Becky Daisy vs Shasta Daisy: Unveiling the Perfect Garden Choice
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Are you looking to add some daisies to your garden but unsure which variety to choose? If you’re torn between Becky daisies and Shasta daisies, you’re not alone. Both daisy varieties are popular among gardeners for their showy flowers and easy care. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two types of daisies and help you understand the key differences between them.
Becky daisies and Shasta daisies are both members of the Asteraceae family and share many similar features. They both have white petals surrounding a yellow center disk, and they both bloom in the summer and fall.
However, there are some important differences between the two that are worth considering before making your choice. In the following sections, we’ll explore the unique characteristics of each variety to help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- Becky daisies and Shasta daisies are both popular choices for gardeners due to their showy flowers and ease of care.
- While they share many similarities, Becky daisies are known for their larger size and later blooming season, while Shasta daisies come in a wider range of colors and have a longer blooming period.
- Understanding the differences between these two daisy varieties can help you choose the best option for your garden.
Becky Daisy Vs Shasta Daisy
If you’re looking to add some daisies to your garden, you might be wondering what the difference is between Becky daisy and Shasta daisy. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two:
Appearance
Becky daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Becky’) is a cultivar of Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum), which means they look quite similar.
However, Becky daisy is known for having larger blossoms than most Shasta daisy hybrids, with long-lasting, showy flowers that bloom later in the season.
Height
One of the biggest differences between Becky daisy and Shasta daisy is their height.
Becky daisy grows taller than most Shasta daisy hybrids, reaching heights of 3-4 feet on rigid stems that don’t require staking. Shasta daisy, on the other hand, typically grows to be around 2-3 feet tall.
Blooming Season
While both Becky daisy and Shasta daisy bloom in the summer, Becky daisy has a longer blooming season than most Shasta daisy hybrids.
This means you’ll be able to enjoy its beautiful flowers well into the fall.
Care
When it comes to care, both Becky daisy and Shasta daisy are relatively low-maintenance plants. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. However, Becky daisy is known for being more resistant to pests and diseases than other Shasta daisy hybrids.
I personally love both Becky daisy and Shasta daisy in my garden. They add a beautiful pop of white to my flower beds and are easy to care for. However, I do prefer Becky daisy for its larger blossoms and longer blooming season. Plus, I’ve found that it’s more resistant to pests and diseases than other daisy varieties.
Overall, whether you choose Becky daisy or Shasta daisy for your garden, you can’t go wrong. They’re both beautiful, low-maintenance plants that will add a touch of elegance to any landscape.
Understanding Becky Daisy
If you’re looking for a beautiful and easy-to-grow flower to add to your garden, Becky Daisy is an excellent choice.
This plant is a cultivar of the Shasta Daisy, and it has some unique characteristics that make it stand out. In this section, we’ll explore the origin, characteristics, and growing conditions of Becky Daisy.
Origin of Becky Daisy
Becky Daisy was first developed by a horticulturist named Steve Marsh in 1985. It is a hybrid of the Shasta Daisy, which is native to the mountains of California.
Marsh wanted to create a plant that would have larger flowers and a longer blooming season than the original Shasta Daisy. After several years of crossbreeding and selection, he finally developed Becky Daisy.
Characteristics of Becky Daisy
Becky Daisy is a perennial plant that grows up to 3-4 feet tall. It has large, white flowers with yellow centers that can be up to 4 inches in diameter. The petals of the flowers are slightly curved, giving them a distinctive look.
One of the most notable characteristics of Becky Daisy is its long blooming season. While most Shasta Daisies bloom from early summer to mid-fall, Becky Daisy can continue to produce flowers well into the fall.
Growing Conditions for Becky Daisy
Becky Daisy is a hardy plant that can thrive in a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips for growing this beautiful flower:
- Soil: Becky Daisy prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it doesn’t like to be in soil that is too wet or too dry.
- Sunlight: This plant needs full sun to thrive. It should be planted in a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Water: Becky Daisy is a drought-tolerant plant, but it still needs to be watered regularly, especially during the hot summer months. Water deeply once a week, rather than giving it frequent shallow waterings.
- Fertilizer: This plant doesn’t need a lot of fertilizer, but it can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
- Pruning: Becky Daisy doesn’t require much pruning, but you can deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Overall, Becky Daisy is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. With the right growing conditions, it can produce stunning flowers for months on end.
Understanding Shasta Daisy
If you’re looking for a beautiful and easy-to-grow perennial for your garden, Shasta daisy is a great choice. Here’s what you need to know about this classic garden plant.
Origin of Shasta Daisy
Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum) is a hybrid developed by Luther Burbank in the 1890s near snow-covered Mt.
Shasta in northern California. Burbank crossed several native daisy species to create a plant that had larger flowers and a longer bloom time.
Characteristics of Shasta Daisy
Shasta daisy is a clump-forming perennial that grows 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. It has dark green, glossy leaves and produces large, white, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers. The flowers bloom from early summer to fall and are excellent for cutting.
