Leucanthemum superbum Gruppenstolz - Shasta Daisy

Leucanthemum x superbum 'Gruppenstolz', has the charming simplicity of large, white flowers with yellow centres. It is a variety of big daisy with a multitude of flowers. This sturdy perennial forms a dense clump of stems and dark leaves, and it blooms all summer long, attracting pollinating insects. A very easy plant to grow, it thrives in full sun or partial shade and adds a distinctly rural touch to your flower beds or bouquets.

The genus Leucanthemum belongs to the aster family. 'Gruppenstolz' is a horticultural hybrid obtained from Leucanthemum x superbum, the well-known big daisy. This variety forms a bushy clump, taller than wide, reaching a height of about 70 cm (28in) and spreading up to 60 cm (24in), with a moderately fast growth rate. It develops an opulent tuft of numerous leafy, deciduous stems from a large basal rosette. The flowering period is from July to October, with large solitary heads measuring 11 cm (4in) in diameter. The white ligulate florets are thin and flat, arranged in a single crown around a yellow centre. The leaves are dark green, simple, and alternate. They are lanceolate with regularly toothed edges, and almost fleshy. The leaf surface is glabrous. The plant reaches full maturity in five years and can live for many years.

This summer daisy, perfect for making bouquets, will be ideal in a rustic flower bed or in a natural garden, in a flower meadow beneath fruit trees or at the back of the garden. While we're not talking about extravagant colours here, we should emphasize instead the consistancy, robustness, and many flowers of these "simple" plants that will bring real structure to flowerbeds. Pair its flowers with echinaceas, mix it with asters, autumn daisies, peonies, blue lupins, or campanulas. Be creative with this flower, in the garden or in a vase in the house, to produce a delightful and unique display.