Leucanthemum vulgare, commonly known as the ox-eye daisy, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is a hardy perennial herbaceous plant that is native to Europe and Asia, and is widely naturalised elsewhere. It is a popular garden plant, and is cultivated for its showy white flowers.
In this blog, we will discuss the various characteristics of Leucanthemum vulgare, its uses, and how to care for it in the garden. We will also explore the potential health benefits of this plant, and how it can be used in traditional medicine.
So, if you are looking for a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant, then the ox-eye daisy might be the perfect choice for you!
Benefits of leucanthemum vulgare
Leucanthemum vulgare is a plant originating from Europe, most commonly found growing in meadows, grasslands, and open spaces across the UK. As an attractive flower with bright, yellow blooms, this plant is widely utilized in a variety of landscapes and garden spaces.
Beyond its beauty and aesthetic, though, Leucanthemum vulgare offers a range of benefits to any garden. Characterized by its daisy-like structure and bright color, these flowers are not just visually pleasing, but they also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. These pollinators will visit your garden, adding a variety of lifeforms that contribute to your garden’s ecosystem.
Whereas many flowers are only in bloom for a specific time of year, Leucanthemum vulgare will bloom from early spring to fall, making them a viable choice for long-lasting color and presence of pollinators in your garden. The addition of Leucanthemum vulgare to your garden is not only good for pollinators, but it is also good for the environment. This species of flower helps to maintain the quality of the soil, as its long roots allow it to reach deep down and spread out.
This helps to aerate the area, preventing the soil from becoming hard and compacted. Furthermore, its prolific spread means their roots provide areas for other plants to take hold, and because of its hardiness, can also act as a cover crop to prevent weeds from taking hold.
In conclusion, Leucanthemum vulgare is an ideal addition to any garden space due to its ability to attract pollinators, its vibrant blooms, and its environmental benefits. This hardy flower will thrive in almost any soil type and will provide exceptional color and protection from weeds throughout the growing season.
How to grow leucanthemum vulgare
Leucanthemum vulgare, otherwise known as the ‘oxeye daisy’, is a perennial wildflower that is traditionally seen adorning meadows and gardens in many parts of the world. This cheerful flower is rightly named as it has bright white petals, each one beautifully surrounding a bright center.
Easy to grow, the oxeye daisy is the perfect choice for novice gardeners. When planting Leucanthemum vulgare, it is important to choose a spot with plenty of sunlight and well-drained, fertile soil. In regions with milder climates, planting in a sunny open area is best to ensure strong growth and ongoing blooming.
Once established, this variety of daisy will happily self-seed, meaning no need to replant each season. When sowing new plants, you’ll want to space them at least 5 feet apart as they have low-growing and spreading habits.
These tough little flowers can take a variety of temperature ranges, however, they are not suited for wetter and cooler climes. Additionally, it is best not to water them too much as this could cause the roots to rot, though it is good practice to keep these daisies moist, especially during high temperatures.
As part of their ongoing care, pruning any dead stems and faded flowers should be done regularly to ensure a full and healthy looking flower bed. Finally, these cheerful and undemanding wildflowers are popular with wildlife and are often visited by birds and bees throughout the year.
Not only do these easy-care and vibrant flowers add vibrancy and color to gardens, but they also provide important sources of nectar for beneficial insects and local wildlife. Hence why the ‘oxeye daisy’ is a must-have for any outdoor space.
Common uses of leucanthemum vulgare
Leucanthemum vulgare, commonly known as the daisy, is a flowering plant that is traditionally associated with gardens in the United Kingdom (UK). Commonly regarded as a symbol of innocence and purity, the daisy is one of the most iconic garden plants in the country. Its white and yellow flowers bring a sense of joy and vitality to any outdoor space and provide an inexpensive and easy way to add colour and texture to a garden.
