (16”) and a spread of 35cm (14”).

Leucanthemum are best planted in moist, well-drained soil of clay, loam, chalk and sand within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. Plant Leucanthemum during the spring and amend the planting area with a generous amount of compost, mixing thoroughly to the native soil. Place your Leucanthemum so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface and space companion plants 30cm (12”) apart, positioning in full sun or part shade

Apply a thin layer of compost and mulch each spring to retain moisture levels and to deter weeds. Water Leucanthemum regularly during periods of drought as the soil will need to be kept to thrive. You may need to stake taller varieties to retain a healthy structure and shape, and protect from adverse and windy weather conditions. After the first frost, you should cut back the stems to an inch or two above the soil to encourage further growth.

It is possible to propagate Leucanthemum by division during the early spring to late summer.