Perennial of the Month-- August 2008 

(lew-CAN-the-mum MAX-eh-mum) (pronunciation at link, turn up volume if too low)

Common name: Broadway Lights shasta daisy

Family: Asteraceae, Aster/composite

Height x width: 18-24in. high and wide

Growth rate, habit: moderate, upright

Foliage: coarsely toothed, lance-shaped, medium green to 3in. long, basal leaves can reach 12in. 

Flowers: typical daisy flowers to 3in. across, opening yellow and turning buttery yellow then white as they mature, creating mosaic of yellows and whites on same plant; spring south to early summer north (may rebloom in late summer)

Hardiness: USDA zones (4)5-9, AHS heat zones 9-1

Soil: average, well-drained, tolerates some drought once established

Light: full sun, less bloom and less dense in part shade

Pests and problems: none serious

Landscape habit, uses: containers, borders, massed, butterflies, cut flower; combine with tickseed, white garden phlox in back, black-eyed susan, catmint, yarrow, sedum (especially red-leaved), delphinium, coneflowers; combines well with many annuals such as petunias and salvia

Other interest: Patented (PPAF) under cultivar name 'Leumayel'; introduced in 2006 and marketed by Proven Winners; deer resistant

Other culture: easy and low maintenance; may deadhead spent flowers to improve appearance but not essential, cut back to basal leaves in fall or early spring, divide if needed every 2-3 years otherwise plants may be short-lived; can cut stems back to basal leaves after bloom to help prolong plant life and may encourage rebloom later in season; may be grown as an annual in USDA zones 9-10

Propagation: commercially by licensed propagators, at home by cuttings in summer or division in spring

Sources:  many complete garden stores, nurseries and greenhouses; Proven Winners participant retailers