A daisy is a flower with a raised center surrounded by petals. There can be a single row of petals or more.
Daisies have always been part of the garden and are now often ignored for more exotic plants which is a shame.
Even when given very little care and attention, many daisies will appear every year, blooming for a number of weeks before fading away.
English Daisy Bellis perennis is a short plant that produces a number of flowers in June.
The fullness and color of the flower is dependent on the variety.
In England the original white English Daisy is often considered a lawn.
Here English Daisys are a short lived perennial that are available in purple, pink and white.
Painted Daisy, Tanacetum coccineum will grow in full sun to part shade. It is a medium sized plant that does well in the middle of the border. The large flowers are available in many different shades of pinks.
Double flowers are available in named cultivars but flowers with single petals are still readily available.
Deadhead as soon as the flowers are spent as they will produce an abundance of seed.
There are numerous varieties of Shasta Daisies on the market and in gardens.
Avoid the ones that self-seed as they can be invasive and have been known to cross with Scentless Chamomile, a noxious weed.
Purchase named varieties or choose flowers that need to be propagated by division. Shasta Daisies start blooming near the end of July and continue to mid August.
A mound forming variety such as “Arctic” will continue expanding until it becomes a sheet of white flowers.
Traditionally Shasta Daisies produce white single flowers but they are also available in doubles.
Proven Winners has developed a cream or yellow Shasta called Broadway Lights Leucanthemum superbum. It blooms slightly later than other Shastas but puts on a good show.
It has survived in Central Alberta for 2 winters even if it is rated as Zone 5.
Scentless Chamomile is a noxious weed that has escaped cultivation and is taking over fields and native habitat.
The foliage on this plant is fine and lacy.
If this plant is growing on your land do not let it go to seed. Remove it by using chemicals or digging and double bagging it before placing it in the garbage.
Oxeye Daisy is another Shasta look alike.
The main difference is the smell on the flower which is not pleasant. If seen, treat it similarly to the Scentless Chamomile.
The perennial Marguerite Daisy Anthemis is a plant that is considered drought tolerant. The white or yellow flowers will come in a second flush as long as the first set is not allowed to seed.
This is a medium sized plant and can be placed in the middle of the flowerbed. It does well in full sun or partial shade.
Fleabane Erigeronis a less known plant with a daisy type flower.
The larger plant starts blooming mid July and will continue for about a month.
Its flowers are smaller than other daisy flowers but makes up for it with a multitude of blooms per stem. Flowers are pink and light purple.
Daisy’s are a pretty plant that performs well in our climate. Save a space for one or two in your garden.
Linda Tomlinson is a horticulturalist that lives near Rocky Mountain House. She can be reached at www.igardencanada.com or your_garden@hotmail.com