Leucanthemum 'Becky'

Perennial Plant of the Year Award 2003

Leucanthemum 'Becky' is everything a Shasta daisy should be, and more. The plant blooms profusely, on extra sturdy stems that know how to stand up to a little—or a lot of—heat and humidity. Its season extends from midsummer right into fall, without a rest. And its giant flowers are a brighter, more beautiful white than others, making this variety stand out among all the Shastas.

These daisies measure a full 4 inches across and are stuffed with long, slender, very eye-catching white petals and a bold golden eye. Performing well, even in the South (unlike some Shastas), this 40-inch tall and wide plant sets a mass of airy foliage from which dozens upon dozens of flowering stems arise. Cut all you want for your vases—they'll only encourage new buds to pop up all the faster. And if you don't cut the flowers, keep them promptly deadheaded to get more and more blooms where those came from.

Leucanthemum 'Becky' is a sun-lover, but tolerates partial shade in the South. The plant is very full and billowy, just the thing for the perennial border, bank, or bed. This plant never needs staking, and doesn't mind dry spells, unseasonable heat and humidity, or even the occasional severe winter. Evergreen in the South, it bounces back from tough winters beautifully farther north.

Space Leucanthemum 'Becky' about 3 feet apart and get your vases ready.