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Herbaceous perennial
Asteraceae
Flowering perennials
Mount Hood™ Shasta daisy
Leucanthemum × superbum
Mount Hood™ Shasta daisy is a compact perennial distinguished by fully double white flowers made of narrow petals that resemble ice crystals. Its rounded clump reaches about 40 cm (16 in) in height and spread, while the flowers rise to 50 cm (20 in). Several waves follow from June through August because of its strong reblooming performance. The plant prefers full sun, very well-drained organic soil and consistent moisture during establishment. Hardy in Zone 4 to 10 according to the breeder, it suits borders, group plantings, bouquets and large containers. The flowers attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators while the dense foliage maintains good garden coverage between bloom cycles.
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Life cycle
- Perennial
- Hardiness
- Zone 4 to 10
Discover the plant
Common nameMount Hood™ Shasta daisy
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusLeucanthemum
Species× superbum
CultivarMt. Hood
TypeHerbaceous perennial
Botanical nameLeucanthemum × superbum
Mount Hood™ Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Mt. Hood’) forms a compact rounded clump covered with fully double white flowers. Numerous narrow petals arranged in layers around a small creamy centre resemble ice crystals. Dense green foliage reaches about 40 cm (16 in) in height and spread, while flowers rise to approximately 50 cm (20 in). From June through August, several waves follow one another as new buds gradually cover previous flowering cycles. Its uniform habit and strong vigour provide a tidy presence near the front of a sunny border, in a cutting garden or within a large container.
Mount Hood™ prefers full sun and average to rich organic soil with excellent drainage. Consistent moisture supports establishment during the first season, after which the plant tolerates brief drier intervals. Plant in spring or early fall, allowing about 40 cm (16 in) between clumps and keeping the crown level with the soil. Hardy in Zone 4 to 10 according to the breeder, it suits Canadian gardens where winter drainage is reliable. A modest layer of compost in spring or light feeding is usually sufficient; excessive nitrogen may soften the stems and reduce the naturally compact presentation.
This Shasta daisy suits borders, cottage gardens, group plantings, cutting gardens and large containers. Its double white flowers create textured bouquets and attract bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. Removing finished blooms encourages reblooming and keeps the mound tidy through summer. Combine it with perennial salvias, catmints, coneflowers, yarrows or medium ornamental grasses. The foliage is generally less appealing to deer. All parts may nevertheless be mildly toxic if eaten and may irritate sensitive skin, so the plant should remain ornamental rather than edible and should be positioned thoughtfully around pets or young children.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Spacing / density
40 cm (16 in)
Best planting time
Spring or early fall
Propagation
Clump division or cuttings
Growing method
For best results, plant Mount Hood™ Shasta daisy in spring after the soil has thawed or in early fall, leaving enough time for roots to establish before severe cold. Select a location receiving at least six hours of direct sun with fast drainage, especially through winter. Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and set the crown level with the surrounding soil; planting too deeply can hold moisture around the crown. Space plants 40 cm (16 in) apart. Backfill with the existing soil, adding a modest amount of mature compost if the site is poor, then water slowly to settle the soil and remove air pockets. Keep the root zone evenly moist but never waterlogged during the first several weeks. A light mulch can conserve moisture, although the base of the clump should remain uncovered. Once new growth begins, light feeding is sufficient. Removing spent flowers as they fade maintains a clean appearance and may support another flush of buds. If the clump becomes crowded after a few years, divide it in spring or early fall to renew vigour and replant healthy sections at the original soil level.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Acid to neutral; general indication of the botanical group
Care level
Easy
Drought tolerance
Yes
Watering
Water deeply after planting and keep the soil evenly fresh during the first season without allowing standing water. Once the clump is well rooted, let the surface dry slightly between waterings. Check moisture more often during hot weather or when the plant is grown in a container. Applying water to the soil rather than the foliage helps limit leaf diseases and keeps the white flowers clean.
Soil type
This Shasta daisy prefers average soil with some organic matter, but excellent drainage is essential. A loose loam is especially suitable. Heavy ground benefits from improved structure and a slightly raised planting position. Standing winter moisture increases the risk of crown rot, while evenly fresh soil during active growth supports steady flowering. Avoid sites where water collects after rain or snowmelt.
Fertilization
In spring, a thin layer of mature compost or a modest application of balanced slow-release fertilizer is usually sufficient. Excess feeding, especially with high nitrogen, can encourage abundant foliage and softer stems at the expense of flowers. In containers, light feeding may be repeated according to the product directions. Stop late applications so the plant can prepare naturally for winter dormancy.
