Leucanthemum vulgare aka Ox Eye Daisy

Taxonomy

Leucanthemum vulgare, also known as the ox-eye daisy, dog daisy, or marguerite, is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia, but has been introduced to North America, Australia, and New Zealand. This pretty perennial flower has a central yellow eye surrounded by 20 to 30 white petals and can quickly invade areas of the landscape, making it necessary for some oxeye daisy control measures. However, it can also be useful as a ground cover or planted in perennial beds and borders. The herbaceous perennial plant comes back year after year from the roots and produces white and yellow flowers that bloom all summer. The stems can grow up to 1 meter tall, are smooth and frequently grooved, and sometimes branch near the top. The leaves progressively decrease in size upward on the stem and are lance-shaped with toothed margins, with the basal and lower leaves having petioles that may be as long as the leaves. The upper leaves are alternately arranged, narrow, and often clasp the stem with wavy margins. To control oxeye daisy, it is important to pull up or cut down the plant before it flowers and produces seeds. The plants have shallow root systems and are easy to pull, while mowing lawns that are infested with the plant regularly can prevent flowering. If herbicides are used, it is best to apply them after mowing as the leaves will have a broader surface area to absorb the chemical. Overall, Leucanthemum vulgare is a lovely, low-growing plant that can add beauty to gardens and landscapes, but it requires proper maintenance to prevent it from becoming invasive.

Common names

Ox Eye Daisy, Field Daisy, Margriet

How to care for Ox Eye Daisy

Difficulty

Caring for Ox Eye Daisy is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Ox Eye Daisy should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Ox Eye Daisy loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Ox Eye Daisy requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Field Daisy is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ox Eye Daisy is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Ox Eye Daisy should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Ox Eye Daisy as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Ox Eye Daisy’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Lapland south and east to the Mediterranean and Siberia.


More info:
Wikipedia