Becky Shasta Daisy Plant: A Comprehensive Guide to Growing and Caring for This Beautiful Perennial
The Becky Shasta Daisy Plant (Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Becky’) is a striking, white-flowered perennial that stands out in gardens across the world. Known for its large, crisp white petals and yellow center, the Becky Shasta Daisy is a classic favorite among gardeners. This plant brings a cheerful, cottage-garden vibe and offers a simple yet elegant aesthetic that’s hard to match. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about planting, growing, and caring for this beautiful daisy variety, so you can enjoy it in your garden year after year.
What is the Becky Shasta Daisy?
The Becky Shasta Daisy is a cultivar of the common Shasta daisy, a hybrid species that originated from Leucanthemum maximum, a perennial native to Europe. The Becky variety is particularly popular due to its large blooms and long blooming season, which stretches from early summer to fall. It is one of the tallest and most robust Shasta daisy cultivars, with flowers that can reach up to 3 feet in height.
This perennial plant produces pure white petals around a central yellow disc, creating a striking contrast that makes it a favorite in flower beds, borders, and even wildflower gardens. Its upright growth and sturdy stems ensure it stands tall even in the wind, making it a low-maintenance, long-lasting addition to any landscape.
Planting Becky Shasta Daisy
Choosing the Right Location
When planting your Becky Shasta Daisy, it’s essential to choose the right location to ensure optimal growth. Full sunlight is a must for this plant. Shasta daisies thrive in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. These plants are sun-loving perennials, and providing them with the right exposure will promote healthy growth and encourage an abundance of flowers.
The soil should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic to neutral. If your soil tends to retain water, it may be a good idea to amend it with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and provide the necessary nutrients for robust growth.
Planting Time and Spacing
The best time to plant Becky Shasta Daisies is in the spring after the last frost, or in the fall, when the weather is cooler but not freezing. This allows the plant to establish a healthy root system before the extremes of summer or winter. When planting, ensure that the spacing between each plant is about 18 to 24 inches. This provides enough room for the plant to spread and ensures proper air circulation, preventing issues like mildew.
Planting Process
To plant your Becky Shasta Daisy:
- Prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of 12 inches and incorporating organic matter.
- Dig a hole that’s approximately the same size as the root ball.
- Place the plant in the hole so that the crown is level with the soil surface. Fill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots.
- Water thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots and remove any air pockets.
Caring for Becky Shasta Daisy
Watering
Becky Shasta Daisies are relatively drought-tolerant once established, but they still require regular watering, especially during the first few weeks after planting and during periods of dry weather. Water deeply to encourage deep root growth, but avoid overhead watering, as this can encourage fungal diseases. It’s best to water at the base of the plant, ensuring the roots receive the moisture they need without wetting the foliage.
Fertilization
While Shasta daisies are not heavy feeders, they will benefit from periodic fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the early spring, when new growth begins, will give your plant the nutrients it needs to produce abundant blooms. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers.
Mulching
Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use materials like shredded bark, leaf mulch, or compost. Be sure to keep the mulch away from the plant’s stem to avoid rot.
Deadheading and Pruning
To encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season, it’s important to deadhead your Becky Shasta Daisy regularly. This involves removing spent flowers before they go to seed. Not only will this prevent the plant from expending energy on seed production, but it will also help keep the garden looking tidy and vibrant.
Pruning should also be done after the plant has finished flowering. You can cut back the stems to about 4 inches from the ground to promote fresh growth. In the fall, after the first frost, cut the plant back to the ground to prepare it for winter dormancy.
Overwintering Becky Shasta Daisy
Becky Shasta Daisies are hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, meaning they can withstand cold winters with proper care. After the growing season, it’s a good idea to cut back the foliage to about 4 inches above the ground and apply a layer of mulch to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
If you live in an area where winters are particularly harsh, you might want to protect the plant further with frost cloths or plant covers during the coldest months.
Common Problems and Solutions
While the Becky Shasta Daisy is a generally trouble-free plant, there are a few issues that gardeners should be aware of.
Pests
Common pests that may affect Shasta daisies include aphids, slugs, and Japanese beetles. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or natural predators like ladybugs. Slugs can be deterred by spreading diatomaceous earth or crushed eggshells around the plant base.
Diseases
The most common disease affecting Shasta daisies is powdery mildew, which thrives in humid conditions. To prevent this, avoid overhead watering, and ensure the plant has good air circulation. If mildew appears, you can treat it with a fungicide or remove affected leaves to keep it from spreading.
Root Rot
If your Becky Shasta Daisy is showing signs of wilting or yellowing leaves, it could be suffering from root rot, often caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure the soil is well-draining, and reduce watering if necessary. If root rot persists, consider dividing and replanting the daisy in a more suitable location.
Conclusion
The Becky Shasta Daisy is a beautiful, low-maintenance perennial that can bring lasting beauty to your garden with proper care. By following the planting, watering, and pruning tips provided in this guide, you’ll be able to enjoy vibrant blooms year after year. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the Becky Shasta Daisy is an excellent addition to any landscape, offering easy-to-grow beauty and a cheerful garden presence.