Moisture
Average; avoid standing moisture
Seasonal care
In spring, remove remaining dry stems before the new shoots become long. Add a thin layer of mature compost around the clump without covering the crown, and check that drainage remains open after snowmelt. This is also a good time to divide a crowded clump and reset healthy sections at the same depth. During summer, water when the soil surface begins to dry, especially while the plant is establishing or growing in a container. Cut faded flower heads above a pair of leaves to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage additional buds. Watch for aphids, leaf miners, spider mites and signs of leaf spot or crown rot where air circulation is limited. In fall, planting or division is still possible if completed early enough for roots to establish. Gradually reduce watering as temperatures cool and avoid late fertilizer. Stems may be cut back after frost or left briefly for structure before removal. Through winter, the main priority is preventing standing water around the crown. A light mulch applied after the ground freezes can moderate temperature changes in exposed gardens, but it should not be piled over the centre of the plant. After a difficult winter, allow the clump time to resume growth before removing apparently empty sections, since new shoots may emerge later than expected in a cool Canadian spring.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
At least 40 cm (16 in) in diameter
Mount Hood™ Shasta daisy can be grown in a large, stable container at least 40 cm (16 in) in diameter with several drainage holes. Generous soil volume supports its 40 cm (16 in) spread and slows rapid drying. Use an airy perennial or container mix enriched with compost, without creating a water-holding layer in the bottom of the pot. Place the container in full sun and rotate it occasionally if most light comes from one side. Water thoroughly when the top few centimetres of mix begin to dry, then allow excess water to drain completely. Light feeding in spring and, if needed, early summer is sufficient; too much nitrogen can soften the stems. Remove spent flowers regularly and add discreet support only if wind or the location makes it necessary. During extreme heat, the container can benefit from protection from the harshest late-day sun while still receiving abundant light. For winter in Canada, placing the pot out of drying winds, insulating it or grouping it with other containers gives the roots better protection. Drainage must remain open during thaws, since standing moisture threatens the crown more than dry cold. This approach supports stable container growth outdoors.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
40 cm (16 in); 50 cm (20 in) in bloom
Width / spread
40 cm (16 in)
Flower color
White with deep yellow centres
Foliage color
Dark green
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Upright, rounded clump
Fragrance
Not fragrant
Bloom period
From June through August, Mount Hood™ produces numerous fully double white flowers with narrow layered petals resembling ice crystals. Several waves follow one another as new buds gradually cover previous cycles. Removing spent blooms supports this reblooming performance and keeps the mound tidy. Stems reach about 50 cm (20 in) and are suitable for fresh bouquets, while flowers left outdoors remain available to pollinators.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Combine Mount Hood™ with full-sun perennials that prefer freely draining soil, including salvias, catmints, coneflowers, yarrows and selected hardy geraniums. Medium ornamental grasses add movement behind the double flowers, while lower plants soften the front edge. These pairings are based on compatible growing needs and useful contrasts in texture, colour and height; they do not guarantee automatic protection against pests or diseases. Preserve enough room between mature clumps for air circulation and easy deadheading. The same combinations work in borders and large containers.
Plants to avoid
Around Marguerite 'Mt. Hood', especially avoid neighbors that would cover its leaves or strongly compete with its root ball. Compatibility of light, water, and spread takes precedence over a list of so-called enemy plants.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
What light is best for Mount Hood™ Shasta daisy?
Mount Hood™ flowers best in full sun, ideally with at least six hours of direct light each day. Abundant exposure supports its compact habit, sturdy stems and formation of several waves of double flowers. Light shade may be tolerated, but flowering can be less generous and stems may stretch. In a Canadian garden, choose an open, well-aired site where snowmelt and rainfall drain quickly. A container-grown plant also benefits from sun, although potting mix dries faster and needs closer monitoring during hot weather. Avoid combining dense shade with constantly wet soil around the crown, especially where winter thaws are common.
How can Mount Hood™ bloom longer?
Regular deadheading helps Mount Hood™ maintain a clean appearance and may encourage the formation of additional buds. Cut each fading flower head above a pair of leaves rather than leaving a long bare stem. Consistent moisture without waterlogged soil also supports flowering during hot periods. Light feeding in spring is usually enough; excessive nitrogen mainly promotes foliage and can make the stems softer. Full sun and good air circulation complete this care. When the clump becomes very dense after a few years, division in spring or early fall can renew vigour and improve future performance. Removing a few stems for bouquets has a similar effect to deadheading when cuts are made cleanly above healthy foliage.
Can Mount Hood™ grow in a container?
Yes. Choose a stable container at least 40 cm (16 in) in diameter with several drainage holes and fill it with an airy perennial potting mix. Place it in full sun and water thoroughly when the top few centimetres of mix begin to dry. Excess water must drain freely because a constantly wet crown can rot. Light feeding in spring and early summer may support growth. Remove spent blooms to maintain interest. For winter in Canada, position the pot out of drying winds, insulate it or group it with other containers while keeping drainage effective during thaws. A large soil volume also reduces rapid drying and gives the mature clump enough room to develop.
Does Mount Hood™ attract pollinators?
Yes. Despite their double form, Mount Hood™ flowers are identified by the breeder as pollinator friendly and are visited by bees and butterflies. Group planting makes the display easier to locate and provides several visiting points during successive waves. To support this activity, leave part of the bloom outdoors even when some stems are cut for bouquets. Avoid insecticide treatments while flowers are open. Combining Mount Hood™ with salvias, catmints, coneflowers and yarrows can also extend flower availability in the surrounding area beyond this cultivar’s own season without assuming that one plant meets every pollinator need. These visits continue during the main flowering period.
Is Mount Hood™ safe around pets?
Shasta daisy is not considered edible, and all parts can be mildly toxic if eaten. In pets or people, ingestion may cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting or diarrhea. Contact with the foliage and flowers can also irritate sensitive skin. This perennial is therefore classified as not pet friendly. Place it where dogs, cats and young children are unlikely to chew garden plants. Gloves can be useful during division or prolonged handling, especially for anyone prone to skin reactions. If a pet eats part of the plant and develops symptoms, contact a veterinarian for guidance rather than relying on the plant’s mild toxicity rating alone.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Reported toxicity
Yes
Supporting wildlife
The large white flower heads attract bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects during bloom. Planting several together makes the flowers easier to locate and offers multiple feeding points at once. Avoiding insecticide treatments while flowers are open helps preserve this useful garden activity and allows visitors to use the blooms safely.
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