Leucanthemum superbum Old Court - Shasta Daisy

Leucanthemum x superbum 'Old Court', also known as Shasta Daisy or Chrysanthemum Maximum, is an alternate variety that has flowers with ruffled, very delicate and curly petals around a yellow centre. This perennial blooms all summer in damp soil. Very easy to cultivate, for sun or semi-shade, it will bring a slightly "disheveled" touch to your flowerbeds or bouquets.

Leucanthemum 'Old Court' belongs to the Asteraceae family. It measures approximately 85 cm (34in) in height and spreads over 60 cm (24in), with moderately fast growth. It forms a lush tuft with semi-evergreen foliage. The flowering takes place from July to October, in the form of large solitary heads measuring 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3in) in diameter, with beautifully cut and curly white ligules (petals) around a yellow centre. The leaves are medium green, single and alternate. They are lanceolate with a regularly toothed edge. Their surface is glabrous. The plant reaches full maturity in five years.

Plant Leucanthemum 'Old Court' in deep, humus-rich, moist to wet soil. This plant does not have any particular requirement for soil pH. It will thrive in a sunny position, even a semi-shaded position. The substrate should be loamy-sandy or loamy-gravelly. It can withstand temperatures down to -29°C (-20.2°F). Regularly remove faded flowers and remove dead foliage in the spring. This daisy can be attacked by aphids, snails, earwigs, chrysanthemum nematode, and may develop leaf spots.

In the world of 'daisies' that we think we know, there are flower forms that are worth a detour... one does not find extravagant colors, but it is the detail and the structure of the flowers which truly brings uniqueness to the garden.  'Leucanthemum 'Old Court', is suitable for making bouquets, will be perfect in a flower bed or as a specimen plant. Accompany its ruffled flowers with cosmos, combine it with peonies, blue lupins, bellflowers, gaillardias and red hot pokers. It will add something very new to a scene that will remind us of our grandmothers' gardens.