Shasta daisies sizzle in the landscape and containers

I love Shasta daisies, and always have, but thought they were for cottage gardens, wildflower patches, and picturesque perennial plots. I just never thought about using them in mixed containers.

Yes, gardening friends, Shastas are for mixed containers and wherever else you want them in the garden, too.

The Shasta daisy whether you choose Banana Cream, Becky or the famous Mt. Hood, in more northern areas, can last in the garden for a number of years with proper bed preparation. Choose a site with six hours of sun and a little afternoon shade protection.

The soil must be fertile, organicrich, moist, and very well drained. If plagued by tight heavy soil that doesn’t drain, then amend with 3 to 4 inches of organic matter and till to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. This regimen gives clear indication why they have the ability to work so well in mixed containers as potting soil certainly drains freely.

Space plants 12- to 15-inches apart. Plant at the same depth they are growing in the container. Apply a layer of mulch after planting.

Maintain moisture through the long, hot summer and feed with a light application of fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks. Keep the flowers deadheaded for both a tidy look and increased flower production. Vigorous varieties like Banana Cream and Becky will repeat.

In the landscape, Shasta daisies should be grown in sweeping drifts of color. They combine wonderfully with blue salvias, purple coneflowers and zinnias.

Divide in the fall, spacing as recommended. This will be a yearly event if you want the best blooms and healthiest plants.