Table of Contents
Introduction
Becky Shasta daisies, scientifically known as Leucanthemum x superbum Becky, are charming perennials cherished for their timeless beauty and resilience. With their classic white petals surrounding a sunny yellow center, these daisies bring a touch of purity and cheerfulness to any garden landscape. Their long-lasting blooms not only attract pollinators but also serve as delightful additions to bouquets and floral arrangements. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, Becky Shasta daisies are easy to grow and maintain, making them beloved favorites among gardeners seeking enduring elegance in their outdoor spaces.
Exploring 6 Varieties of Becky Shasta Daisy Plants
Becky Shasta Daisy plants, renowned for their enduring beauty and resilience, offer a variety of cultivars to suit different garden preferences and climates. Some notable varieties include:
Becky: The original and most widely recognized cultivar, ‘Becky’ boasts large, white daisy flowers with golden-yellow centers. It is prized for its long-lasting blooms and strong stems, making it ideal for cutting gardens.
Silver Princess: This cultivar features delicate, silver-white petals surrounding bright yellow centers. ‘Silver Princess’ adds a unique touch of elegance to garden borders and rockeries.
Alaska: With pure white petals and vibrant yellow eyes, ‘Alaska’ is a classic choice for traditional garden designs. Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for containers and small spaces.
Real Dream: This newer cultivar offers semi-double flowers with a distinctive fringed appearance. Its creamy-white petals and golden centers create a charming, cottage garden feel.
Banana Cream: As the name suggests, ‘Banana Cream’ dazzles with creamy-yellow petals and golden centers. This variety adds a warm, sunny glow to garden beds and borders.
Snow Lady: Compact and prolific, ‘Snow Lady’ produces masses of small, white daisy flowers with bright yellow eyes. It is an excellent choice for edging pathways or filling in gaps in flower beds.
Whether you prefer classic white blooms or unique variations, there’s a Becky Shasta Daisy cultivar to suit every garden style and preference.
How to Grow and Care for Becky Shasta Daisy Plant
Growing and caring for Becky Shasta Daisy plants is relatively easy, as they are resilient and adaptable. Here’s a guide to help you cultivate healthy and vibrant daisies:
Choose the Right Location: Plant Becky Shasta Daisies in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Ensure the soil is well-drained, fertile, and preferably slightly alkaline.
Planting: Dig a hole slightly larger than the plant’s root ball and place the daisy in the hole at the same level it was previously growing. Space multiple plants about 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation.
Watering: Water newly planted daisies regularly to establish their root systems. Once established, they are moderately drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture is still essential, especially during hot, dry periods.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, around the base of the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilizing: Feed Becky Shasta Daisies with a balanced fertilizer in early spring, following the package instructions. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nitrogen can promote lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season. This also helps prevent self-seeding and promotes a tidy appearance.
Support: Tall varieties of Becky Shasta Daisies may benefit from staking or support rings to prevent the stems from flopping over, especially in windy conditions or after heavy rainfall.
Division: Every few years, divide mature clumps of daisies in early spring or fall to rejuvenate the plants and maintain their vigor. Dig up the clump, separate the outer segments, and replant them in prepared soil.
Pest and Disease Control: While generally resistant to pests and diseases, keep an eye out for aphids, slugs, and powdery mildew. Treat any infestations promptly with organic remedies or insecticidal soap.
Winter Care: In colder climates, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants in late fall to protect the roots from freezing temperatures. Cut back the foliage to ground level after the first hard frost.
By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy a stunning display of Becky Shasta Daisies in your garden year after year.
6 Steps for Propagating Becky Shasta Daisy Plant
Propagating Becky Shasta Daisy plants is relatively straightforward and can be done through division or stem cuttings. Here are the steps for each method:
Propagation by Division:
Timing: The best time to divide Becky Shasta Daisies is in early spring or early fall, when the plants are not actively flowering.
Preparation: Water the plant thoroughly a day or two before dividing to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Prepare the new planting site with well-draining soil and adequate sunlight.
Digging: Carefully dig up the entire clump of Becky Shasta Daisies using a garden fork or shovel. Try to preserve as much of the root system as possible.
Division: Once the clump is lifted, gently tease apart the individual plants, ensuring each division has both roots and foliage attached. You can use your hands or a sharp knife to separate them.
Replanting: Plant each division in its new location at the same depth it was previously growing. Space the divisions according to their mature size, typically 18 to 24 inches apart.
