Ox-eye daisy
leucanthemum vulgare
Also known as: ["Ox-eye daisy","Common daisy","Moon daisy","Poor man's buttonhole"]
Overview
A perennial wildflower native to Europe and Asia, known for its white petals and yellow center, often found in meadows and grasslands.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Leucanthemum |
| Botanical Name: | Leucanthemum vulgare |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden beds, meadows, or naturalized areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter. Tolerates poor soils but performs best with some enrichment.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead flowers as they fade; cut back foliage annually in late fall or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate. Deadheading is light; fall pruning can be more intensive if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pots for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light indoors; provide shade during extreme heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormant periods
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid overwatering, especially in heavy soils; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, fertile loam with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cold but may struggle in prolonged heat or humidity.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; ensure good air circulation in humid conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; apply before active growth begins.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps. Seeds can also be sown in early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep humid and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing but not flowering heavily.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid, and partially shaded conditions.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Stem cuttings root in 2–4 weeks; division establishes quickly in the growing season.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flowers just above a leaf node or lateral bud. Cut back foliage to a few inches above the ground if overgrown.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming and maintain plant vigor. Cut back foliage in late fall or early spring to tidy up and reduce disease risk.
Tools
Hand pruners, clean shears, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; deadhead regularly; cut back in fall or spring; remove diseased foliage.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from the current pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead or crowded roots; replant in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Division at repotting can rejuvenate the plant.
Checklist
Choose a larger pot; use fresh soil; trim roots if needed; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone. Apply water slowly and deeply to ensure penetration, allowing excess to drain away. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter or during dormancy. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress; fungal issues in humid conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause leaf discoloration. Prolonged frost may damage or kill above-ground parts.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter to insulate roots; provide frost protection in cold climates; avoid planting in low-lying frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, flower abortion, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilization; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can reduce flowering. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer or fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they ingest parts of Leucanthemum vulgare. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids present can cause irritation and potential liver issues with significant consumption.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Leucanthemum vulgare can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. While generally not life-threatening, large quantities may cause more severe symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicLeucanthemum vulgare, commonly known as oxeye daisy, contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can cause liver damage upon ingestion. The toxicity is generally mild but can be more severe with prolonged or large-scale consumption.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Leucanthemum vulgare toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Leucanthemum vulgare?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Leucanthemum vulgare attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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