Leucanthemum superbum Christine Hagemann - Shasta Daisy

Leucanthemum x superbum 'Christine Hagemann' is a very beautiful double form of the famous summer daisy. This variety bears, on top of tall sturdy stems, large white inflorescences curiously organized in a 'double layer', between August and October.  These are composed of short central ligules forming a double bloom, around a bright yellow central disc. This perennial forms a dense bouquet of dark stems and leaves, it flowers generously for more than a month, animated by the flight of pollinating insects. Very easy to grow, for sun or semi-shade, it will bring an elegant and rustic note to your borders or bouquets.

The genus Leucanthemum belongs to the large family of asters. 'Christine Hagemann' is a horticultural hybrid obtained from Leucanthemum x superbum, the large daisy that we know well. This variety forms a bushy clump, taller than wide, it measures about 75-80 cm (30-32in) in height and spreads quite rapidly over 70 cm (28in). It forms an opulent clump made up of numerous leafy, deciduous stems, from a large basal rosette. The flowers appear in August-September, in the form of large 'flowers' called heads, solitary, 6-8 cm (2-3in) in diameter, with thin and flat white outer ligules, slightly directed towards the stem, arranged in a simple crown around a yellow centre. The leaves are dark green, simple and alternate. They are lanceolate with a regularly toothed edge, almost fleshy. Their surface is glabrous. The plant reaches full maturity in five years and can live for many years.

 
This summer daisy, which is very long-lasting in bouquets, will be perfect in a rustic border or in a natural garden, in a flower meadow under fruit trees or at the back of the garden. In daisies, one does not find extravagant colours, but it is the structure of the flowers that stands out without requiring much maintenance. Accompany its flowering with that of echinaceas, mix it with asters, autumn daisies, poppies and thistles, peonies, blue lupins or bellflowers. Be creative with this flower, in the garden or in a vase in the house, to produce a delightful and unique display.