Leucanthemum

( lew - KAN - the - mum )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of perennial and annual flowering herbaceous plants need full sun and moderate water. The flowers will attract butterflies to your garden. These pleasant daisy-like flowers are great additions to any garden, though they are most commonly associated with being cottage garden or informal garden plants. 

Leucanthemum Species and Varietals

The genus Leucanthemum is a member of the plant family Asteraceae and includes 42 species. The best growing zones for Leucanthemum vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Leucanthemum heterophyllum
This species reaches between 12 and 31 inches tall when mature and in bloom, and forms a basal rosette of foliage. Flowering stems emerge from June to September, topped with white daisy-form flowers. These plants are native to southern Europe, where they naturally are found in grasslands, meadows, and open shrublands.

Leucanthemum ircutianum (Oxeye Daisy)
This species, native to Eurasia and North America, these plants form upright perennials that reach between 8 and 31 inches tall when in bloom. Foliage is green and flowers typically bloom between May and October.

Leucanthemum maximum (Max Chrysanthemum)
Native to France and Spain, these flowering plants grow from rhizome and reach up to 28 inches tall when in bloom. Foliage is green and flowers are solitary and white with yellow centers. This species is a parent to the Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum).

Leucanthemum paludosum (Chrysanthemum paludosum, Mauranthemum paludosum) (Creeping Daisy, Mini Marguerite)
This annual is native to the western Mediterranean region and grows well in zones A1-A3 and 1-24. It forms 8-inch wide, 10-inch tall (when in bloom) clumps of dark green leaves. Flowers are white and bloom in summertime. This is a popular annual in Alaska, and in milder climates will sometimes live for a second season.

​Leucanthemum x superbum (Chrysanthemum maximum) (Shasta Daisy)
This species is a perennial that grows best in zones A1-A3, 1-24 and H1. It reaches 2-4 feet tall and 2 feet wide, and has coarse, leathery leaves. This hybrid was created by Luther Burbank. It is available in many different forms, though most flowers are white. All bloom during summertime, some over a longer season that stretches from late spring into fall. Great for borders and as additions to cut flower gardens. Pictured: Leucanthemum x superbum 'Old Court'.

Leucanthemum vulgare (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) (Ox-Eye Daisy, Common Daisy)
This species is perennial and grows well in zones A2, A3, 1-24 and H1. It is native to Europe and has naturalized in many areas. It spreads via rhizomes and is self-seeding. Reaching a foot wide and twice as tall, these plants have bright green foliage and yellow-centered daisies that bloom from late spring through fall. Variety 'May Queen' begins blooming earlier in the springtime.

Caring for Leucanthemum

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Leucanthemum
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 407 - 408, Leucanthemum
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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