How to plant leucanthemums
- How to plant Bulbs - Spring planting plants
- 8 Jun 2020
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Leucanthemum or Shasta daisies produce beautiful daisy-type flowers from June to September. Easy-to-grow and excellent value for money, these wonderful perennials loved by pollinating insects will bring a charm of their own to the garden border. Try mixing with achilleas, lavenders and nepetas. Alternatively, interlace with lime green/grey grasses and plants. They make great cut flowers.
Plant in moderately fertile soil that is well drained, in full sun or partial shade.
Always unpack on arrival and store in a cool place until ready to plant.
Potential problems, pests and diseases:
- Aphids: these sap-eating insects can weaken plants and spread viruses. Whenever possible, pick off by hand using gloves.
- Eelworms: these microscopic pests navigate through plant tissues and feed on cells. Leaves turn yellow, distort and die back prematurely whilst growth may be stunted. Watch out for any signs of infestation and destroy any affected plant at first sight. Dispose of any deceased plant material and debris ahead of the growing season to prevent any risks of infestation.
- Earwigs: these pests are fond of young plants. Simply fill small pots with straw and put on them on top of canes near your leucanthemums. Earwigs will shelter in the pots during the day which will allow you to clear them out in the late afternoon.
- Snails and slugs: these pests enjoy munching on young shoots, stems, leaves and flowers. Watch out for damage!
- Leaf spots: these bacterial/fungal diseases can usually be seen as sooty growths or spots on the leaves — these will progressively turn brown with a yellow margin before eventually dying. Remove and dispose of any infected leaves.