Leucanthemum superbum Etoile dAnvers - Shasta Daisy

Leucanthemum x superbum 'Etoile d'Anvers' perfectly embodies the grand garden daisy of yesteryear. This timeless and sturdy perennial offers an abundance of wide, single flowers, which have snow-white petals surrounding a yellow centre. The plant forms a dense clump of dark stems and leaves, blooming from July to September, even surviving neglect. A truly undemanding and easy-to-grow plant that thrives everywhere, in full sun or partial shade, even in poor or dry soils. It will bring a breath of freedom to the garden and add a natural touch to borders and bouquets.

The genus Leucanthemum belongs to the aster family. 'Etoile d'Anvers' is a highly popular horticultural hybrid, perhaps the most well-known of all. It was obtained from Leucanthemum x superbum, the grand daisy with which we are familiar. This variety forms a bushy clump, taller than wide, measuring approximately 80 cm (32in) in height and spreading over 50 cm (20in), with a moderately fast growth rate. It forms an opulent tuft of numerous leafy stems which are deciduous. The flowering occurs from July to September, in the form of large solitary heads measuring 9 cm (4in) in diameter, with white and flat ligules arranged in a single crown around a yellow centre. The leaves are dark green, simple and alternate. They are lanceolate with a regularly dentate, almost fleshy margin. Their surface is glabrous. The plant reaches its full maturity in five years and can live for many years.

 
This summer daisy, which is very suitable for making bouquets, will be perfect in a country-style border or in a natural garden, in a meadow under fruit trees or at the back of the garden. 'Aglaia' is a reliable choice, and its sparkling flowers are among the whitest that can be found among Leucanthemum. In daisies, one does not find extravagant colours, but it is the structure of the flowers that stands out. Accompany these flowers with that of cosmos, combine them with peonies, columbines, asters, blue lupins, campanulas or snapdragons, for example. Be creative with this flower, in the garden or in a vase in the house, to produce a delightful and unique display.