Shasta Daisy (Chrysanthemum maximum/Leucanthemuum maximum) is an easy perennial that blooms well in the NE Texas area. It thrives in most soils with moderate water and full sun, though it can tolerate and bloom in partial shade.
Shasta varieties range in height from 10 inches to three feet. Blooms are always white with yellow centers and are two to four inches across. They are available in single, double, quilled and shaggy flower forms; seed is most often offered for sale in the single forms. Foliage is dark green and forms a clump from which the long-stemmed daisies arise. A think planting of Shastas will make a permanent, nearly evergreen ground cover.
Shastas bloom profusely in the cooler weather of spring and fall but will bloom sporadically year round, even in the snow. They are cold hardy and re-seed prolifically. If you deadhead spent flowers and toss them where you want plants, you won't have to plant Shastas again anytime soon.
Shastas make excellent, long-lasting cut flowers and mix especially well in arrangements with spring-flowering bulbs.
To propagate, you can sow seed inside and transplant or sow seed outside in the early spring, after danger of frost has passed. Divide clumps every two to three years in the fall.
Betsyanne Tippette, Smith County Master Gardener
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