The resilient and hardy nature of the plant make it well-suited for growing in a wide range of climates and conditions. It is tolerant of most soil types, full sun and partial shade, preferring well-drained soil, and can even survive temperatures as low as -30°C.
It can be grown from seed, plugs or divisions, an is relatively inexpensive to buy. Once established, Leucanthemum vulgare needs little maintenance. Its flowers will bloom intermittently throughout Spring and Summer in the UK, so if pruned correctly after the flowering period it can promote further flowers in the following season.
However, it can be susceptible to certain insect pests, so vigilance would be needed to inspect for any signs of damage in the early stages of growth. Leucanthemum vulgare is a popular choice for creating a basic yet colourful garden landscape within the UK.
It can be grown in small clumps to provide a backdrop of white and yellow flowers, or at the front of a garden border to create a welcome burst of colour. It’s also a great companion plant to other iconic garden plants such as roses, lavender and lupins.
If grown in the right condition, Leucanthemum vulgare is sure to bring a bright and cheerful atmosphere to any outdoor space.
Interesting facts about leucanthemum vulgare
As an esteemed UK garden expert, I’d like to share some interesting facts about Leucanthemum vulgare – commonly known as ox-eye daisy. This hardy perennial produces profuse white or yellow daisies that are commonly seen in fields throughout the British Isles. It is an essential part of meadows and fields due to the important role it plays in supporting the lifecycle of pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies.
Ox-eye daisy grows best in well-drained soils and full sun, but it’s also quite hardy, making it a great choice for gardens where other flowers struggle to thrive. It prefers to be sown directly in the soil, rather than started as a seedling, and will usually bloom during spring and summer months.
The blooms usually last for a few days, then the daisy will close its petals and wait until the following day before re-opening again. This hardy flower is also sometimes known as the ‘May flower’, because it blooms at around the same time each year.
A single ox-eye daisy plant can grow to around 60-90 cm in height and it produces multiple flowers that range in diameter between 4-7 cm. Being a low-maintenance flower, ox-eye daisies are a great choice for those who don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to gardening. As well as being beautiful, ox-eye daisies have some incredible medicinal qualities.
Different parts of the flowers can be used for a variety of medicinal treatments, with their most famous use being in type of eye ointment that used to be rubbed on the eyelids to treat conjunctivitis. This remedy used to be quite common a few centuries ago and it’s nice to know that something as beautiful as an ox-eye daisy was used to help treat a common malady.
Final Touch
Leucanthemum vulgare, commonly known as the oxeye daisy, is an herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It is an important source of nectar for bees and other pollinators, and its bright yellow flowers are a popular choice for gardens.
The plant is easy to grow and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners. It is also highly resistant to disease, making it a reliable and low-maintenance addition to the garden.
FAQ
What is the scientific name of Leucanthemum vulgare?
The scientific name of Leucanthemum vulgare is Chrysanthemum leucanthemum.
What are the common names of Leucanthemum vulgare?
The common names of Leucanthemum vulgare are oxeye daisy, marguerite, moon daisy, and field daisy.
Where is Leucanthemum vulgare native to?
Leucanthemum vulgare is native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
What are the characteristics of Leucanthemum vulgare?
Leucanthemum vulgare, commonly known as the ox-eye daisy, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is a herbaceous perennial that typically grows to a height of 30–90 cm (12–35 in). Its leaves are lanceolate, with a toothed margin, and its flowers are white, with yellow centers. It is native to Europe and Asia, but has been introduced to North America and other parts of the world. It is a popular garden plant, and is often used in meadows and naturalized areas.
How is Leucanthemum vulgare used in gardening?
Leucanthemum vulgare, commonly known as the oxeye daisy, is often used in gardening as an ornamental flower. It is also a popular choice for borders and rock gardens, as it is a low-maintenance perennial that is easy to grow.
What are the potential health benefits of Leucanthemum vulgare?
The potential health benefits of Leucanthemum vulgare include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It has also been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as to reduce fever and to boost the immune system.
