Leucanthemum vulgare - seeds

Leucanthemum vulgare is a charming plant with white daisy-like flowers with yellow centres that bloom all summer. They are nectar-rich so attract pollinators to the garden and make excellent cut flowers. This easy-to-grow, perennial plant will make a sensation in a countryside border or in the vegetable garden. The young leaves and ligules (or petals) can be consumed in salads. This plant thrives in sunny locations and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Sow between March and June.

From the Asteraceae family, the genus Leucanthemum includes 26 species of annual or perennial plants native to temperate Asia or Europe. They grow on rocky slopes or in damp meadows. Leucanthemum vulgare is a clump-forming perennial reaching 60 to 90 cm in height when in bloom. It has 2 types of leaves. The basal leaves are dark green, lanceolate, toothed and petiolate. Others develop on the stem and are sheathing and crenate. From June onwards, the oxeye daisy is covered with 2 to 5 cm diameter flower heads carried on long stems, perfect for wildflower bouquets. They consist of a yellow disc of florets surrounded by white ligules or petals.

The ligules are edible and can add colour to your salads. The young leaves can also be consumed in salads. The flower buds can be cooked like capers. The oxeye daisy has digestive and calming properties similar to chamomile.

In the garden, this nectar-rich plant will find a place in the vegetable garden where it will attract bees and butterflies. It can also be combined with Cosmos Cosimo Red White and Lupin Gallery Pink for a wildflower border.