Garden evaluates shasta daisies

Chicago Botanic Garden released results of its 7-year study on shasta daisy, Leucanthemum x superbum, and oxeye daisy, L. vulgare, in its 30th issue of Plant Evaluation Notes: “A Report on Leucanthemum x superbum and Related Daisies.”

CBG evaluated 36 cultivars between 1999 and 2006 to identify outstanding Leucanthemum for Northern gardens. Twenty-seven taxa completed a minimum 4-year trial, although some taxa were evaluated for a longer period.

Top-rated daisies were L. x superbum ‘Amelia,’ L. x superbum ‘Becky,’ L. vulgare ‘Filigran’ and L. vulgare ‘Maikönigin,’ which all received five-star excellent ratings. These plants were consistently healthy with heavy flower production and robust habits throughout the evaluation period.

‘Becky’ is perhaps the most popular shasta daisy in the United States today because of its sturdy habit and garden dependability. In 2003, ‘Becky’ was named the Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association.

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For more: Richard Hawke, Chicago Botanic Garden, (847) 835-8251; www.chicagobotanic.org

April 2008