Shasta Daisy
dendranthema grandiflorum
Also known as: ["Chrysanthemum maximum","Leucanthemum x superbum"]
Overview
A perennial flowering plant with white petals and a yellow center, native to Europe and Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Dendranthema |
| Botanical Name: | Dendranthema grandiflorum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; cactus or succulent mix can work well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers regularly; shape prune in early spring or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to partial shade in intense summer heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh midday sun; provide shade during extreme heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid hot afternoon sun; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter if needed.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize sparingly to avoid leggy growth; stop fertilizing after flowering; use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged stems; remove spent flowers; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Move to a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for growth and flowering.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; ensure drainage holes; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom, but avoid waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and increases susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Solution: Provide frost protection; move containers indoors; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowers may fade quickly.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicDendranthema grandiflorum can cause mild toxicity in cats if ingested in large quantities, primarily due to the sesquiterpene lactones present in the plant.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicWhile Dendranthema grandiflorum is not highly toxic to dogs, ingestion in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicDendranthema grandiflorum, commonly known as the chrysanthemum, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects or physiological impacts reported from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Dendranthema grandiflorum?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Dendranthema grandiflorum attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Can Dendranthema grandiflorum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers but requires adequate drainage and regular maintenance.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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