Leucanthemum superbum Victorian Secret - Shasta Daisy

Leucanthemum Victorian Secret is a variety of perennial daisy that is particularly robust and floriferous. While it may not be spectacular, it cultivates a certain uniqueness that can be found in its compact habit, in the soft green glow that adorns its tousled flowers when they bloom, but also in its foliage, which is a dark green with a touch of grey, somewhat resembling that of chrysanthemums. In the garden, it is a sturdy variety that can withstand the wind. Perennial in well-drained soil, it faithfully returns every year, always more beautiful and generous. For 3 months, its flowers enliven the beds and sunny borders, and are perfect for creating numerous bouquets for the home.

The genus Leucanthemum belongs to the Asteraceae family. 'Victorian Secret' is a horticultural hybrid introduced by Terra Nova Nurseries in the United States. It is derived from Leucanthemum x superbum, the large daisy we are familiar with. It is a variety that is particularly robust, heat-resistant, and above all, highly floriferous. It forms a dense, stocky clump, taller than it is wide. It reaches about 60 cm (24in) in height when in bloom and spreads out over 60 cm (24in), with fairly rapid growth. Abundant in summer, it completely disappears in winter. It blooms continuously from June to September, sometimes continuing into autumn if the weather remains mild: it is preferable to cut these late flowers so that the plant has time to store reserves for a trouble-free winter. If the summer is dry, the flowering stops and only resumes with watering or the return of rain. At the top of the flower stems, large buds appear that slowly open into double heads, 7 cm (3in) in diameter, composed of white ligulate petals surrounding a centre of tubular florets which are chrome yellow. The flower stems are numerous and extremely sturdy: they require no staking and are perfect for cutting. The leaves, arranged in basal rosettes, are also present on the flower stems. With a matte dark green colour, covered in small hairs that give them a somewhat grey appearance, they are simple and alternate with a regularly toothed edge. The plant reaches full maturity in five years.

The Victorian Daisy is at ease in all gardens, even the smallest ones. It is found with pleasure in various locations: in perennial beds, flower beds, in pots on the patio or indoors, in the rockery, or even in the vegetable garden. It can also be planted in a flower meadow, under fruit trees, or at the garden boundaries. Pair its somewhat simple flowering with that of poppies, blue thistles, or large thistles like cardoons or artichokes, paniculate phlox, and delphiniums. Mix it with grasses, asters, peonies, blue lupins, or bellflowers. The rustic appearance and intrepid nature of this robust variety remind us of our grandmothers' unpretentious but abundantly blooming garden, while adding the pleasure of prolonged summer flowering. The flowers of Victorian Secret hold up very well in a vase. They beautifully complement old roses and lilies.