Leucanthemum

Few flowers feel quite as unmistakably summery as Leucanthemum. Better known as Shasta daisies, these hardy herbaceous perennials carry crisp daisy-like flowers on upright stems above neat clumps of green foliage. Classic varieties have white petals surrounding golden-yellow centres, while others offer frilled, quilled, semi-double or fully double flowers for something a little less traditional. Their clean flower shape works almost anywhere, from cottage gardens and mixed borders to looser prairie-style planting.

Leucanthemum plants prefer a sunny position and fertile, well-drained soil, where established clumps can produce flowers generously through summer. Taller Shasta daisy varieties bring useful height through the middle of a border and make excellent cut flowers, while more compact forms sit comfortably towards the front or in containers. Regular deadheading helps keep the display going, and the open flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators.

For UK gardens, perennial Leucanthemum is an easy plant to combine and an excellent way to lighten more richly coloured planting. Repeat Shasta daisies between grasses and other summer perennials for rhythm, or group several together for a fuller sweep of flowers. Hardy, familiar and endlessly useful, they bring the relaxed abundance of a classic summer border without ever feeling old-fashioned.