Leucanthemum vulgare Maikonigin

Leucanthemum vulgare Maikonigin or May Queen Daisy is an improved variety of the common Daisy. It is earlier and highly flowering, also bearing larger flowers while retaining the qualities of the wild species. It is a great timeless classic, that is easy to grow and very hardy. It is perfect, in all simplicity, in wild spaces and flower beds.

Originally from Europe and temperate Asia, the Daisy is a well-known herbaceous perennial. Very common in the wild, this plant grows in clumps about 75 cm (30in) high and 60 cm (24in) wide. It bears vibrant flowers in heads whose white petals surround a compound yellow centre made up of small sessile flowers. Its leaves are green, oval with unevenly lobed lamina.

The cultivar 'Maikonigin', also known as 'May Queen', is derived from the common Daisy but offers earlier flowers, from May to June, as well as more numerous and larger flowers, from 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3in). It is perfectly hardy, at least down to -15°C (5°F).

It is a very easy to grow perennial, undemanding and content with little: a dry to moist soil and exposure to sun or partial shade. Its maintenance is minimal and consists of removing faded flowers and cutting back the clump in autumn.

In the garden, you can plant it with Yarrow, Perennial Honesty, Tufted Hair Grass and Fountain Grass to create a modern and natural flower bed.