Height:

36.0-42.0 Inches

Spread:

18.0-24.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

White Shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Early Summer Midsummer Late Summer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Bee Friendly

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Cottage Eclectic

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Easy To Grow Mass Planting

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Leucanthemums require full sun and well-drained soil to be at their best. Winter drainage is especially important; planting in raised beds will help to provide these conditions. Shastas make good perennials for Southern gardens, though partial shade is recommended in the warmest zones.

Division can be done in either spring or fall, and is recommended due to this perennial's tendency to be short-lived.

Growing Temperature:

Rooting out: 65-72° F
Growing: 55-60° F

Holding Temperature:

40-50° F outdoors

Soil PH:

5.8-6.2

EC (What is EC?):

2.0-3.0 pour through method

Fertility:

Leucanthemum are moderate feeders. Apply a liquid feed program at a rate of 50-100 ppm nitrate or a controlled release fertilizer at a rate equivalent to 1-1.5 pounds of nitrogen per yard of growing medium.

Vernalization:

Provide 6-9 weeks of cold temperatures to ensure consistent flowering.

Pests & Diseases:

Aphids are the main insect pest; but whitefly, thrip, spider mite and four lined plant bug can also be problematic. Scout for gall and rogue out any infected plants.

Potting & Timing:

Start plants under cooler temperatures to encourage rooting. Small plugs are best planted in late summer for spring sales.

Moisture:

Maintain moderate moisture levels. Avoid overwatering, but plants grown too dry will often develop necrotic edges, be shorter and will have delayed flowering and fewer flowers.

Planting Level:

Place top of plug level with or just below the soil surface.

PGRs/Pinching:

If liners are becoming reproductive too quickly, pinch out the central flower stem/bud to encourage additional branching. Sumagic (Uniconazole) at 5 ppm or Daminozide (B-Nine/Dazide) at 2500 ppm are effective as sprays. To control flower stem height, begin applications when flower stems first begin to elongate.

Lighting:

Requires long days (16+ hours) for flowering.

Other Comments:

Cold vernalization adds to bud count, but warmer temperatures are needed to elongate flower stems.

Awards

Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year -- 2003

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