Shasta Daisy and Asclepias

The first Shasta daisy opened this morning, probably the cultivar Leucanthemum superbum ‘Becky’ but alas, possibly Leucanthemum superbum ‘Alaska.’

There are several clumps of shasta around the garden and this very large grouping really needs to be separated.  It is a task which seems difficult, often resulting in mangled, broken pieces without root.

In late winter I managed to separate and replant a few that are now thriving.  Those may not bloom this year but by next year should be big enough to contribute a nice show.

When deadheaded regularly Shasta daisies reportedly bloom into autumn, but in this garden the first blooms are the purest and prettiest.  After that the foliage browns, probably from the strong heat of Piedmont North Carolina summer and from lack of regular water.  So, this is the moment to enjoy the Shastas.