Northern & Central Midwest
August, 2012
Regional Report
Favorite or New Plant
'Banana Cream' Shasta Daisy
Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum) are endlessly popular and the new variety 'Banana Cream' sets itself above the others. It remains short and shrubby, and best of all, the blossoms emerge the softest of creamy yellow and then fade to lighter cream as they age. Shastas need little in the way of care, preferring average soil and moisture and only a simple topdressing of compost every year. Deadheading them regularly will keep the show lasting several months.
Clever Gardening Technique
Twiggy Perennial Supports
As you prune your shrubs throughout the year, keep a stockpile of twiggy branches stashed somewhere. In spring as perennials begin to emerge, trim small shrubby portions of your prunings and stick them into the soil around the perennials' crowns. As the plants grow, they will engulf the twigs and will be held invisibly upright by them. This works with any perennial that needs a little assistance standing upright.
