Leucanthemum superbum Shapcott Ruffles - Shasta Daisy

Leucanthemum x superbum 'Shapcott Ruffles' is a recent variety derived from the large daisy, which has very ruffled, double flowers with countless thread-like and turbinate petals which jostle in all directions around a large golden heart.  This perennial with dark foliage and a bushy habit blooms all summer in the sun, in damp soil. This variety proves to be particularly hardy and easy to grow. Full of poetry, it is a plant with a unique flowering, ideal for romantic gardens. Its flowers last a long time in bouquets or in flower beds.

The genus Leucanthemum belongs to the Asteraceae family. 'Shapcott Ruffles' is a horticultural hybrid recently obtained in England (in the cold region of Devon) from Leucanthemum x superbum, the large daisy that we know well. It is a very unique creation that is also particularly hardy. It forms a clump of robust, leafy stems, taller than wide, about 65 cm (26in) high and spreading over 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24in), with a moderately fast growth. Opulent in summer, it completely disappears in winter. The flowering takes place from July to October, in the form of large solitary heads measuring 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3in) in diameter, with very thin and beautifully turbinate white petals, sometimes directed downwards, sometimes curled upwards. The floral stems are sturdy and perfect for cutting. The leaves are dark green, simple and alternate with a regularly dentate edge. The plant reaches full maturity in five years.

With daisies, we don't find extravagant colors, we rather highlight the detail and the structure of the flowers. This summer daisy, perfect for making bouquets, will be perfect in a flower bed or in a meadow under fruit trees or at the back of the garden.  Accompany its flowering with that of cosmos, marry them with peonies, columbines, asters, blue lupins, campanulas or snapdragons for example. 'Shapcott Ruffles' will bring a touch of tender madness, but also a breath of modernity, in a scene reminiscent of gardens of the past.