Masses of large lemon yellow flowers which brighten to creamy white are borne in Spring and Summer on strong stems above lush, dark green foliage.
Fondly known as the Shasta Daisy, Leucanthemum is a compact perennial, in all but the coldest regions, and perfect for creating sunny, happy gardens. At first 'Banana Cream' may look like a typical daisy but look again at the blanket of lemon yellow flowers which brighten to cream white; better branching and many auxiliary flower buds mean more daisies over a longer period, especially with regular deadheading.
Leucanthemum are recommended for their long blooming and ease of growing once a few basics are considered. ‘Banana Cream’ makes a great statement in mixed garden borders in sunny areas or a great show in large containers. Shasta daisies attract butterflies and other pollinators to your garden. Long, strong stems make 'Banana Cream' a great cut flower for use in indoor floral arrangements where the blooms last well.
Easy care once established. Prepare your garden bed or potting mix well by incorporating slow-release fertiliser, and ensuring that it drains well. They do not like wet feet. Mulch around the plant but avoid the stem to conserve moisture and encourage flowering. Remove spent flowers weekly to encourage many more blooms over a longer period. Leucanthemums do not like too much food, if you incorporated fertiliser or compost into your soil or potting mix upon planting, very little if any at all will be needed until next Winter.
As the plant ages you can lift the plant and divide before replanting into the re-worked garden or potting mix.
Leucanthemum ‘Banana Cream’ has as its ancestral line Leucanthemum superbum, the well-known Shasta daisy of our grandmothers’ gardens. ‘Banana Cream’ comes to gardeners from the breeding programme of Walters Gardens Inc. who are top perennial commercial growers from the USA. ‘Banana Cream’ was selected by the breeder for its ease of growing and flowering and its tidy habit in the garden. No staking is needed as this charming perennial is so sturdy.
Wear gloves & wash hands after gardening.