Watering: Water the newly transplanted divisions thoroughly to settle the soil and help them establish in their new location. Keep the soil consistently moist during the initial weeks after planting.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings:
Timing: Take stem cuttings from healthy Becky Shasta Daisy plants in early summer, when the plants are actively growing.
Preparation: Select healthy stems that are free from disease or damage. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to take 4 to 6-inch cuttings from the tips of the stems.
Preparation of Cuttings: Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top. Dip the cut end of each stem into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development.
Planting: Plant the cuttings in well-draining potting mix or a propagation tray filled with a mixture of perlite and peat moss. Make small holes in the soil with a pencil or stick and insert the cuttings gently.
Rooting: Place the planting container in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and provide bottom heat if possible to promote root growth.
Transplanting: After 4 to 6 weeks, check for root development by gently tugging on the cuttings. Once roots have formed, carefully transplant the rooted cuttings into individual pots filled with potting soil.
Acclimatization: Gradually acclimate the newly rooted plants to outdoor conditions by exposing them to increasing amounts of sunlight and reducing humidity over a period of 1 to 2 weeks.
By following these steps, you can successfully propagate Becky Shasta Daisy plants through division or stem cuttings, expanding your garden with these delightful flowers.
8 Benefits of Becky Shasta Daisy Plant
Becky Shasta Daisy plants offer several benefits, making them a valuable addition to any garden:
Long-lasting Blooms: Becky Shasta Daisies produce abundant white flowers with bright yellow centers that last for an extended period throughout the summer. Their cheerful blooms provide continuous beauty and visual interest in the garden.
Attracts Pollinators: The abundant flowers of Becky Shasta Daisies attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. By supporting pollinators, these plants contribute to the health and biodiversity of the garden ecosystem.
Low Maintenance: Becky Shasta Daisies are relatively low maintenance and easy to grow, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners. They tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and are drought-tolerant once established.
Cut Flowers: The long stems and sturdy blooms of Becky Shasta Daisies make them excellent candidates for cut flower arrangements. Whether used in bouquets or floral displays, their classic white flowers add a touch of elegance to indoor spaces.
Versatile Landscape Use: These daisies are versatile plants that can be used in various landscape settings, including borders, flower beds, containers, and cottage gardens. Their compact growth habit and bright blooms make them suitable for both formal and informal garden designs.
Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Becky Shasta Daisies are known to be deer and rabbit resistant, making them a practical choice for gardens where these animals may be a nuisance. Their resilience to browsing helps protect the plants from damage.
Naturalizing: In suitable growing conditions, Becky Shasta Daisies can naturalize and spread, forming attractive colonies of flowers over time. This naturalizing habit can fill in empty spaces in the garden and create a picturesque display.
Aesthetic Appeal: With their classic white petals and sunny yellow centers, Becky Shasta Daisies add a timeless charm to any landscape. Whether planted en masse or as focal points, they create a striking visual impact and enhance the overall beauty of the garden.
Overall, the benefits of Becky Shasta Daisy plants include their beauty, wildlife attraction, low maintenance nature, and versatility, making them a popular choice among gardeners seeking reliable and attractive perennial flowers.
Common Pests
Becky Shasta Daisy plants are generally resilient and resistant to many pests, but they can occasionally encounter issues with certain insects. Some common pests that may affect Becky Shasta Daisies include:
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of plants and can sometimes be found clustering on the undersides of leaves or along stems. They can cause distorted growth and the formation of sticky honeydew.
Spider Mites: These tiny pests can infest the foliage of Becky Shasta Daisies, especially in hot and dry conditions. They feed on plant juices, causing stippling, yellowing, and eventually, the leaves may become covered in fine webbing.
Slugs and Snails: These mollusks are attracted to the tender foliage of young daisy plants, especially during damp or rainy weather. They leave behind irregular holes and ragged edges on leaves, damaging the plant’s aesthetic appearance.
Whiteflies: These small, white insects resemble tiny moths and typically congregate on the undersides of leaves. They feed on plant sap and can cause yellowing, wilting, and premature leaf drop if infestations are severe.
Thrips: Thrips are slender, winged insects that feed on plant tissue by puncturing and sucking out the contents of cells. They can cause stippling, discoloration, and distortion of leaves and flowers.
Leafhoppers: These small, agile insects can transmit plant diseases as they feed by piercing plant tissue and sucking out sap. They may cause stippling, yellowing, or browning of leaves, and in severe infestations, they can weaken the plant.
