Leucanthemum species & varieties: the most beautiful at a glance

Different leucanthemum species and varieties differ not only in their occurrence and flower shapes.

Leucanthemum species are popular plants for garden and balcony. In our Leucanthemum overview article you can learn more about the origin, flowering time and propagation of the plant. Below is all the information about the most popular leucanthemum species and varieties for the garden. Among other things, you will learn which varieties of leucanthemum are hardy and which varieties have the most beautiful flower shapes.

Leucanthemum varieties and species: how many are there?

There are two leucanthemum species native here – Leucanthemum vulgare and Leucanthemum atratum. The oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) is particularly widespread. In total, there are probably about 42 species of leucanthemum around the world. Because leucanthemum are such popular ornamental plants, cultivated for centuries, there are many man-made varieties. About 100 varieties are available in stores today.

Overview of the most beautiful leucanthemum species & varieties

Different leucanthemum species and varieties differ not only in their flower colour and flower shapes. There are also differences in their height, competitiveness, flowering time and durability – and thus in how long we can enjoy them. We present a few species and varieties in detail.

Oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)

The oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare is probably the best known species in the genus of Leucanthemum. It is also known under the name dog daisy, although the species group of oxeye daisies also includes Leucanthemum ircutianum. The two are very closely related and differ mainly in their preference for location. The flowers of Leucanthemum vulgare consist of white ray florets and central yellow tubular florets. It is found wild in flower meadows and along roadsides, where it forms loose, broad clumps. It is also one of the short-lived perennials, but is hardy and perennial. Oxeye daisy fits well in cottage gardens, perennial borders and front yards.

Compared to the original wild species, the varieties need more nutrients in the substrate and are less resistant to periods of drought.

• Leucanthemum vulgare ‘Maiköniginn’: Single, white flower with yellow centre, blooming from May to July, large and vigorous growth, up to 70 cm high.
• Leucanthemum vulgare ‘Maiwunder’: Short, wide, white daisy flower with yellow centre from May to July, compact habit, height up to 50 cm.
• Leucanthemum vulgare ‘Maistern’: Pointed, long, white flowers with yellow centres, blooms from June to August, compact habit, up to 60 cm tall.

Max chrysanthemum (Leucanthemum maximum)

The garden daisy is a close relative of the meadow daisy, but differs significantly from it. It is also called shasta daisy. A good site for the Leucanthemum maximum is low nitrogen, moderately dry and very sunny. The substrate should be well-drained. In the trade it is usually available as a cross with other species. The best known hybrid is with the species Leucanthemum lacustre, which gave rise to the hybrid species Leucanthemum x superbum. All varieties of Leucanthemum maximum can grow both in the bed and in the pot. In the container, however, the wintering of garden daisies is more difficult, despite their fairly good winter hardiness, because the small volume of soil freezes through more quickly, or they suffer from waterlogging.

Large-flowered garden daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)

This hybrid species is a cross between the two species Leucanthemum maximum and Leucanthemum lacustre. Most varieties of large-flowered garden daisy prefer nutrient-rich, well-drained soil and ample sun. In addition, they are hardy, although again, due to the small volume of soil and a lot of moisture, they can not safely overwinter in the pot. The flowers of Leucanthemum x superbum are more profuse than those of the original species, and their flower colours and shapes vary among cultivars.

• Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Gruppenstolz’: Single, white flower with yellow centre, only up to 30 cm tall.
• Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Crazy Daisy’: Ruffled, creamy white daisy flower with yellow centre, some flowers double and others semi-double, height up to 70 cm.

• Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Engelina’: Short, plump, ruffled, white flowers with yellow centres, up to 50 cm tall.

• Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Alaska’: Single, white flower with yellow centre, up to 80 cm tall.
• Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Banana Cream’: Up to 50 cm tall plant with single, creamy yellow flowers with yellow centres.

Leucanthemum x superbum var. Nanus

From the large-flowered garden daisy there is a subspecies Leucanthemum x superbum Nanus. However, it has not yet been conclusively determined whether this subspecies is in fact one of the Chrysanthemums.

• Leucanthemum x superbum Nanus ‘Dwarf Snow Lady’: Large, single, white flower with yellow centre, only up to 20 cm tall.
• Leucanthemum x superbum Nanus ‘Silberprinzesschen’: Single and white flowering with yellow centre, height only up to 30 cm.

Tip: The double Leucanthemum species are not particularly insect or bee friendly. Accordingly, unfilled varieties should be preferred if you also want to welcome insects in the garden.

Narrow-leaved daisy (Leucanthemum graminifolium)

This species of the genus Leucanthemum originates from France and prefers a sunny to semi-shady location with nutrient-rich, moist soil. As its common name suggests, its leaf shape is narrower than the other species. Its flowers are white with yellow centre. This daisy is hardy to temperatures as low as – 19 °C. The perennials grow up to 30 cm high.

Tip: Once you have decided on a species, it is on to planting the daisy. We will provide you with assistance and show you everything you need to know.

Other genera commonly known as daisies

Moroccan daisy (Rhodanthemum hosmariense)

The Rhodanthemum hosmariense is new to the range, so there are few practical values on durability and winter hardiness. It prefers a sunny, dry and stony location and gets by with few nutrients. There are varieties with different colours of flowers.

Canary marguerite (Argyranthemum frutescens)

The canary marguerite originally comes from the Canary Islands, where it grows wild. The rather unusual species is also known as the marguerite daisy. It is long-lived but not hardy and prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil in a sunny location. The marguerite daisy can also be purchased as a tall stem, so it can grow up to 150 cm high. There are also some dwarf varieties that are suitable for groundcover or borders and do not grow taller than 30 cm. Their flowerheads can consist of 4 to 30 individual flowers.

Painted daisy (Tanacetum coccineum)

From a taxonomic point of view, the painted daisy does not belong to the daisies at all, but rather to the wildflowers – like the ubiquitous, fragrant tansy (Tanacetum vulgare). Commonly known as a daisy, the plant attracts attention with its unusual flower colours. Its flowers bloom in pink or red and grow on stems that can reach 1 m in height. This plant also prefers a sunny location with nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. In addition, it is a winter-hardy daisy. Especially in combination with white daisy species it creates a beautiful scene in the garden.

If you cannot get enough of your daisy’s beautiful blooms, it helps to remove old flowerheads regularly. This will stimulate the daisy to form even more flowers. You can find more daisy care tips in our special article.