There are a few common white flowers that resemble daisies. Some of the most popular include oxeye daisies, Shasta daisies, and white chrysanthemums.
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Oxeye Daisy
The oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) is a classic wildflower that looks very similar to the common daisy. It has characteristic white petals and a yellow center. Each oxeye daisy flower head can grow up to 4 inches across, much larger than the standard daisy. Oxeye daisies typically bloom from early to mid summer and can grow 1-3 feet tall on single stems or in clumps.
Oxeye daisies are widespread across North America, Europe, and Asia and can be found growing along roadsides, fields, pastures, and other open spaces. They prefer full sun exposure. While oxeye daisies are beautiful wildflowers, they can also be invasive weeds that take over landscapes and fields.
Identifying Oxeye Daisies
Here are some tips for identifying oxeye daisies:
- Flowers measure 2-4 inches across
- Petals are white with a yellow center
- Single blooms on long stems or in clumped arrangements
- Bloom time is early to mid summer
- Plants grow 1-3 feet tall
- Leaves are alternate, lobed, and lightly hairy
- Native to North America, Europe, and Asia
- Often considered a weed or invasive plant
Growing Oxeye Daisies
If you want to intentionally grow oxeye daisies, here are some tips:
- Plant in full sun
- Prefers average, well-draining soil
- Does not require frequent watering or fertilizing
- Best planted from seed in fall
- Self seeds readily
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers
- Cut back after flowering to reduce spread
- May require dividing clumps every 2-3 years
Shasta Daisy
Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum) are a popular perennial flower known for their classic, cheery daisy form. The flowers feature bright white petals around a yellow center. Shasta daisy flowers can grow 2-4 inches across on single stems that rise 1-3 feet above the compact clumping foliage.
Shasta daisies bloom prolifically from early summer to early fall. They perform best in full sun and average soil that is kept evenly moist. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers. Plants are perennial in zones 5-9 and can be grown as an annual in colder climates.
Caring for Shasta Daisies
Follow these tips for growing healthy Shasta daisies:
- Plant in full sun
- Keep soil moist but not soaked
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during growth
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers
- Cut plants back by 1/3 after main flowering period
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture
- May require staking if grown in too much shade or wind
- Divide crowded clumps every 2-3 years in spring
Choosing Shasta Daisy Varieties
There are many lovely Shasta daisy varieties to choose from. Some popular options include:
| Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| Alaska | Vigorous, very large 6 inch single white blooms |
| Becky | Abundant 3-4 inch semi-double white blooms |
| Crazy Daisy | Unique twisted and quilled petals up to 5 inches across |
| Snowcap | Dwarf variety under 1 foot tall, great for containers |
White Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, often called “mums”, are extremely popular fall perennials that come in a rainbow of colors, including classic white. The flowers feature dense petals in single, double, or daisy-like forms. Plants grow 1-3 feet tall.
White mums pair beautifully with other fall-blooming flowers and make long lasting cut flowers. They thrive with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Regular deadheading keeps plants blooming for up to 8 weeks in fall.
Growing White Mums
Follow these tips when growing white chrysanthemums:
- Plant in spring after the last frost
- Prefers full sun and well-draining soil
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Pinch back young plants to encourage bushiness
- Fertilize weekly with bloom fertilizer
- Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering
- Stake tall plants to prevent flopping
- Might require overwintering indoors in cold climates
Popular White Mum Varieties
Some stunning varieties of white mums to consider include:
| Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| Glacier | Large 4-5 inch double blooms on compact 18 inch plants |
| Snowdrift | Prolific bloomer with creamy semi-double 3-4 inch flowers |
| Frosty White | Vigorous variety with fully double pompom like blooms |
| White Bomb | Unique quilled blooms up to 5 inches wide |
Conclusion
Oxeye daisies, Shasta daisies, and white chrysanthemums are three of the most popular white flowers that resemble the classic daisy bloom. All thrive in full sun and can add beautiful pops of white to summer and fall gardens. With proper care and deadheading, they will flower repeatedly for weeks. Their cheery white petals brighten any landscape and pair flexibly with other plants.