Caterpillars: Certain caterpillar species, such as the larvae of various moths and butterflies, may feed on the foliage of Becky Shasta Daisies. They can cause visible damage, including holes and skeletonization of leaves.
To manage pest problems on Becky Shasta Daisy plants, consider implementing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which may include methods such as hand-picking, insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, biological controls (e.g., beneficial insects), and cultural practices like maintaining plant health and cleanliness. Regular monitoring of plants for signs of pest activity can help detect problems early and prevent significant damage.
Common Problems
While Becky Shasta Daisy plants are generally robust and resistant to many issues, they can encounter some common problems that may affect their growth and appearance. Here are a few:
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It thrives in humid conditions and can weaken the plant over time. Good air circulation and proper spacing between plants can help prevent powdery mildew. Fungicidal sprays may be necessary for severe infections.
Root Rot: Overly wet soil or poor drainage can lead to root rot, a fungal disease that causes the roots to decay. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. Improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Remove affected plants and replant in well-draining soil if necessary.
Bacterial Leaf Spot: This bacterial disease causes dark, water-soaked spots to form on the leaves, which may eventually turn brown and lead to leaf drop. Remove and destroy affected plant parts, and avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of bacterial leaf spot. Fungicidal sprays may be necessary in severe cases.
Foliar Nematodes: These microscopic worms can infect the foliage of Becky Shasta Daisies, causing irregular, discolored patches on the leaves. Infected leaves may become distorted or develop galls. There are no chemical controls for foliar nematodes, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread.
Poor Flowering: Several factors can contribute to reduced flowering, including insufficient sunlight, overcrowding, or nutrient deficiencies. Ensure the plants receive at least six hours of sunlight per day, provide adequate spacing between plants, and fertilize as needed to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Pests: While Becky Shasta Daisies are relatively resistant to pests, they may occasionally encounter issues with aphids, spider mites, slugs, or caterpillars. Monitor plants regularly for signs of pest activity and take appropriate measures, such as hand-picking, insecticidal soaps, or biological controls, to manage pest populations.
By promptly identifying and addressing these common problems, you can help keep your Becky Shasta Daisy plants healthy and thriving in the garden. Regular maintenance, proper cultural practices, and vigilance are key to preventing and managing issues as they arise.
FAQs
How do I care for Becky Shasta Daisy plants?
Becky Shasta Daisies thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Fertilize in spring and divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.When is the best time to plant Becky Shasta Daisies?
Plant Becky Shasta Daisies in early spring or early fall, when the soil is workable and temperatures are cooler. This allows the plants to establish themselves before the heat of summer or the cold of winter.How tall do Becky Shasta Daisy plants grow?
Becky Shasta Daisies typically grow to a height of 18 to 36 inches (45 to 90 cm), depending on the variety and growing conditions. Some cultivars may grow taller or shorter.Do Becky Shasta Daisies attract pollinators?
Yes, the abundant flowers of Becky Shasta Daisies attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Planting them can help support local pollinator populations.Are Becky Shasta Daisy plants deer-resistant?
Becky Shasta Daisies are generally considered deer-resistant due to their strong fragrance and bitter taste. However, hungry deer may still browse on them if other food sources are scarce.Can Becky Shasta Daisies be grown in containers?
Yes, Becky Shasta Daisies can be grown in containers, provided they have adequate drainage and receive sufficient sunlight. Choose a large container and use well-draining potting mix. Water regularly and fertilize as needed.Do Becky Shasta Daisies need to be deadheaded?
Deadheading spent blooms on Becky Shasta Daisies is recommended to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season. Simply snip off the faded flowers at the base of the stem to promote new growth.Are Becky Shasta Daisies invasive?
- Becky Shasta Daisies are not considered invasive, but they can spread if left unchecked. To prevent overcrowding and maintain control, divide clumps every few years and remove any self-seeded seedlings.
Do Becky Shasta Daisies need to be staked?
Taller varieties of Becky Shasta Daisies may benefit from staking to prevent the stems from flopping over, especially in windy conditions or after heavy rainfall. Use bamboo stakes or plant supports to provide additional support as needed.How do I propagate Becky Shasta Daisy plants?
Becky Shasta Daisies can be propagated by division or stem cuttings. Divide mature clumps in early spring or early fall, or take stem cuttings in early summer. Follow proper techniques and provide the necessary care for successful propagation.
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