Perennial Profile: Shasta Daisies and Other Daisy-like Flowers

Shasta Daisy

Nothing adds cheer to a garden more than Shasta daisies. With bright yellow centers surrounded by white petals, these plants light up a garden and blend well with most other perennials. In addition to Shastas, there are several "daisy-like" plants that come in a variety of colors and are equally dispensable in the garden. These include Coneflowers (Echinacea), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) and Blanketflower (Gaillardia). All are easy to grow, hardy and best of all, beautiful. 

Shasta Daisy-This is the quintessential daisy with the yellow eye and white petals. Shasta daisies range in height from 12-42" so there really is a variety for every garden. Plant in full sun to partial shade. While deadheading is not necessary, doing so will produce a second bloom in late summer and early fall. Shastas can be short lived here in zone 4, however, these plants will reseed (although not excessively so) if not deadheaded. Self-seeded plants can be easily moved or removed if necessary. The most notable variety is 'Becky', which was the 2003 Perennial Plant of the Year. Becky grows to 42 inches tall on very sturdy, erect stems so there is no need for staking this tall daisy. It also has an exceptional bloom season of 3 months.

Purple Coneflower

Coneflower (Echinacea)-Coneflower comes in a variety of colors ranging from white to purple and pink with newer cultivars sporting red, orange and yellow. The most popular is the purple coneflower (which is really more of a dark pink color) and even then there are many varieties to choose from. Coneflower ranges from 18-36 inches, grows well in full sun or light shade and isn't particular about soil as long it's well-drained. Butterflies and bees flock to this plant. Deadheading will prolong bloom although is not necessary. This plant will self-seed, but like the Shastas, is not invasive. Notable varieties include 'Prairie Splendor' which grows 18-24 inches and blooms earlier and longer than most other Coneflowers and 'PowWow Wild Berry' which grows 20-24 inches tall with profuse bright cherry colored blooms. 

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)- Once established, this plant is fairly drought tolerant. Plant in full sun to partial shade in average soil. Rudbeckia grows 18-30 inches tall and seed pods provide winter interest as well as food for birds. The best variety in this area is 'Goldsturm'. This compact plant sports masses of large deep yellow flowers with black centers. 

Burgundy Gaillardia

Blanketflower (Gaillardia)- This prairie plant is a wonderful addition to home gardens. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. While this plant is often short-lived in our clay soil, if left to it's own devices will easily reseed yearly so be careful of cleaning up too well. Again, like the other plants on this page, it's not invasive, but may show up in surprising places! Plants are easily moved or removed as necessary. Blanketflower grows 12-24 inches and comes in a variety of red, yellow and orange flower colors. Recommended varieties include 'Goblin' which grows about 12 inches tall and has red-orange petals with yellow edges and 'Burgundy' which grows up  to 36" inches with dark red flowers. 

The best thing about all these plants is that not only to do they blend well with other perennial plants and shrubs but they look great together as well. In addition, common garden pests such as rabbits and deer generally don't find these plants appetizing. No garden should be without these easy-to-grow and delightfully cheerful flowers!