Grass-leaved Leucanthemum
leucanthemum graminifolium
Also known as: ["Grass-leaved Daisy","Narrow-leaved Shasta Daisy"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with narrow, grass-like leaves and daisy-like flowers, native to Europe and parts of Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Leucanthemum |
| Botanical Name: | Leucanthemum graminifolium |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- 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; can tolerate average garden soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers regularly during the blooming season; perform a light shaping prune in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight indoors; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid overwatering; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); can tolerate light frosts but may struggle in extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from cold drafts; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing during dormancy; use a low-nitrogen formula to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch stem cuttings just below a leaf node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing but not in full bloom.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth typically appears within 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagation dome, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide gentle bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back growing tips to encourage branching; cut spent flower stems just above a leaf node or lateral bud.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.
Tools
Sharp, clean bypass pruners or scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Clean tools before pruning; prune in early morning or evening; remove dead or diseased growth first; make clean cuts just above a bud or node.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or dormancy.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter) than the current one.
Method
Gently remove the plant from its pot; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for rejuvenating soil and encouraging new growth.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; water plant a day before repotting; handle roots gently; water well after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early in the day; avoid overhead watering; ensure proper drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom but avoid waterlogging; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry during the day.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause leaf discoloration; prolonged cold may lead to root damage.
Solution: Provide frost protection with mulch or row covers; move potted plants indoors during freezes; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, flower bud drop, and leaf scorch; may lead to reduced vigor and susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; water deeply and mulch to retain soil moisture; increase humidity around the plant if possible.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid late-season feeding; water before fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early summer); avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall to prevent tender growth susceptible to frost.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicLeucanthemum graminifolium is not considered toxic to cats. It does not produce any known toxic effects or physiological impacts in felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicLeucanthemum graminifolium is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicLeucanthemum graminifolium is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has no known significant toxic effects or physiological impacts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Leucanthemum graminifolium toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water this plant?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does this plant 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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