White Ox-eye Daisy

leucanthemum heterophyllum

Also known as: ["Ox-eye Daisy","Shasta Daisy"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Leucanthemum Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant with daisy-like white flowers and green foliage, native to Europe and parts of Asia.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Leucanthemum
Botanical Name: Leucanthemum heterophyllum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed or border in a location with good air circulation
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Light pruning after flowering; more intensive pruning in late winter or early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if needed for rejuvenation.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) with some afternoon shade in hot climates; adjust for seasonal light intensity.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; ensure proper placement for optimal light exposure.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plants for even light; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid direct midday sun in summer.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid compacted soil; ensure good drainage.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights; avoid extreme heat or cold.

Monitor temperature extremes; adjust watering; provide shade or protection as needed.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer

Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing in late fall to allow dormancy; use a balanced NPK ratio.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid, and bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix (e.g., peat-based with perlite or sand).

Hormone

Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pots after 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushiness; cut back stems to healthy buds; remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.

Tools

Pruning shears, clean scissors, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged parts; shape the plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom; avoid overhead watering to minimize leaf wetness.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to allow foliage to dry before evening.
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 aeration with organic matter.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat; leaf discoloration or root rot in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or frost injury; prolonged cold may lead to plant death.

Solution: Provide frost protection (e.g., mulch, row covers); move potted plants indoors; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf burn, or reduced flowering; may lead to dehydration and stress.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Leucanthemum heterophyllum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Leucanthemum heterophyllum is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root damage, which can impair nutrient uptake and lead to plant decline.

Leaf spots on Leucanthemum heterophyllum are often caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthesis, defoliation, and weakened plant health.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Leucanthemum heterophyllum is typically caused by excessive moisture or fungal pathogens, resulting in decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Leucanthemum heterophyllum is not considered toxic to cats. No toxic compounds have been identified that would cause harm to felines upon ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is best to prevent pets from consuming any wild plants to avoid potential gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Leucanthemum heterophyllum is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects associated with ingestion of this plant by canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, monitor pets if they consume unfamiliar plants to ensure no unexpected reactions occur.
Humans
Non-toxic

Leucanthemum heterophyllum is not considered toxic to humans. It does not produce any known compounds that are harmful when ingested in typical quantities.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is always advisable to avoid consuming wild plants unless properly identified and confirmed safe for consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Leucanthemum heterophyllum toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

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, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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