LEUCANTHEMUM x superbum (CHRYSANTHEMUM leucanthemum maximum) Shasta Daisy ____________________________________ Type: Perennial Height: 1-3' (30-90cm) Flowering Time: Summer Flower Colour: White ____________________________________ Botanical Classification: Class: Angiospermae (Angiosperms) Subclass: Dicotyledonae (Dicotyledons) Superorder: Asteridae (Daisy Superorder) Order: Asterales (Daisy Order) Family: Asteraceae (Daisy Family) Genus: Leucanthemum Species: superbum (superb) ____________________________________

Leucanthemum x superbum is a well-known plant of cottage gardens, although it seems to have changed its name from Chrysanthemum maximum. It is a tough reliable perennial, reaching about 18" or more, spreading rapidly to form large clumps. It has deep green leaves and tough woody stems, and can be covered in summer with its large white daisy flowers. It is fully hardy, and makes a very useful cut flower.

Its only drawback is that it can flop over, when its flowers are easily spoilt by contact with wet soil, so it needs staking.

The photograph is the old-fashioned double variety, 'Esther Read'.

____________________________________

Harvesting and Growing from Seed:

	Seed Pod There is no seed pod. The seeds are held together on a dense seedhead. Each individual flower can produce a seed.
	Seed The seeds are small brown sticks There are many seeds on a seedhead.
	Seedling The seedleaves are rounded. The first true leaves are lobed.
Seed sowing and Germination Spring: Seeds sown inside in spring germinated in 10 days.