Origin and Common Names
Leucanthemum serotinum (L.) Stankov, commonly known as the late-flowering daisy, is an herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. The plant is native to Europe and Asia but is now distributed throughout the world due to its use as an ornamental plant. Besides being known as the late-flowering daisy, the plant is also called the Oxford daisy, autumn oxeye, and tardiva, among other names.
General Appearance
The late-flowering daisy has a basal rosette of dark green, slightly hairy leaves that are lanceolate in shape. The leaves at the base of the plant are smaller than those at the top of the stems. The plant can grow up to a height of 1m and has a spread of up to 1.5m. The leaves alternate up the stem and are simple and toothed. The plant blooms from late summer to autumn, producing multiple flower heads with white petals surrounding a yellow disk in the center. The flower heads are about 4cm in diameter and are grouped in clusters atop a tall, wiry stem.
Uses
Leucanthemum serotinum has medicinal and cosmetic uses. The flowering tops are used locally to make a tea that helps with fever, bronchitis, coughs, and colds. The plant contains compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. In cosmetics, the plant is used for its astringent and purifying properties. It is common in gardens and often used in landscaping due to its attractive flowers and foliage. It thrives in soils that have good drainage and requires full sun or partial shade for optimal growth.
Growth Conditions for Leucanthemum serotinum (L.) Stankov
Light Requirements: Leucanthemum serotinum usually thrives in full sun conditions, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, especially in areas with hot and dry climate.
Temperature: This plant grows well in warm and temperate climates. It is native to central and southern Europe, where temperatures typically range between 15°C to 25°C during the growing season. It can tolerate some frost during winter and spring, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements: Leucanthemum serotinum prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil must be fertile with adequate organic matter content to support healthy growth and flowering.
Water: This plant has moderate water requirements and can tolerate drought conditions once established. However, it prefers moist soil, and frequent watering is recommended during the growing season. Overwatering can cause root rot and other diseases in the plant.
Fertilizer: Leucanthemum serotinum does not require heavy fertilization but can benefit from occasional applications of balanced fertilizers during the growing season. Excessive fertilization can result in weak stems and foliage, reducing the plant's overall vigor.
Cultivation Methods
Leucanthemum serotinum (L.) Stankov, commonly known as the late-flowering oxeye daisy, is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 120 cm tall. It is best cultivated in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
It is recommended to propagate the plant by division in the spring or fall. To ensure a healthy and robust plant, it is important to space each division 30-45 cm apart and plant them at the same depth as the original plant.
Watering Needs
Leucanthemum serotinum has average water needs. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week, rather than frequent, shallow waterings. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this may cause root rot and other plant diseases.
In areas with hot and dry summers, it is recommended to mulch around the plant to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Fertilization
Leucanthemum serotinum is not a heavy feeder. It is recommended to fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Avoid applying too much nitrogen-rich fertilizer, as this may encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Regular pruning is not essential for Leucanthemum serotinum, but deadheading spent flowers will help encourage prolonged blooming and maintain a neat appearance.
To prevent self-seeding and encourage bushier growth, it is advisable to cut back the plant after flowering, leaving only a few inches of foliage. Alternatively, the plant can be left to self-seed freely if desired.
Propagation of Leucanthemum serotinum (L.) Stankov
Leucanthemum serotinum (L.) Stankov is commonly known as Late-flowering Oxeye Daisy. It is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. The plant is native to North America and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful white flowers. Propagation is an essential process for the growth and expansion of the plant. The following are the propagation methods for Leucanthemum serotinum plant.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used for propagating Leucanthemum serotinum plants. The seeds of the plant are readily available in the market, and they are relatively easy to propagate. The best time for sowing the seeds is in the fall season, just before the winter frost sets in. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mixture and covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds should germinate within two weeks.
Division
The division method is another propagation method that can be used for Leucanthemum serotinum plants. This method is best for mature plants that have grown bigger in size. The division should be done in the spring season to allow the plant enough time to establish its roots before the hot summer months. The plant should be dug out of the ground and divided into several sections, each containing a healthy root system. The divided plants should be replanted in a well-draining soil mixture and watered regularly until they establish themselves in the new soil.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another propagation method that can be used for Leucanthemum serotinum plants. This method is best for younger plants that have not yet reached maturity. The cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer seasons when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be taken from healthy stems and should be around 4-5 inches long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist, and the cutting should develop roots within two weeks.
Propagation is an essential process for the growth and expansion of Leucanthemum serotinum plants. With the above propagation methods, you can easily propagate your plants and expand your garden with beautiful white flowers.
Disease Management
Leucanthemum serotinum (L.) Stankov, also known as the Late-flowering Daisy, is relatively resistant to diseases. However, these plants can still experience some common fungal diseases such as:
- Powdery Mildew: This appears as white, powdery spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, ensure proper air circulation, avoid overcrowding of plants, and remove and dispose of infected plant parts. You can also use fungicides such as neem oil or sulfur-based products.
- Root and Stem Rot: This disease is caused by overly wet soils, and it leads to root decay and damage to the stem base. To manage this disease, ensure proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering. Also, practice crop rotation and dispose of infected plants.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, Leucanthemum serotinum can attract some pests such as:
- Aphids: These suck the sap from the plants, causing them to wilt and yellow. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps and oils or introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
- Thrips: They are tiny insects that cause stippling on the leaves and flowers. To manage thrips, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. You may also consider releasing predatory mites.
- Leafhoppers: These cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage leafhoppers, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil and remove any weed hosts that may harbor the pests.
