Cream Puff Shasta Daisy or Leucanthemum superbum 'Cream Puff' has the best of both worlds: lemon yellow buds that open to cream flowers and also a tight, compact habit. Shasta Daisies are all-time favorites for the perennial border. The cheery flowers begin to appear in early summer and continue on for several months if faithfully deadheaded. Shasta's mix so effortlessly with other perennials that no garden should be without them. Care Leucanthemums require full sun and well-drained soil to be at their best. Winter drainage is especially important; planting in raised beds will help to provide these conditions. Shastas make good perennials for Southern gardens, though partial shade is recommended in the warmest zones. Shasta's tend to re-bloom late summer through fall with deadheading. Best grown in zones 5-9. Growth Habit The large, 3-4" flowers have two rows of wide, overlapping petals. The top layer of petals curves upward at a 45° angle from the bottom layer of petals, creating a more formal look. Flowers completely cover the dome-shaped habit of dark green foliage. This beauty will bloom for many weeks starting in early summer, and deadheading will encourage re-bloom. At maturity, this variety gets 14-16" tall and spreads 26-28" wide. Toxicity Pets who like to chew on plants need to be excluded from areas where Shasta's are growing. Generally considered deer resistant.
