Shasta Daisies: How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Classic Perennials

The cheerful Shasta daisy is a classic perennial. It resembles the familiar roadside daisy but has larger, more robust blooms.

Shasta daisies bloom in clumps 2–3 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide. All-white petals surround yellow disk florets, set off by glossy, dark green leaves.

Like clockwork, Shastas return every spring/early summer and bloom until early fall. Never invasive (unlike some roadside daisies), they're terrific for cutting.

Planting Shasta Daisies

• Grow in full sun.
• Soil: moderately fertile, not overly rich, moist but well-drained.
• Sow seeds in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Divide perennials in early spring or late summer.
• Direct-seeded plants bloom the following spring after one season's growth.
• Container plants: plant in spring.
• Loosen soil 12–15 inches deep, mix in 2–4 inches of compost.
• Space 1–2 feet apart. Dig hole twice container diameter.
• Set plant with root ball level with soil surface.
• Backfill and firm soil.
• Water thoroughly.
• Many taller plants need support/staking.

Care

• Water in summer only if rainfall <1 inch/week.
• After first killing frost, cut stems to 1–2 inches above soil.
• Each spring: apply compost and mulch for weed control.
• Every 3–4 years, divide perennials in early spring or late summer.

Pests and Diseases

Aphids, slugs, earwigs, chrysanthemum nematode, and leaf spots may occur. Generally low maintenance.

Recommended Varieties

• 'Cobham Gold' — popular double flowerheads with yellow disc on 2-foot stems.
• 'Horace Reed' — elegant double white flowerheads with incurved disk florets.
• 'Snow Lady' — fast-growing, erect, bushy perennial blooming first year from seed with single white summer flowerheads.

Wit & Wisdom

Black bees on the clover-heads drowsily clinging,
Where tall feathered grasses and buttercups sway;
And all through the fields a white sprinkle of daisies,
Open-eyed at the setting of day.
—Abba Woolson

Daisies are April birth flowers. They symbolize innocence and hope. Learn more flower meanings.