perennial

Oxeye Daisy

The Story

Plant Bio

Leucanthemum ircutianum, commonly known as the oxeye daisy, is an erect, rhizomatous herbaceous perennial native to Eurasia that forms loose to dense clumps of dark green foliage. The plants produce stout, sparsely branched stems topped with solitary flower heads featuring a bright yellow central disc surrounded by twenty to thirty-five white ray florets.

This species is frequently confused with the closely related Leucanthemum vulgare or garden Shasta daisies, but is distinguished by its broader, spatulate basal leaves and specific chromosome count. New growth emerges in spring as fresh green basal rosettes before sending up flowering stems.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces classic daisy-like white flowers with bright yellow centers over a long spring and summer season.

Provides excellent, long-lasting cut flowers and tolerates poor, sandy soils where other plants struggle.

Attracts native bees, butterflies, and generalist insect pollinators to the central disc flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

35"

Width

20"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eurasia

Toxicity

Low toxicity to pets and livestock; can cause skin irritation

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to very light partial shade with average, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was in the container.
Water thoroughly at planting to settle the soil around the roots, then water moderately until established.
Space plants twelve to twenty inches apart to allow adequate air circulation and prevent fungal diseases.

Pro Tip

Ensure the soil has excellent winter drainage; planting this species in heavy, waterlogged winter soils causes root rot and plant failure.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Deadhead spent flower heads regularly throughout the spring and summer to prolong the blooming period.
Divide established clumps every two to three years in early spring to maintain plant vigor.
Cut stems back to the basal foliage in late fall to tidy the garden and prepare for winter.

Don't

Do not over-fertilize, as heavy feeding leads to weak, floppy stems and poor flower display.
Do not plant in low-lying areas or heavy soils where water collects and stagnates during winter.
Do not shear plants back into old wood; stick to dividing or cutting back to basal rosettes.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Cottage GardensWildflower MeadowsCutting GardensBorders

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia fulgida Salvia nemorosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Oxeye Daisy questions

What zones can Oxeye Daisy grow in?

Oxeye Daisy is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Oxeye Daisy deer resistant?

Yes — Oxeye Daisy is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Oxeye Daisy bloom?

Oxeye Daisy typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Oxeye Daisy need full sun?

Oxeye Daisy does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Oxeye Daisy drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Oxeye Daisy handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.