Madonna

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asteraceae or Compositae

Order

Asterales

Genus

Leucanthemum

Species

superbum

Description

A vigorous and easy-to-grow ornamental deciduous herbaceous perennial. The daisy-like flowers, present during the spring-summer period, lend a high decorative value and a natural accent to gardens and terraces, in beds and pots. Suitable both on its own and in mixed compositions to create unique landscape effects.

Variety description

Extremely robust and vital perennial plant for use in flower beds. The flower resembles a daisy, flowering is copious and prolonged. The vegetation dies back in winter and must be removed, only to grow again in spring.

Curiosities and special features

The generic term Leucanthemum comes from the Greek leucós meaning white and ánthos meaning flower in reference to the inflorescences bearing white ligules.

Some varieties are also suitable for use as cut flowers.

Origin and distribution

Hybrid obtained by crossing species native to Europe and belonging to the same botanical genus Leucanthemum, specifically L. lacustre × L. maximum × L. vulgare.

Flower size

The flower individually is medium-sized, lending elegance to the scenic flowering.

Leaf

Leaf has bipinnate lamina.

Flowering period

It flowers from mid-spring to summer for a duration of 60 to 90 days, providing a highly ornamental accent to gardens and terraces.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence head borne at the top of the stem.

Leaf colour

Solid colour.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.2 to 0.5 m, which is also ideal for mixed compositions with other ornamentals of different development.

Lifespan

Herbaceous perennial. In winter the vegetation disappears only to reappear in spring.

Where to plant

Because of its thriving flowering and spontaneous natural effect, it is suitable for flowerbeds, borders, planters, outdoor tubs

Stem

The stem is herbaceous; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is daisy-shaped, medium-sized, with a gamopetalous corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in small to medium-sized flower head inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to summer, with a flowering period of between 60 and 90 days. It is attractive to bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

Variety with medium to vigorous growth.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is erect, visually reinforced by the elegant inflorescences.

PH

The required pH of the Soil or medium is between 6.0 and 6.5.

Soil preparation

Before the spring transplanting into the bed, carry out 20/30 cm deep digging, removing any weeds, previous crop residues and bulky pebbles; if the soil is too heavy and compact, burying sand is recommended. Finally, distribute professional quality substrate for ornamental plants on the surface for about 5/10 cm and level with the help of a rake.

Sun exposure

Exposure in half shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 22 °C. The biological temperature is between 8 and 28 °C.

Use

Due to its rusticity and the decorative effect provided by its spring-summer blooms, it is widely appreciated in:

Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

Highly resistant variety, withstands the winter cold even in icy soil conditions.

Soil

For proper Growth and thriving thriving of Leucanthemum, the Soil in flowerbeds or borders must be light and well draining. In pots and planters, use a spring plant medium containing blond and brown peat with perlite.

Difficulty

Cultivation of leucanthemum is easy with a low level of management effort as a result of the plant's enrichment in the new planting site.

Growing tips

Some useful cultivation tips specific to this variety of Leucantemo:

Keep the substrate moist at all times Requires abundant but no stagnant watering

Combinations with other plants

Ideal for compact and colourful ornamental compositions, also associated with blooms with different heights in order to create perspective views; colour combinations can include shades of the same hue or an alternation by choosing from the different varieties available, composing designs or patterns according to personal fantasy. Colour spots or simple borders can be formed with other species such as Aquilegia, Astilbe, Cineraria maritima, Delphinium, Lupinus, Phlox paniculata. Even in a smaller space such as planters or pots it can be inserted alternately with plants with green or variegated foliage or by combining, as in the garden, species with flowers in different shades.

Planting

For bed planting, apply an average density of 6 plants per square metre in order to ensure proper development of the root and aerial system of each specimen and thus obtain a harmonious and proportionate final composition. Do not allow the seedling to dehydrate before transplanting otherwise it will yellow very easily, finally water immediately after planting or potting.

Propagation

Multiplication is mainly by such apical and Division of the heads.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively aqueduct water with an optimal sub-acidic pH, either manually or by means of an irrigation system. Immediately after transplanting intervene with balanced supplies free from saturation conditions and assist the seedling in the first stages of development in the new planting site. After transplanting, keep the substrate or soil moist at all times, but avoid both water stagnation, which can cause root rot, and dryness with consequent yellowing and leaf necrosis.

Fertilising

After planting in the new planting site, during the spring-summer period, apply a specific fertiliser for ornamental species to the soil or substrate at the foot of the plant, to be distributed liquid, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water. Regular fertilisation will result in intensely green foliage and lush flowering. In addition, at the end of winter, distribute a slow-release granular fertiliser for ornamental plants to encourage vegetative recovery.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Tip

It is recommended not to let the plant dry out too much, to avoid yellowing of the vegetation and wilting of the flowers.