Leucanthemum superbum Luna - Shasta Daisy

Leucanthemum x superbum 'Luna' is an exceptional variety of yellow daisy: its large, very double and fringed heads gradually change from yellow to two-tone yellow, before finally becoming white. The yellow shades remain on the inflorescence for at least 2 weeks, contrary to what is most often observed in yellow-flowered varieties. A daisy with a truly unusual colour and exceptional flowering. They bloom all summer long at the end of very strong stout stems, highlighted by a plant with a compact and leafy habit, dressed in beautiful dark green foliage. It is also a fully hardy perennial, disease-resistant and easy to grow in sunny, not too dry soil. Its flowers have excellent vase life and in last well borders.

The genus Leucanthemum belongs to the Asteraceae family. 'Luna' is a horticultural hybrid recently obtained in the United States from Leucanthemum x superbum, the large daisy that we know well. It is both very unique, perfectly hardy, vigorous and healthy, flowering from a young age.  It was awarded "Best perennial plant of the year" in 2015 in the U.S.A. It forms a thick clump of robust, leafy stems, taller than wide, about 55 cm (22in) tall and spreading over 50 cm (20in), with rapid growth. Opulent in summer, it completely disappears in winter. The flowering takes place from June to August, provided that faded flowers are regularly removed. It takes the form of large solitary heads measuring 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) in diameter, with fringed ligules (or petals). At flowering, the entire inflorescence is yellow. Gradually, the outer ligules fade to a paler yellow, while the centre of the head retains a beautiful golden yellow hue. At maturity, about two weeks after flowering, the flower becomes almost white around a bright yellow centre that turns brown. The floral stems are very strong and perfect for cutting. The leaves are dark green, simple and alternate with an almost smooth edge. The plant reaches full maturity in five years.

In daisies, one does not find extravagant colors, but it is the detail and the structure of the flowers which truly brings uniqueness to the garden. This yellow daisy, perfect for making bouquets, retains its brilliant two-tone yellow color for a long time, perfect for brightening up borders or a flowering meadow. Accompany its flowering with that of cosmos, combine them with peonies, blue lupins, bellflowers, salvias or perennial geraniums, or gaillardias for example. Something very new that will nevertheless remind us of our grandmothers' gardens, overflowing with indestructible perennials.