Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Whoops-a-Daisy Shasta Daisy: A Ball of White Daisies by Lavender
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Whoops-a-Daisy Shasta daisy forms an exceptionally dense, ball-shaped mound of dark green leaves that all but disappears under large 3- to 4-inch white daisies with golden centers. The flowers are fuller and fluffier than many compact Shastas, with a double row of petals that open near white and age to pale cream, and they cover the plant evenly from top to soil level.
At about 15 inches tall and 22 inches wide, it is as neat as a Shasta daisy gets.
Whoops-a-Daisy at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Leucanthemum × superbum 'Whoops-a-Daisy' |
| Flowers | White daisies, 3 to 4 inches, golden centers, slightly fluffy |
| Foliage | Dark green, lance-shaped |
| Size | About 15 inches tall and 22 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts mid-June, peaks early July |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 5 to 9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Deer | Moderately resistant |
White daisies and purple lavender
There may be no more classic cottage garden picture than white Shasta daisies beside purple lavender in early summer. Whoops-a-Daisy blooms from mid-June into early July, right on top of the main English lavender bloom, so the combination lands at the same moment. Round white faces against slender purple spikes, with gold centers adding a little warmth.
They also want the same things: full sun, well-drained soil and no soggy ground, especially in winter. Whoops-a-Daisy's compact ball shape keeps it from flopping onto neighboring lavender, which is a common complaint with taller Shastas. Plant it along the front edge or in groups between lavender plants, leaving air around each mound. Lay it out in the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting and care
- Soil: average and well drained.
- Water: during dry spells; in extreme heat, flowering slows and plants appreciate moisture.
- After bloom: deadhead spent flowers or shear lightly to tidy the plant.
- Fall: cut the flowering stems but leave the basal leaves in place.
- Every 2 to 3 years: divide in spring to keep the clump vigorous.
Crown rot in wet, heavy soil causes most winter losses, so good drainage is the deciding factor. Aphids and four-lined plant bugs can disfigure foliage; check new growth in late spring.
In containers
Its neat, uniform shape makes Whoops-a-Daisy a great container plant. A pot of daisies beside a pot of lavender on a sunny step is a simple early-summer display. Use a well-drained potting mix for both.
About the plug tray
It is offered as a full 72-cell plug tray, a good amount for edging, mass planting or a run of containers. See the product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Does it rebloom?
It is mainly a single early-summer flush. Light shearing afterward keeps the mound tidy.
Is it good for cutting?
It is rated fair for cutting. The short stems suit small bouquets.
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