One of the best cultivars of Shasta daisy is ‘Becky’. It has larger flowers than other cultivars and blooms later in the season, from July through September. The flowers are also showier, with double petals that give them a fuller look.
Growing Conditions for Shasta Daisy
Shasta daisy is an easy plant to grow and care for. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Plant Shasta daisy in a spot that receives full sun for at least six to eight hours a day for prolific flowering. In climates with especially hot summers, light shade in the afternoon can be beneficial.
- Shasta daisy prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clayey, amend it with compost or other organic matter before planting.
- Water Shasta daisy regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. The plant prefers moist soil but can tolerate some drought once established.
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage more flowers to form. Cut the flower stem back to just above a set of leaves.
- Divide Shasta daisy every three to four years to prevent it from becoming overcrowded. The best time to divide the plant is in early spring, just as new growth is starting to emerge.
Overall, Shasta daisy is a great choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance, long-blooming perennial with showy flowers. With a little care and attention, this plant will reward you with beautiful blooms year after year.
Key Differences Between Becky Daisy and Shasta Daisy
If you’re looking to add some daisies to your garden, you may be wondering what the difference is between Becky Daisy and Shasta Daisy. While they may look similar at first glance, there are some key differences to consider. Let’s take a closer look.
Appearance
One of the most noticeable differences between Becky Daisy and Shasta Daisy is their appearance. Here’s a quick rundown:
| Element | Becky Daisy | Shasta Daisy |
|---|---|---|
| Flower Size | Up to 4 inches in diameter | Up to 3 inches in diameter |
| Petal Shape | Pointed | Rounded |
| Stem Height | 2-3 feet tall | 1-2 feet tall |
| Bloom Time | Late summer to early fall | Early to mid-summer |
As you can see, Becky Daisy has larger flowers with more pointed petals and taller stems. Shasta Daisy, on the other hand, has slightly smaller flowers with rounded petals and shorter stems.
Growing Conditions
Both Becky Daisy and Shasta Daisy are relatively easy to grow, but there are some differences in their preferred growing conditions. Here’s what you need to know:
| Element | Becky Daisy | Shasta Daisy |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Exposure | Full sun | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained | Well-drained |
| Soil pH | 6.0-7.0 | 6.0-7.0 |
Becky Daisy prefers full sun and well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Shasta Daisy can tolerate partial shade and also prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, both Becky Daisy and Shasta Daisy are relatively low-maintenance plants. Here’s what you need to know:
| Becky Daisy | Shasta Daisy | |
|---|---|---|
| Watering | Average to dry | Average to moist |
| Fertilizing | Once a year in spring | Once a year in spring |
| Pruning | Deadheading after bloom | Deadheading after bloom |
Becky Daisy prefers average to dry soil and only needs to be fertilized once a year in the spring. Shasta Daisy prefers average to moist soil and should also be fertilized once a year in the spring. Both types of daisies should be deadheaded after blooming to encourage more blooms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are other names for Shasta daisy?
Shasta daisy is also known as Leucanthemum x superbum. It is a hybrid of the oxeye daisy and the English field daisy.
What are Becky daisies?
Becky daisies are a cultivar of Shasta daisies. They are known for their large, white, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers. They are a popular choice for gardeners because of their prolific blooming and easy care.
How do you take care of Becky Shasta daisies in the winter?
Becky Shasta daisies are hardy perennials that can survive through the winter. However, they do require some care to ensure their survival. Here are some tips:
1. Cut back the stems to about 6 inches above the ground after the first hard frost.
2. Mulch around the base of the plant with a layer of straw or leaves to protect the roots from freezing.
3. Water the plant deeply before the ground freezes to ensure it has enough moisture to survive the winter.
Does Becky Shasta daisy spread?
Becky Shasta daisies do not spread aggressively like some other plants. However, they will form clumps over time. To prevent overcrowding, divide the clumps every 2-3 years in the spring.
What is the height of Becky Shasta daisy?
Becky Shasta daisies can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. They are a tall, upright plant that can add height and structure to a garden bed.
Overall, Becky Shasta daisies are a great choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance, yet beautiful plant in their garden. With proper care, they can provide years of enjoyment and beauty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Becky and Snowcap Shasta Daisies are beautiful additions to any garden. Each variety has its unique characteristics that make it stand out. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when deciding which one to plant:
- Becky Shasta Daisies are taller than Snowcap and have larger, showier flowers.
- Snowcap Shasta Daisies are more compact and have a longer blooming season.
- Both varieties are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance.
- Shasta Daisies, in general, are great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.
- When planting Shasta Daisies, make sure to choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil.
Ultimately, the decision between Becky and Snowcap Shasta Daisies comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your garden. If you want a taller, more dramatic plant with larger flowers, go for Becky. If you prefer a more compact plant with a longer blooming season, Snowcap is the way to go.
No matter which variety you choose, Shasta Daisies are a great addition to any garden. They are easy to care for, attract pollinators, and add a cheerful touch to any landscape. So go ahead and plant some Shasta Daisies today – you won’t regret it!
