The ‘Western Star Leo’ Shasta Daisy is a popular, resilient perennial. Its classic daisy appearance and compact growth make it versatile for various garden settings. This plant offers a prolonged display of blooms, providing consistent visual interest. Its ease of care and ability to attract beneficial pollinators also make it a garden favorite.
Western Star Leo Shasta Daisy Characteristics
The ‘Western Star Leo’ Shasta Daisy has pure white, single flowers with a bright yellow center. These blooms appear from late spring through summer. The petals form an overlapping, double-row arrangement, creating a fringed, lacy look.
This cultivar has a compact, upright, and uniform growth habit, reaching 14 to 20 inches tall and spreading 18 to 24 inches wide. Its foliage consists of deep green, narrowly lance-shaped leaves with serrated edges, forming a dense clump. Its manageable size and abundant flowering make it suitable for mixed beds, borders, and containers.
Planting Western Star Leo Shasta Daisy
Plant ‘Western Star Leo’ Shasta Daisy in spring. An ideal location is important for establishment. The plant thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.
Well-drained soil is crucial, as it does not tolerate soggy conditions. If soil retains too much moisture, improve drainage with sand or grit.
Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and amending it with compost or organic matter to enhance fertility and drainage. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart for proper air circulation and growth. Ensure the crown is level with the soil, never planted too deeply.
Caring for Western Star Leo Shasta Daisy
Light Needs
‘Western Star Leo’ Shasta Daisies require full sun for strong stem development and prolific blooming. This consistent light exposure is crucial for the plant to produce its characteristic white and yellow flowers throughout the season. In regions with intense summer heat, providing some afternoon shade can prevent stress.
Watering
Consistent moisture is important for newly planted ‘Western Star Leo’ daisies until they are established, which can take several weeks. Once established, the plant becomes moderately drought-tolerant, but regular watering is beneficial during dry spells. Water when the top two to three inches of soil feel dry, ensuring the root zone is thoroughly soaked. Avoid overwatering.
Fertilization
‘Western Star Leo’ Shasta Daisies are not heavy feeders. An annual application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring supports robust development. Alternatively, incorporating organic compost around the base of the plants in spring provides sufficient nutrients. Excessive fertilization can lead to more foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Deadheading and Pruning
Deadheading, the removal of spent flowers, encourages continuous blooming and maintains a tidy appearance. Removing faded blooms redirects energy from seed production to more flowers, extending the bloom period from spring through summer and into fall. To deadhead, cut the spent flower stem just above a new bud, a set of leaves, or back to the plant’s base if no new growth is visible. In late autumn, after the foliage has yellowed, stems can be cut back to a few inches above the ground.
Winter Care
‘Western Star Leo’ Shasta Daisies are hardy perennials in USDA zones 4 through 9. In colder climates, leaving foliage intact through winter provides natural insulation and crown protection. After severe frost and foliage dieback, cut remaining stems to the ground. Good drainage is important during winter, as wet roots can cause damage.
Common Problems and Solutions
While generally resilient, ‘Western Star Leo’ Shasta Daisies can encounter a few issues. Slugs are attracted to foliage and flowers and can cause significant damage; monitor and apply controls as needed.
Leaf spot, characterized by brown or circular spots on leaves, can occur in humid conditions or with overhead irrigation. To mitigate leaf spot, avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation.
Root rot is a concern, caused by poorly drained or overly wet soil. Ensure excellent drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent it. Aphids and thrips may appear but can be managed with insecticidal soap or by encouraging natural predators.